'97 Lumina AC compressor clutch

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[xz5cgb]

How difficult is it to change a '97 Lumina 3.1 compressor clutch?  Do I have to break the lines?  I know I need a special tool (probably borrow it from O'Reilly's).  Is the job minutes or hours?
Post Merge: January 12, 2012, 01:23:18 PM

[Chris]

I wouldn't say minutes, since it's not in the best location, You might be able to swap it without removing the lines, but it really depends on the dimensions of the tool you're using.

[xz5cgb]

Just an update for those who follow on my '97 Lumina 3.1 compressor clutch replacement....  Aside from my ignorance on how a clutch puller works, the job was easier than expected.  After removing the oil drip trough under the filter, the compressor "slipped" out between the block & frame without breaking the refrig. lines (nice).  The compressor was able to be turned such the the clutch was facing fwd and I could work on it sitting on the ground in front of the facia - not too bad on the back.  Now the part where my ignorance (& pride) hurt.  I did not realize the clutch puller (rented from O'Riely's) threaded into the center nut shaft as the hole was filled with dirt - I did not see the threads.  So I tried to remove the clutch with a puller which grabs the OD of the pulley.  Bad idea.  I used the clutch retention nut as a bearing for the strap puller as it kept slipping off the end of the shaft.  Eventually, the nut was stripped as we used a BFH to "break" the clutch free.  Ugly - I know.  I later learned that there is a substantial spring clip holding the pulley to the shaft - there was no way I was going to get it off with my strap pulley puller.  I soon figured out the O'Riely's puller was exactly the right tool for the job, after which I completed the clutch replacement and reinstalled the compressor in 30 min.  Installing the new coil and pulley was somewhat tedious as the O'Riely's installer was no help here.  I had to gently tap them (a press would have been ideal, except the compressor was barely out from under the front end) with a punch & hammer until completely seated.  I hope I did not damage the electrics....  One final note - do not strip the clutch retention nut as it is a 9x1.25 thread (yes - nine).  The dealer wanted $10 and 2 days.  I ended up getting one off a salvage vehicle and the guy laughed at me.  Good luck.