'97 SSEI A/C CLUTCH IS SQUEALING
 

'97 SSEI A/C CLUTCH IS SQUEALING. Has anyone ever changed out one? Advance auto sells the bearing for around $25.00-$45.00. or do I change out clutch?
Background: When a/c is off compressor is very loud, and when a/c is on noise goes away.
Gator

I had that exact problem too. I got the clutch plates re-gapped and it solved the problem.

Clutch plates re-gapped? Please explain
Gator

just like any clutch, when not engaged there is a gap between the 2 plates. Well occasionally that gap gets smaller/non existant to the point where the plates rub against each other and make that awful squeeling sound that you are probably hearing.

Instead of replacing the clutch, I had the plates re-gapped. Personally, I would have looked into how much it would be replace the whole clutch assembly but the car was my parents at the time...and they are cheap.

Nothing wrong with being cheap!
I've never heard of anything even remotely close to re-gapping the clutch. Were can I get more info?

i got mine done at a local garage, not a big joint. But I knew the owner and never heard anything bad about him. I went in and talked to him about it.

I guess you should do the same.

I have the exact problem... although my ac doesn't work... which I'm not sure if the problem is in the climate control module, becuas eit blinks like there is a problem. but how much did you pay for the re-gapping.

I found a link on google on how to do it
click on link

http://www.klimesgroup.com/lshoc/lshoc/acclutch.htm

it was my parents car at the time...I let them take care of the bill :lol:

haha lucky you... =p
i've got a list of things to do, so i'm trying to keep it cheap, specially being that my tax refund was only $262 =(

Mine started squealing..I figured it had the cookie.. Mechanic said..let's swap the compressor and make it easier...

Since I didn't pay for anything cept the part...I was ok with that :D

haha, how much did you pay for the part, bill?

I dunno.. Advance's price less my discount..

Your clutch plate air gap is controlled by a press fit and can be adjusted on the car with a special tool. Sounds like all you need to do is increase your air gap a little.
I have heard AutoZone rents or loans this tool out.

This is what the tool looks like.
http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/kdt3340.html

Thanks for the info and pic, Ron. That tool is $37, wow! Good to know that it can be had at AutoZone.

the downside of that tool is that I am pretty sure there is not enough space to get the tool onto the clutch w/o unbolting the whole compressor.

Hence the reason mine came out. Mechanic Dan said it was almost the same amount of work.

Then it all comes down to having the time to mess with it all vs. paying the money for a new/reman compressor. A personal decision, I guess.

My Regal only has 3-1/4 inches from the face of the AC clutch to the frame and this tool will go on. All you need is one of these tools and two open end wrenches that fit
Then thread the tool on and turn the outside bolt while holding the inside nut till you have .040 air gap.

Can I pull the A/C Clutch without pulling the belt. I mean could I drive the car with the clutch pulled?

You mean without the A/C clutch pulley? I don't think so, unless you go to the trouble of figuring out which new sized belt you are going to use, buy that and swap for a much shorter belt temporarily. That is, if the pulley sequence will still work for you...

Princess auto sells something called a SAE CLUTCH ALIGNING TOOL (fits most popular pilot bearing sizes) $9.99 .Is this the same tool to adjust gap .Mine was squeeling but has stopped this past week.

Anyone know about this tool in post above

I think you are confusing transmission clutch with AC compressor clutch.
You are looking for something like this.

http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/kdt3340.html

or this http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/rob41067.html

Google these two parts and see if you can find them in Canada.

ahh i had mine do that and i replaced the A/C belt...never heard another sound...might just be a simple fix...