The AC Compressor clutch appears to have failed on my 1999 Chevy Blazer. The instructions in my GM Workshop Manual are explicit but rely on the use of special tools. Has anyone experience of changing the clutch with the compressor still mounted on the engine using normal workshop tools?

Thanks in advance and greeting from very sunny Normandy.

BooTs

 

It can be done without the dealership's special tools, but it isn't going to be as easy and you will require some different style pullers than usual. In the US, the tools can often be rented. You may have to build ones yourself.

 

Thanks for the info, but can the repair be done with the compressor still attached to the engine without having to disconnect the pipes? AC servicing is mega expensive here.

 

You can do it while the compressor is still on the engine - you don't have to disconnect any refrigerant lines. Depending on the size of the puller that you use you might need to unbolt the fan shroud & move it out of the way slightly. Any good auto airconditioning specialist should have e suitable puller, they may even lend or rent it to you? The Delphi compressor fitted to the Blazer is very similar to the ones used on many European GM vehicles.

 

Why not just remove the compressor from the engine and support it up higher... The lines can stay connected.

 

How can you make the tools and what kind of pullers are required? I tried to rent the proper tools, but nobody had them in stock (tried a similar set, but it was damaging the threads so I had to discontinue that idea). There's almost no clearance to get a claw puller on the thing, either.

Weather's gonna start getting really hot and humid here, soon, so I'd really appreciate some help with this issue. (I'm very close to taking it to a stealership.)