Discovery 2 AC compressor clutch meltdown.

[DiscoDogo]

So today while driving to a favorite off-road spot i started to smell some burning plastic, rubber etc. I figured it was some other car. It wasn't until I was pulled over getting gas that I still smelled it and found molten plastic coming from behind the AC pulley. My buddy said it seems like the Clutch got stuck and burned out. Now I can only guess that after the clutch melted it fused the pulley to the ac compressor so the belt was rubbing on the pulley. I didn't want to ruin my belt so i towed my car home.

I'm wondering if i'm going to need to buy a new compressor or if i can just buy the AC Compressor clutch bearing and that will fix it. What are you thoughts?

New compressor from roverparts is 399.00. I have found some for new as low at 200. I was also thinking of taking it to get rebuilt. If its just the clutch can i swap that myself without having to disconnect the Freon lines?

So sad

Sitting on the side of the trail. Abandoned so we could still have some off-road fun in my buddy's car.

What i missed out on this time.

 

[proper4wd]

The clutch assy is a serviceable part, you will just have to find one. It will also require a puller to get it off, if i remember correctly.

The clutch may have failed because the compressor seized, though.

I would replace the whole compressor assy including clutch with a good used part. www.car-part.com

Used compressors from $40, most of the places on there will ship UPS and provide at least a 30 day warranty on the part.

This is the second time recently I have pointed someone towards car-part.com it is a great resource!

 

[SteveMfr]

I'm a huge fan of used parts, but in this case I'd prob go with a new unit from a pattern parts supplier. The prob is that you'll need to have the refrigerant discharged before you replace the compressor and recharged afterwards. No idea what that costs in the US these days, but here in Europe you are looking at around €80-120 easy. If you get a bum used compressor that will come very close to eating any savings you might have made.

IIRC, the compressor is a standard Nippondenso unit used by many manufacturers. The prob is that most manufacturers have Nippondenso make a proprietary housing - so you can only use a LR unit. Sometimes you can get away with swapping the AC line attachment plate or similar, but if not, the LR unit can be found at good prices new over here - can't imagine that you can't find one for similar in the US.

EDIT: nevermind - must learn to read more carefully... Go with a $200 compressor.

 

[pugslyyy]

The clutch assy is a serviceable part, you will just have to find one. It will also require a puller to get it off, if i remember correctly.

The clutch may have failed because the compressor seized, though.

I would replace the whole compressor assy including clutch with a good used part. www.car-part.com

Used compressors from $40, most of the places on there will ship UPS and provide at least a 30 day warranty on the part.

This is the second time recently I have pointed someone towards car-part.com it is a great resource!

That makes a lot of sense. Usually if an AC clutch is going to fail on its own it stays free and won't lock.


I would think long/hard before putting on a used compressor.

Good luck!

 

[DiscoDogo]

UPDATE!!
Took the AC compressor pully off and found this under!

Looks like I'm missing a few ball bearings + destroyed the clutch.

But the splined rod spun freely so I think the compressor is OK. I ordered a rebuilt kit and should have it in a couple days. Cross your fingers this fixes it.

Land Rover DISCOVERY AC Compressor Clutch REPAIR KIT 2004 2005 A/C

 

[psykokid]

You manage to get it sorted out Seth?