Excellent tip, great video and details. Just did this on my 20011 Jeep Liberty due to a whirring noise, most noticeably with AC turned on (AC always blowing cold air either way). Pulled the plate, with belt in place and didn't even have to remove the coolant tank to access the clutch bolt. Removed shim washer, cleaned up facing and re-installed the plate and problem solved. Thanks much!
Great tip, a real money saver. Thanks for sharing! I have a tip to share in return. An easy way to solve the problem of getting you clutch fan shroud out when it's necessary to service anything in that area is to clearance the shroud on the bottom before removing it. From the underside of the Jeep, use a new utility blade to make a relief cut wide enough to clear the fan clutch about 5-6" wide and maybe 1/2" deep. Then you can slip the shroud past the fan with no danger of damaging your radiator. Makes any servicing in that area much easier. Goes back in just as easy and doesn't affect the cooling. Hope this helps. God bless and stay well.
This is really a quick fix, if you have the tools. the short side air tool is a must or get the proper tool. That nut is on there at 13 ft. pds, so not really tight. reversal is same. getting plate out was the key to this. And not really a permanent fix. the plate coming off has slight wear on one side. Anyway, great vid, nice hero fix. maybe a few more years, before needing a new compressor!
Compressor still going strong! Hope to get a few more miles out of it. 260k is a lot of miles for a Compressor in the deep south getting used most of the year!
My guess, this is pretty much ALL ac clutches??? I am going to check mine. I damaged/killed my condenser with a power washer, (idiot) anyway, clutch turns, not locked up, and will check power and then your trick. Thank you for this video. Bravo!
Thanks.. ima try this on my zj. My compressor has 440k miles on it. It works but only if i smack the clutch a little then it runs normally until i turn the jeep off and back on the next day
This is amazing. I dont have one of those 90 degree impact wrenches (yet) but I could get one that handles 45, 55 or 180 ft lbs of torque. Do you think the 45 would get this done??
I would get one that is capable of more torque if you can budget it. Will come in handy in the future. That being said. I'm not sure if the 45 would do it
@@MajorWeakness Thanks! I think youre right. I will try to reach this bolt with some impact socket swivels... But im finding that I dont have the right types lol, gotta make another trip to the store
Ha, as soon as you spun that ac clutch, my light bulb lit up. AC went out today and after seeing that, I checked. Nothing. Turns out my wire is broken and just needs to be rewired.
My 07 Laredo screams and I mean LOUD when I hit the chill ac button. I’ve tried replacing the whole compressor twice and ended up returning the parts because it didn’t stop. Belt is good and everything. I’m sure it’s an easy fix I just can’t find the problem.
Awesome thanks. When you said in this video that you can hook the compressor up to 12 volts is the vehicle running when you test it? Also I have alligator clips and a spare battery. How do I do this with only one plug in the harness?
@@patriot72 yes you can put 12v to the plug while it is running. Just watch your hand while the motor is spinning! the compressor is grounded to the engine block. Hope this answers your question
My system ended up being completely empty after checking not high n low side ports. Added a 20oz bottle ($60) of 134a and the clutch now spins but doesn't click in n out. Blows kinda cold inside the Jeep now but the ac lines aren't cold.
It’s been a few months, how’s the ac clutch working? I can’t believe that tiny shim kept the clutch from engaging, but does that mean this is only a temporary fix? Thanks for your video
Still works great. I think it was a combination of the shim and cleaning it. The air gap should be less as the compressor wears. It's the original with about 250k miles on it
I found out the actual issue on my 1999 Jeep XJ was the climate control unit, I pulled it out and the wires on the back of the fan adjustment knob, connector were melted, and the copper blades were burnt and loose, I ordered a used climate control unit on ebay ($40), but I had to rummage through a couple of the pull n save part lots to find the replacement connector and wire, not going to lie it was a pain in the *** to re connect and solder the wires back, but the good part is it’s all running again, and I have cold ac again.@@MajorWeakness
On my 98 XJ, the AC clutch keeps spinning when the AC is on doesn’t stop, then on. Clutch doesn’t move when AC is off. Is this normal. *it’s my first jeep
You might just want to clean up the clutch real good and put the shim back . If it still makes noise then possibly bearings going bad and time for a new compressor
Thanks for the great tip. My clutch runs all the time when AC is on, never stops. I just had my heater core/air coil replaced and my ac was no longer as cold as it was running around 65 now. I took it back, they said it needed a new canister in the engine bay, the black can. They did that and now it blows around 80. So it has gotten worse. lines are cold, clutch does run nonstop when AC is on, never stops, blend door motor turns and seems to be working as it switches to hot air when I move the thermostat dial. The recirculate door closes as well on max AC so I am at a loss as to why it is progressively getting worse. Unless the blend door isn't actually closing all the way (which means i have to take the dash off) or my compressor is just in need of replacing. Ideas?
