I have a '92 Corolla and the A/C clutch has stopped engaging. I turn on the A/C and the engine revs up, telling me that the refrigerant is intact, but nothing from the clutch. I jumped directly from the battery to the clutch with no results. My question is how can I determine if the compressor went bad and took the clutch with it, or can I just replace the clutch? It has R12 freon and I'd really rather not mess with the compressor if I don't have to!

Thanks for any input!

If you've applied power directly to the compressor clutch but the clutch didn't click on, the compressor coil is bad and you should replace the coil, clutch and hub all together. These items are serviced separately from the compressor and visa versa. (Held with one small bolt and a couple of different type snap-rings - don't lose the shims behind the clutch plate - you may need them with the new clutch plate)

As you've described, the engine RPM's coming up to accept the additional load tells me that all the related systems on the vehicle are functioning.

You won't know if the compressor is bad until you can insure the clutch is working properly. But rarely do both of these fail at the same time.

Good luck!

Thanks so much, CaptainRich - That's what I was thinking as well, but it's great to get some confirmation -

Are there any tips and tricks to replacing the coil, clutch and hub? I can get the specialty tools from Autozone and can track down the parts. Any life experience would be helpful before I tear into it!

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Originally Posted by fripco

Are there any tips and tricks to replacing the coil, clutch and hub? I can get the specialty tools from Autozone and can track down the parts. Any life experience would be helpful before I tear into it!

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No "special" tools. Release belt tension and remove the drive belt.
There is a 10mm machine bolt in the nose that holds the plate. Don't lose the shims behind the plate.
Next, a snap-ring holds the hub and bearing (this is the part were the belt rides). Clean the area around were this ring rides, so the hub can be drawn off smoothly.
Then another snap-ring. This holds the clutch coil to the compressor. Take note of the alignment pin. Disconnect the harness and remove the coil.
Make sure the nose of the comp is clean.
Put the coil on first, aligning the pin. Make sure the snap-ring goes securely into the groove.
The new parts should slip on smoothly. If not, match them up to the old stuff. If they match, clean the comp nose.
Next, install the hub and bearing assembly smoothly onto the compressor nose. If the nose area is clean and free of burrs, this will slip on easily. Again, make sure the snap-ring goes into the groove. At this point, look downward and see if the pulleys align by eye.
Place the 10mm machine bolt through the plate an put the shims onto the inside of that bolt and install the plate. This step is easier if you can face the comp nose downward.
Secure the harness with the screw and plug it in securely. Reinstall the belt and adjust.
You're done. Cold beverage. I hope this helps.

Thank you, Sir. Very helpful information. I'll keep you posted!

It worked like a charm! I went to the local pick-a-part yard and found a Corolla like mine. I "picked" the clutch assembly, went home and installed it just like you said. The only thing that gave me some trouble was installing the split rings, but a quick trip to Autozone and the purchase of a set of split ring pliers solved that problem. So, I'm cool, man!

Thanks again for the great help on this forum - I really appreciate it!

Alan.

Very happy to been of assistance... but I had the easy part. You did all the real work! :D

Is the a/c clutch adjustable on a 92 Toyota Celica or do you just treplace it when it starts slipping?