1998 XJ 4.0, AW4, 4X4.

I've had a bearing making some noise lately. I was hoping that it was the idler pulley. It took a dump today. Determined that the A/C clutch bearing is seized.

Thinking of just replacing the bearing. The clutch and compressor work great. Until the bearing failure, the A/C blew cold.

The bearing should be available locally through a bearing supplier. I haven't found a clutch kit locally. Complete compressor is also available.

Is it possible to replace the bearing with the compressor still mounted on the engine? Is it necessary to remove the radiator? I think I will need a puller to remove the clutch. After pressing the new bearing in the pulley, can I drive the bearing onto the compressor with a block of wood and mallet?

If I replace the clutch, what is the procedure to shim it?

If I replace the compressor, should I replace the dryer and orifice tube?

Any words of wisdom?

 

The compressor clutch/bearing can be serviced without disconnecting the refrigerant lines. You'll have to remove the battery to make room and remove the compressor from its bracket, and support it so you can work on it - similar to what you would do if you were going to remove your cylinder head or engine.

I think you can rent the tools from O'reilly or Advance Auto Parts. I think these folks have the clutch kits as well, which should contain the pulley bearing assembly.

You'll need the Factory Service Manual to follow in replacing the clutch/pulley bearing.

If you are going to replace the compressor then yes, you need to replace the AC liquid line (orifice tube) and Accumulator (dryer) as well.

 

Does anyone know how to determine the specs of the bearing you need based on the compressor? I wanna buy the right one before I start in case anything goes wrong i'm not stuck w/o a vehicle. Autozone has several sizes..