Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum

... By replacing the compressor assembly, you will eliminate the clutch-gap question as well because it will come with a new, properly gapped clutch already installed.

You should be aware that compressor manufacturers typically require that the condenser be replaced at the same time, along with ...

... to where the compressor won't engage anymore. Either that, or the clutch gap is too wide.

The way I see it, given this truck's age, you have three options before getting into a much bigger and more expensive system overhaul:

One, try to locate the leak(s) via a "sniffer" and partial charge ...

The low side gauge indicates to me at least that you are somewhat low on refrigerant.

While you are at it measure the clutch gap, it s/b no more than .020

... I'm not an AC professional.

I'd like you to measure if the AC clutch is still getting 12 volts positive after the AC clutch disengages. This ... I fixed that (still fixed today) by removing a shim to decrease the air gap; I didn't even need to remove the AC belt to do this, took less than half ...

... One for Manual A/C (scroll compressor, fixed displacement, with a clutch), and another for Automatic Temperature Control (piston compressor, direct drive, no clutch, variable displacement, with an electronic control valve).

You said you checked the clutch gap, so might it have Manual A/C (no ...

... from the factory with either a fixed-displacement compressor (with a clutch), or a direct-drive variable-displacement compressor (without a clutch ... is (if your car has a fixed-displacement compressor), either the clutch gap widens, or the clutch coil starts to fail. In either case, the compressor ...

... need replacing. This is not what I had read and was wondering if the clutch might have been just on the verge of slipping.

I took off the front ... felt uniform - no weird sounds or roughness. I checked the clutch air gap. It was about 0.65mm or 25 thou. I couldn't find the exact specs for this ...

... a 2004 Frontier with that same engine. I also once had to remove an AC clutch shim to lessen the air gap on my 1998.

1. Check tension of the AC belt

2. Is there such noise when the engine is running and the AC switched OFF?????????

3. I'd pull off the AC belt, and with engine off spin the pulley ...

... good, the only problem I had experienced with it was related with the clutch gap a couple years ago, but that was very easy to fix.

But now, when I turn on the AC the car starts making a horrible, really loud sound, and I mean really loud, so TURN DOWN THE VOLUME TO WATCH THE VIDEO.

Don't pay ...

... and in most cases is all that is needed.
You should also check the clutch gap, searching here will reveal how to do that. It should be set to .020.


I'm just jumpering to test. I know it has a charge and is not dropping dangerously low.

I don't have a cabin air filter. I have good air flow to ...