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Seized Air Conditioning Compressor


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Screamin Steve
New User

May 19, 2011, 8:23 AM

Post #1 of 3 (4413 views)
Seized Air Conditioning Compressor Sign In

Not that I want to be me own mechanic, presently, have to be if possible. 2000 Dodge Durango. Engine is V8 (I think 5.9L and will clarify) and has 215,000 miles. Nothing I'd rather do than drive that baby another year.

Seems the pulley is frozen, the serpentine belt spins over it which creates a burning rubber smell. The AC compressor gets very hot, sprinkling water instantly evaporates. I've driven it about 50 miles since noticing a grinding noise (which it no longer does), the smell and finding the location. I've done some research into the repair (youtube and Haynes manual) but would like to get insight here.

Taking it to a shop, where they didn't price guage, what would it cost? Could I ask them to put an AC bypass pulley in my situation? (I try to stay cool on my own, with varied success). How much for just a bypass job?

I'd like to do the repair and I'm up for it but wonder what a pro's thoughts are for this specific job and a common man whose up for a challenge doing it. I have a few Q's in this regard but feel it best to hear back on some of the details of the repair, it might answer my questions before I have to ask in my own jargon.

I live in NW NJ near Route 80, if this is a job someone wants to do I'd be very open to explore that avenue. I actually do have a number for a guy who comes to peoples homes in my area and after a bit more research was going to give him a call (I would like to know a fair price first)

Thanks, Steve in NJ


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

May 19, 2011, 8:40 AM

Post #2 of 3 (4401 views)
Re: Seized Air Conditioning Compressor Sign In

A/C repairs are not generally considered DIY type jobs. They require extensive knowledge and understanding of the system to prevent being hurt, prevent more damage to the system and get it diagnosed correctly to prevent another subsequent failure. It also requires some specialty equipment and tools.

A bypass pulley may be an option if they make one for your engine. They are only made for a few applications.



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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

May 19, 2011, 5:21 PM

Post #3 of 3 (4385 views)
Re: Seized Air Conditioning Compressor Sign In

There's a fair chance just a new bearing in clutch of existing mess could be replace and just unplug the compressor/clutch and that would end it. Two things can happen and need to know which. compressor as an assembly is two things. Just an idling pulley when off and when engaged to compress is using compressor itself and clutch as a pulley is turning but its bearing no longer involved.

If just defeating it to hold the belt with no problem, check to see if a belt can be installed like one for the truck if ordered new without A/C or a used junk compressor with good clutch and bearing and forget the ability to cool forever if you don't want the whole job right.

Can be done. Need to know and you may need help to determine which approach is most viable depending how it has failed,

T







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