Anyone ever do this? Did you have to bleed the system and remove the whole compressor to do the job? Mine squeeks when the A/C is off because it is dragging but operates normally with the A/C on and it blows ice! A new unit is like $300 and just the clutch is $100 so if I can tackle this with just a clutch I will be doing good. Thanks for any help!

I had the (exact) same problem last year. My mechanic fixed it w/no problem. The clutch plate has to be replaced. He told me it engages by a magnetic field, and after a while the plate begins to wear, which starts the rubbing, grinding noise. It was a pain to hear, but it now works great.

The system doesn't have to be bled or drained. You will have to access the compressor by taking the front wheelwell/airdam cover off to access the compressor. There is a large center bolt in the middle that requires a special tool to remove the clutch. I am not sure of the part since I did not do the repair myself.

Its definitely a serviceable task w/o replacing the compressor. Good luck.

u need an A/C pulley puller, should be able to aquire this tool at most auto parts stores. not sure as to the cost. it's basically a very small version of a harmonic balancer puller.

Hey Jesse,

thanks for this post, I have the same grinding noise with the ac and a squeak as well. I thought the entire compressor had to be changed which sux cause my A/C is ice cold as well.

Gonna have the clutch and pulley/bearing replaced and hopefully it will be good.