Hi, I have a 2001 Toyota Echo, driving back from vacation in NH the car developed a clattering noise, I could not find the source of the noise so I took it too our local Toyota dealership & was told it was the a/c clutch assembly. Can you tell me if this is a part I can change myself ? if so your help would be greatly appreciated. I live in Kitchener Ontario Canada.
best regards
Mike

TxGreaseMonkey

kitch428 is our Toyota specialist and he can tell you exactly what's involved. Often, you need to compare the time and material costs associated with repairing the old compressor versus installing a new compressor/clutch assembly. Most compressors are ready to be replaced around 100,000 miles.

Several months ago, the rotor pulley bearing on my 2000 Ford Taurus needed replacing (103,000 miles). The effort involved was about the same as installing a new compressor. Therefore, I went ahead and installed a new compressor/clutch assembly and accumulator ($300). Now, I should be ready for another 100,000 miles or so. For perspective, here's what was involved:

http://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-tr...ml#post1722090

If you decide to install a new compressor/clutch assembly, or evaluate your current system, this writeup may help:

http://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-tr...ml#post1864159