[Blackbox]

So we have a 2005 Frontier and a 2006 Pathfinder, the Pathfinder started making a sound that made me think the timing chain tensioners needed to replaced. Upon doing some research, I found a video that pointed out the A/C clutch bearing and showed it's replacement (On another vehicle type). I picked up a mechanics stethoscope and have determined that in fact this noise is coming from the compressor. The Frontier started the same noise last night.

Now I have searched here and found no posts about replacing the bearing/ clutch or mentioning this issue. Although I can find parts for other vehicles online, nothing for the Nissans we own. Does anyone have info or leads for the a/c clutch replacement? Maybe I am searching incorrectly?

Hope this did not post twice

 

[Storm Gray Fronty]

I have to wonder if the clutch in our ac compressors is separate enough to be rebuildable/replaceable by itself. It may only come as a integrated piece of the whole compressor unit. If that is the case, you will likely have to replace the whole ac compressor. I am sure someone here has a greater depth of knowledge concerning this issue and can weigh in.

 

[Cusser]

If the noise/vibration is there with the AC switched OFF, then maybe it's just an AC clutch bearing. If quiet when off and noise/vibration is there when switched on, then not the clutch bearing, but could be an idler bearing as more load once AC is switched on. It may be of help to remove the belt and spin all the stuff by hand, even put a wrench on the end of the compressor and see how readily it turns; this is tons safer if the engine is OFF !!!

On most vehicles there is not enough space to pull the AC clutch off while the compressor remains installed, so the refrigerant is recovered and then compressor gets removed. Since the cost of an entire AC clutch is almost as much $$$ as a complete compressor & clutch, almost always the entire compressor is replaced.

That said: once AC clutch is removed, typically straightforward to just replace the AC clutch bearing.

I've done this on a different truck while compressor was in place, a 1988 Mazda B2200 truck, some of the photo links are missing see Sanden 708 on-truck AC clutch or clutch bearing replacement

I've bought my AC parts from ACkits.com here in Phoenix, and they also have an Internet Forum for questions.

 

[Blackbox]

I found a replacement bearing for the a/c clutch at Auto Zone and replaced it. Also replaced the idler pulley. Currently reinstalling everything and will test when truck is operable. Thanks for the comments and leads. I'll re-post when done. Doing complete hose replacements on Pathfinder and Frontier along with new radiators and elimination of the bypass.

 

[Willy88]

Any update on your install? Eager to read about it, as I may be in the same situation.

 

[Blackbox]

Changing the A/C clutch bearing made no difference. I will have to replace the compressor. Sorry for the delay, I did a complete change of hoses, radiators and fluids during the hottest week this year. Flat worn out.

 

[Blackbox]

I was able to remove the bearing from the clutch pulley very easily with a press. put some loctite on the new bearing and pressed it back in. reinstalled the clutch and pulley. was very easy actually.