I have a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo with the 5.7 hemi. Bought it last summer and ac quit a week after taking it off the lot. Reads high with the gauge so I know it's got refrigerant in it. Clutch doesn't engage at all with the ac on. Spins freely by hand, not real easy freely but turns by hand with minimal strength. Fuses and relays are good. No noises at all from anything. Any ideas?
Well, that’s pretty awesome. About three years ago in the middle of the desert I replaced my compressor. I wonder if all I had to do was replace that small little part. 🤷♂️
Or just remove that small shim! Didn't even need to remove compressor or open the system. It seems to be working fine for a week of constant use so far
Excellent tip, great video and details. Just did this on my 20011 Jeep Liberty due to a whirring noise, most noticeably with AC turned on (AC always blowing cold air either way). Pulled the plate, with belt in place and didn't even have to remove the coolant tank to access the clutch bolt. Removed shim washer, cleaned up facing and re-installed the plate and problem solved.
Thanks much!
Glad it helped!
Great tip, a real money saver. Thanks for sharing! I have a tip to share in return. An easy way to solve the problem of getting you clutch fan shroud out when it's necessary to service anything in that area is to clearance the shroud on the bottom before removing it. From the underside of the Jeep, use a new utility blade to make a relief cut wide enough to clear the fan clutch about 5-6" wide and maybe 1/2" deep. Then you can slip the shroud past the fan with no danger of damaging your radiator. Makes any servicing in that area much easier. Goes back in just as easy and doesn't affect the cooling. Hope this helps. God bless and stay well.
Thanks for the shroud tip! I'll be doing that for sure!
@@MajorWeaknessmine doesn't move at even when car not moving.
@@MajorWeakness replacing who compressor couldn't find bearing at AutoZone ot O'Reily.
Wow! This really works! Thanks, saved me a lot of time, work & $’s.
Glad it helped!
This is really a quick fix, if you have the tools. the short side air tool is a must or get the proper tool. That nut is on there at 13 ft. pds, so not really tight. reversal is same. getting plate out was the key to this. And not really a permanent fix. the plate coming off has slight wear on one side. Anyway, great vid, nice hero fix. maybe a few more years, before needing a new compressor!
Compressor still going strong! Hope to get a few more miles out of it. 260k is a lot of miles for a Compressor in the deep south getting used most of the year!
Thanks for the information. Just found out. I had some issues with my AC this morning. Going to try this test. Thank you.
Hope it helps!
My guess, this is pretty much ALL ac clutches??? I am going to check mine. I damaged/killed my condenser with a power washer, (idiot) anyway, clutch turns, not locked up, and will check power and then your trick. Thank you for this video. Bravo!
Most ac clutches work in a simular fashion but not sure how easy others are taken apart. Mine still working great!
Well done sir.. This was actually a damn good informative video.. Thanks for sharing this good piece of info
Thank you
Just took over my dads 2000 sport. I'll definitely be giving this a try. Ive got a lot of work to do to get this thing to good again.
Hope it helps ! It resolved my issue for sure !
Thank you, I’m going to try this out this weekend I hope it works👌🏼🙏🏼
Hope so! Mine still working great since this video. Be sure to clean the inside good
Did it work for ya
Great video. I am going to try that on my daughters 2000 xj.
Definitely try before anything else! It's a quick and free trial repair
Thanks.. ima try this on my zj. My compressor has 440k miles on it. It works but only if i smack the clutch a little then it runs normally until i turn the jeep off and back on the next day
This is probably your problem. Mine still works perfect after all these months since I made this video
This is amazing. I dont have one of those 90 degree impact wrenches (yet) but I could get one that handles 45, 55 or 180 ft lbs of torque. Do you think the 45 would get this done??
I would get one that is capable of more torque if you can budget it. Will come in handy in the future. That being said. I'm not sure if the 45 would do it
@@MajorWeakness Thanks! I think youre right. I will try to reach this bolt with some impact socket swivels... But im finding that I dont have the right types lol, gotta make another trip to the store
Thank You for very interesting video, with good explanation.
Glad it helped
Ha, as soon as you spun that ac clutch, my light bulb lit up. AC went out today and after seeing that, I checked. Nothing. Turns out my wire is broken and just needs to be rewired.
Glad it helped!
Will keep that in mind if my A/C start acting up thanks.
I was happy for sure when it worked!
Where can one buy the shim? Size of shim? Thanks
www.autozone.com/cooling-heating-and-climate-control/a-c-clutch-and-components/p/santech-clutch-shim/946213_0_0?cmpid=LIA:US:EN:AD:NL:1000000:ACP:19488533489&&CATARGETID=120054150001289227&CADevice=m&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIoqXjt-qBiAMVTAitBh3YzjDkEAQYAyABEgLsaPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
My 07 Laredo screams and I mean LOUD when I hit the chill ac button. I’ve tried replacing the whole compressor twice and ended up returning the parts because it didn’t stop. Belt is good and everything. I’m sure it’s an easy fix I just can’t find the problem.
