Hello all,

The front clutch plate on the AC compressor of my 1987 300D has come loose and is rattling around. When the car is idling, the clutch looks like it's dangerously close to hitting the high-pressure refrigerant line. How do I remove the clutch with the compressor in the car? This car has R12 and I'd rather not discharge the entire system to remove the compressor, just to replace the clutch. I've removed the center 12mm bolt, but can't get the clutch itself free from the compressor. After the bolt is removed, can the clutch be pried off? Thanks in advance for any help.

It might cost you less to have someone do this for you... someone with the proper tools....if you mess up the mating surface big expense follows...
the clearances , for long life, are very small... and you don't want to ' pry' it off.... at the very least it needs to be pulled off with a puller.... AC tools are very specialized....

Hey,
If you try to pry it you'll be replacing the whole compressor cause your gonna break the shaft.
I would go to Autozone and see if they can rent you a clutch remover tool for free.
If that doesn't work they try the usual tool places for clutch pullers.

Danny

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1984 300SD Turbo Diesel 150,000 miles

OBK member #23

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Autozone has the clutch plate tool. It's just a simple puller. You give them a deposit, they give it back if you decide to return the tool...

I don't think you can use the tool with the compressor installed in the car unless you pull the radiator. There just isn't enough clearance.

Here's a link to an article on rebuilding a nippondenso compressor. It covers all the steps you'll need, and more. This is for a Porsche, but it's the same compressor: http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/911_Nippondenso_rebuild/911_Nippondenso_rebuild.htm

- JimY

Funny, mine just pulled off by hand when the bolt was out. Had to use an impact wrench on one as the rubber was fried and it was impossible to hold the center part to get the bolt loose.

If the clutch is actually sticking out, something is broken, it should be very close to the pulley and is bolted down.

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!