A/C Compressor Clutch Check

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 rotor pulley bearing play and drag by rotating the rotor 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 (see A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH OVERHAUL ), or has bearing grease contamination on the clutch faces.
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 Rotor Pulley Bearing Play
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Measure the clearance between the pulley (A) and the pressure plate (B) with a dial indicator. Zero out the indicator, then apply battery voltage to the A/C compressor clutch. Measure the movement of the pressure plate when the voltage is applied. If the clearance is not within the specified limits, the pressure plate must be reshimmed (see A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH OVERHAUL ).
Clearance: 0.35-0.6 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 Pulley And Pressure Plate With Dial Indicator
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Check 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 Resistance Of Field Coil
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 surfaces 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. Replace the A/C compressor (see A/C COMPRESSOR REPLACEMENT ).