12.7 AC Compressor Clutch

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by GliderKitTrucker, Jan 5, 2021.

  1. GliderKitTrucker

    GliderKitTrucker Light Load Member

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    I have a 12.7 Detroit In a western star glider, York style compressor. When the clutch engages it makes a grinding sound, The pulley and clutch will spin. When it is disengaged neither one will spin. I’m guessing it’s the bearings in the clutch have gone out. I’m at a truckstop in Calhoun GA. My first question is can I replace just the clutch without having to recharge the system? And two I’m 27 miles from a freightliner dealer, could I drive it that 27 miles without shredding the serpentine belt?
     
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  3. Slowpoke KW

    Slowpoke KW Road Train Member

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    Yes there’s no reason to open the system just to change the clutch.
    As for the belt maybe maybe not if it did survive it would need to be replaced.
    The clutch is a common part and not unique to Freightliner so you can get one anywhere that sells truck parts
     
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  4. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    The pulley should always be spinning when the engine's running.
     
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  5. GliderKitTrucker

    GliderKitTrucker Light Load Member

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    What’s the process for taking it off? How do you keep the clutch from turning while loosening the bolt in the center?
     
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  6. BoxCarKidd

    BoxCarKidd Road Train Member

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    If you can shoot some pics that might help.
    Can you get the belt off the pulleys and check what pulley-s are a problem?
    I am rereading and the type is not in order but: Noise when what clutch engages? Fan or A/C? If it is the A/C just unplug the wire from the clutch and rock on.
    What all does that belt drive?
     
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  7. GliderKitTrucker

    GliderKitTrucker Light Load Member

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    It drives the AC compressor and alternator. I’m about 20 miles from a freightliner dealer. I was gonna just pop that belt off and get it there in the morning and just get a new clutch and replace it. I’ll try and get some pics shortly, but essentially there is a metal plate that bolts onto the compressor with 4 1/4 inch bolts and the pulley/ clutch assembly is bolted onto that plate. There’s 1 bolt that runs through the center
     
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  8. GliderKitTrucker

    GliderKitTrucker Light Load Member

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    I think I uploaded them
     

    Attached Files:

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  9. BoxCarKidd

    BoxCarKidd Road Train Member

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    No pics needed with that discription.. Glider leaves it wide open. Unplug the wire from the clutch and see how it works. If it is OK go make the money bucks and get it fixed at home.
    If not a shorter belt can be put on between the accessory drive and the alt. Rock on and have A/C fixed on your schedule.
    Yes a new compressor can be put on and not charged if needed. Do not hook the hoses up and leave the caps on it.
     
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  10. GliderKitTrucker

    GliderKitTrucker Light Load Member

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    10-4, how does that clutch come off? I tried loosening the bolt down the center but the whole clutch hub turns with it?
     
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  11. Bean Jr.

    Bean Jr. Road Train Member

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    Put power to the switched wire. It may lockup the clutch. It might not if you're having problems with it though.
     
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