A/C Compressor Clutch Check

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Acura TL, 2010 Acura TL, and 2009 Acura TL. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Check the pressure plate for discoloration, peeling, or other damage If there is damage, replace the clutch set (see A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH OVERHAUL )
Check the pulley bearing play and drag by rotating the pulley by hand Also check for grease leakage from the bearing Replace the clutch set with a new one if it is noisy, has excessive play/drag, or has bearing grease contamination on the clutch faces (see A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH OVERHAUL )
NOTE: The pulley and the pressure plate were mated at the factory by a burnishing operation Always replace the pulley and the pressure plate as a set Replacing only one part of the clutch set will cause clutch slippage

Fig 1: Checking Pulley Bearing Play
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Measure the clearance between the rotor pulley (A) and the pressure plate (B) all the way around If the clearance is not within specified limits, remove the pressure plate (see A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH OVERHAUL ) and add or remove shims as needed to increase or decrease clearance
Clearance 0.35-0.60 mm (0.014-0.024 in)

NOTE: The shims are available in three thicknesses 0 1 mm, 0 3 mm, and 0 5 mm

Fig 2: Measuring Clearance Between Rotor Pulley And Pressure Plate
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Remove the pressure plate (see A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH OVERHAUL ), and inspect the pressure plate and pulley friction surface for wear If there is excessive wear, roughness, or scoring, replace the clutch set
Inspect the friction surfaces and the A/C compressor shaft hub for excess oil If excess oil is present, and it is not from the engine or power steering system, then the A/C compressor shaft seal is leaking In that case, replace the A/C compressor (see A/C COMPRESSOR REPLACEMENT )
Check the resistance of the field coil If resistance is not within specifications, replace the field coil (see A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH OVERHAUL )
Field Coil Resistance 3.9-4.3 Ω at 68 °F (20 °C)

Fig 3: Checking Field Coil Resistance
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.