A/C Question

[gulledge]

I just lost my A/C today in my 2001 Civic (291,000 miles). Just when I thought the car was getting broken in!! Over the past week I noticed that as the A/C compressor cycles, there was a louder more ditinct sound, one as if a bearing was failing. Finally today in one loud "on cycle", the airconditioner quit blowing cold air. My question is:
How can I tell if the compressor needs replacing or if it is only a clutch problem. I just looked at http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com and a compressor is expensive. Also, is this job beyond the average guy being are to replace the A/C compressor or clutch. I understand the issues with freon and the laws involved. That would involve a mechanic. What steps would you take to keep the costs down, yet still get the job done right. I have a the actual factory service manual, by Helms.

Thanks

 

[psudaytona]

The only part of the job you CANT do LEGALLY is collect the R134a. You need a machine to do that. Once its evac-ed you can replace the parts yourself if you got regular tools.

Recharging you may want to leave a shop guy do because R134a is kinda sensitive to correct pressures and you need a good gauge set(around 100.00). A Compressor is EASY to remove. With an empty system its a couple bolts holding it in and disconnect the tubes. Its out.

However, if the compressor failed badly it may have sent pieces throughout the system.

As for testing the compressor, I can only speak for the FS10 compressor Fords have. If the compressor is siezed internally, the pulley will still turn when the AC is off and will bog down or stop altogether when the AC is activated. This means the compressor is shot.

If the clutch hub assembly went bad(bearing went) the compressor pulley will not spin when the AC is OFF. The bearing is only used when the compressor clutch in not engaged.

Can you turn it by hand when the engine is off and belt off the pulley?