A/C Clutch & Compressor Failure

Hello all,

Sparks are flying off the compressor on startup with A/C engaged. The clutch is locking up and abrading with the serpentine belt. I am hearing and reading on this subject and getting mixed responses from local shops, tundratalk.com, etc.

My question is: Should I replace the Evaporator Core, Expansion Valve, and Condenser? Or am I okay getting away with evac/recharge the system and replace the Compressor and Serpentine Belt?

Insightful suggestions and input would be appreciated fellas -

 

Evaporator Core, Expansion Valve, and Condenser

These parts are minimal in comparison and should be done w/the compressor; evacuate the system, replace the compressor, core, expansion valve and condenser at the same time and charge w/new freon.. It's the correct way to do the job and the reason why most shops won't provide warranty unless those other parts are done w/the compressor.

 

Thank you sir,
I appreciate your help and will proceed with the job as you state it to be done. Wish this job wasn’t so cumbersome… Bank might call me up after I pay the shop bill

 

Yeah the starter, A/C compressor and alternator on these rigs are a bit more than a 'standard' job and get a little pricey if you're paying someone else labor or at least spending a full day of your own time to do it yourself; at least they don't come due for quite some time on our trucks.

I did the compressor job on my '08 about 2 years ago and well over 200k miles on the clock; starter was the year before that, and the alternator finally went last year... those parts don't last forever, but much longer than most other brands. I just wish they were easier to get to and swap out, but all the more reason to not cut a corner or two and then have to go back into it a few months later.

PS>>> the bank might come callin'; but at least you'll be answering the call w/cold AC blowing in your face

 

May be able to get away with just the clutch system, but you're pulling the whole unit out. I would second what @Tripleconpanna stated. Best advise I ever got, probably on here was swipe once, cry once.

 

I had to do this a year ago. It isn't as bad job to DIY. You have to replace everything though, as little bits of metal go everywhere when the A/C compressor grenades. I bought Denso from Rock Auto and even replaced my radiator while I was in there. Parts were about $800 and then an evac and flush of the cooling system along with recharge was another $150 If I remember right.

 

“Swipe Once, Cry Once” I love it! I’m going to take @Tripleconpanna advice and just replace the whole thing and pray it doesn’t happen again!