If I replace a AC compressor because the clutch on the front is bad, do I need to replace the accumulator?
I can swap compressors pretty fast and only have the lines open for a few moments. What do you think?

If just the clutch went no need to.We recommened replacing the dryer at work though.Usually they have a bunch of miles on them and its a good idea to.That and some people had the system open for a while.Dont forget to check/add oil.Some compressors come with oil some dont.I added oil to the compresso and turned them over by hand.Then I would add the rest to the system on the discharge side.Rocky

You can replace the clutch without removing the compressor. If you replace the compressor and don't replace the receiver dryer make sure to run the vacuum pump long enough to remove the moisture from the system.

We had some at work the clutch was more than a reman compressor.We used to replace the clutchs,magnets,seals etc at work.Then remans became cheap so it was easier and usually cheaper to use them.Rocky

Gary - I replaced my 01 Caravan in place - was easy and did not require evacuation of the freon.

Most places give no warranty if you don't change all the parts...

Thanks guys,

I've replaced just the clutch once before on this truck a few years(could be 5-6 years) ago.

Just like rocky said...new clutch assembly was almost as much as a new compressor and new clutch. And the dealer or international trucks do not sell the clutch separately, only the whole thing which is priced attractively. So that's what I did this time, got the whole thing from the dealer for 46 bucks more than just the clutch was going to cost from Car Quest.


The struts break in the pressure plate, just needed a new pressure plate really. Pretty sure the coil was still good, I know the bearing was good. The truck/compressor has 290K city miles on it with many more hours idling running the PTO for the fuel pump, so a new compressor made more sense at this time.

I dumped out all the oil out of the new one and did the same thing to the old one and put that much new oil back into the new one. Then I sucked just a little bit more oil in right before charging. Working great, just like new I guess? It was blowing real cold last night, then today it was like a high of 70° Didn't need AC today...


Oh yea, I reused the accumulator, hopefully I'll get away with it. I pulled a 30"vacuum for 1 hour 15 minutes to hopefully get all the water out. Sandon said at least 45 minutes.

You should be good.Ive reused them and not had problems.But when doing a customer car and warranty you almost always have to sell the dryer.Some dryers were super pricey.I remember one that was more than a compressor.Sounds like you have yours all set though.Rocky