On a 96 SE

Is there a way to tighten the clutch so it does not make that tinny rattly noise?
Does that make sense?

Anyways if there is away for us to do it let me know.

Thanks...Todd

EDIT
Fix down below
http://www.autoacforum.com/messagevi...threadid=15161

With your location(WI) your a/c clutch shouldn't be running so I would guess that your bearings in the pulley are shot. You might want to think about replacing that soon before it seizes and leaves you stranded and damages some other items.

I thought the whole reason why the a/c has a clutch was to disengage the a/c when it is off or to cold out.?

If I have the car in a garage over night and turn on the car then turn on the windshield defrost the a/c will engage for a short while until it gets too cold then it disengages the clutch and is all noisy again.

Anyways I did have a 98 SSEi w/same problem, and left it go until the springtime and brought it to my mechanic and he just tightened the clutch or something like that. Problem fixed.

I just wanted to know if there is a tool that we can rent and or make so I can do this at home.

Thanks...Todd

There is a procedure to "adjust" the clutch but that I do not know how or what is needed. I'm sure someone with knowledge of this will chime in.

The AC clutch plate is pressed on the center compressor shaft and comes with a .020” air gap from the factory. When you turn the AC on the strong electric magnet pulls the clutch plate to the pulley thus turning the pistons in the compressor. So over time this air gap closes and the clutch plate starts to scrape when the AC is off. Sounds like all you need to do is increase your air gap a little (pull the clutch plate away from the pulley).
I have heard AutoZone rents or loans this tool out to adjust the air gap.

This is what the tool looks like and several companies sell similar versions.
http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/kdt3340.html

This link has pictures.
http://www.autoacforum.com/messagevi...threadid=15161

http://www.autoacforum.com/messagevi...threadid=15161


Very helpfull, Thank You

Problem fixed...Todd

Thats cool, I have the same annoying problem on my 96 SE and now I can go fix it.... thanks guys

[quote="toddster"]http://www.autoacforum.com/messageview.cfm?catid=4&threadid=15161

Ok, I've got the same issue. I've looked at the link and I guess I'm still not clear on how the actual adjustment is made.

Is the tool used to pull the clutch assembly out until the air gap is where is should be?
Then what nuts are loosened and tighted in the begining and end of the adjustment?

Yes the tool is used to pull the clutch plate away from the pulley and increase the air gap.

The nut is there just to keep the clutch from flying off in a freak accident. . On some you can even screw the tool into the "big" threaded hole leaving the nut on if you're just going to back it out a little bit. The nut only has to be removed if the clutch tool will not thread on past it or if you are going to remove the clutch.
Chick was nice enough to take those pictures he has an auto HVAC shop in North Bergin, NJ..

Ha, and we all have 96 SE'*... how odd is that?