Question - Can the clutch plate be replaced ONLY? The compressor still works blowing out air, but just not cool air.

Question - Can the clutch plate be replaced ONLY? The compressor still works blowing out air, but just not cool air.

In most cases with the right tools its possible. But you will replace the entire clutch... not a piece of the clutch... you can't buy a component of the clutch... just the assembly.

In most cases with the right tools its possible. But you will replace the entire clutch...not a piece of the clutch...

Ok, so something like a Clutch Plate Assembly kit? Would that avoid purchasing a whole new compressor?

Yes... are you sure the compressor isn't seized? The tools to pull and then press the clutch to the shaft may be more than the cost of a clutch. And you WILL need the special tools for that compressor unit. Buy, rent or borrow... you can't do it without them.

My AC was working perfectly, no noises, no problems until the clutch plate broke off. From there, the AC compressor kicks on, blowing air, but just not cool air. When I took it to Firestone for a tune-up, I had them check my AC and they said the clutch plate broke off and to replace the AC compressor and Drier. If the compressor isn't bad, which I don't think it is, can't I just buy the clutch plate assembly and fix it that way. The quotes given are over 1100.00 to repair.

If the clutch is broke... the compressor isn't spinning. If its not spinning you don't know that its not seized up.

I'm guessing the clutch broke because the compressor seized. Replacing the clutch is beyond your ability level if you have to take it to a shop for everything.

What I would do is take it someplace else and get a second opinion first.

Because if you go in telling them to do just this... and they do just that... and they find the compressor is bad... you don't get your money back, because they will write it up that you was paying them to replace the clutch and nothing more.

And you are back to square one... Likely they don't have those tools... because they aren't the dealer and can't have every possible different tool to replace every possible clutch... and to replace the assembly, after evacuating the system... replacing the parts... then evacuating the system and recharging it... for labor and parts... that sounds fair.

But get a second opinion at another shop to be sure someone else agrees at least. There are enough shadey shops around you don't want to assume anything.

Compressors tend to last, on average, 100,000 miles. If you have 100,000 miles on the vehicle, I would recover the system; install a new compressor, filled with the correct amount of BG Universal Frigi-Quiet, Part No. 7018, compressor oil; install a new receiver/dryer; evacuate the system; and refill with the correct amount of R-134a. The mechanical work you may be able to do yourself. Be sure to use new O-rings, coated with refrigerant oil.