Check your idler pully. You can purchase a cheap stethoscope from Harbor Freight to find out where the noise is coming from.
Gonna try this on my old lady’s 03 grand Cherokee
Hope it helps
Any tips on pulling the clutch? I’m using 2 flat head screwdrivers. I keep prying until the screw drivers bend and the clutch still won’t come out
Jeep XJ? What year?
Great video Major! Do you happen to have a video when you did the heater core?
th-cam.com/video/B7I-djhBG-M/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/B7I-djhBG-M/w-d-xo.html
Awesome thanks. When you said in this video that you can hook the compressor up to 12 volts is the vehicle running when you test it? Also I have alligator clips and a spare battery. How do I do this with only one plug in the harness?
@@patriot72 yes you can put 12v to the plug while it is running. Just watch your hand while the motor is spinning! the compressor is grounded to the engine block. Hope this answers your question
My system ended up being completely empty after checking not high n low side ports. Added a 20oz bottle ($60) of 134a and the clutch now spins but doesn't click in n out. Blows kinda cold inside the Jeep now but the ac lines aren't cold.
Orifice tube or condenser could be clogged
I'm trying to understand it right now
It’s been a few months, how’s the ac clutch working? I can’t believe that tiny shim kept the clutch from engaging, but does that mean this is only a temporary fix? Thanks for your video
Still works great. I think it was a combination of the shim and cleaning it. The air gap should be less as the compressor wears. It's the original with about 250k miles on it
@@MajorWeakness I’m going to do this tomorrow, my ac clutch is doing the same thing, take out shim inside it. Thanks again.
@drgil65 curious did it work?
I found out the actual issue on my 1999 Jeep XJ was the climate control unit, I pulled it out and the wires on the back of the fan adjustment knob, connector were melted, and the copper blades were burnt and loose, I ordered a used climate control unit on ebay ($40), but I had to rummage through a couple of the pull n save part lots to find the replacement connector and wire, not going to lie it was a pain in the *** to re connect and solder the wires back, but the good part is it’s all running again, and I have cold ac again.@@MajorWeakness
When putting direct 12v to it, will the clutch engage if the refrigerant system is low?
Yes
But does this fix make the clutch engage permanently?
No, not at all, it makes it cycle as it did when it was brand new.
What if my clutch is making a bunch of noise and is ready to seize up?
Still try you've got nothing to loose
Shim Shim Shir-ee 🎶
On my 98 XJ, the AC clutch keeps spinning when the AC is on doesn’t stop, then on. Clutch doesn’t move when AC is off. Is this normal. *it’s my first jeep
If cooling okay then it's probably fine
@@MajorWeakness sorry I failed to mention, on hotter days, jeep goes up to 230-230ish only when AC is on.
@@kp7100 Does your Electric radiator Fan work?
@@MajorWeakness yes. It’s new and kicks on automatically when ac is on or when it reaches about 215-216
Nice fix Major.The Jeep God's were looking out for you on this one.😁😁👍👍
They sure were!
Is the clutch supposed to wobble like that when it’s going? Mine does the same thing but only when you slow down the video you can see it at 4:49
A small Wobble is ok but very small
Mine does the scratching sound after taking out the shim, should I replace the compressor already ?
You might just want to clean up the clutch real good and put the shim back . If it still makes noise then possibly bearings going bad and time for a new compressor
Thanks for the great tip. My clutch runs all the time when AC is on, never stops. I just had my heater core/air coil replaced and my ac was no longer as cold as it was running around 65 now. I took it back, they said it needed a new canister in the engine bay, the black can. They did that and now it blows around 80. So it has gotten worse. lines are cold, clutch does run nonstop when AC is on, never stops, blend door motor turns and seems to be working as it switches to hot air when I move the thermostat dial. The recirculate door closes as well on max AC so I am at a loss as to why it is progressively getting worse. Unless the blend door isn't actually closing all the way (which means i have to take the dash off) or my compressor is just in need of replacing. Ideas?
Sometimes, if the compressor doesn't cycle it freezes up the evaporator and will not blow hot. I would take it to a different shop
I have a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo with the 5.7 hemi. Bought it last summer and ac quit a week after taking it off the lot. Reads high with the gauge so I know it's got refrigerant in it. Clutch doesn't engage at all with the ac on. Spins freely by hand, not real easy freely but turns by hand with minimal strength. Fuses and relays are good. No noises at all from anything. Any ideas?
Low-pressure switch might be the issue
Well, that’s pretty awesome. About three years ago in the middle of the desert I replaced my compressor. I wonder if all I had to do was replace that small little part. 🤷♂️
Or just remove that small shim! Didn't even need to remove compressor or open the system. It seems to be working fine for a week of constant use so far