Author Topic: Air conditioner compressor clutch (Read 3947 times)

nowster · « **on:** May 26, 2015, 11:39:13 PM »

After having had a standard air-con service, with no improvement in cooling, the dealership had a more detailed look at the air conditioner unit on my 2008 "GE" Honda EX (first batch off the boat).

Apparently the clutch on the compressor (connected to the alternator belt) has gone bad.

The really bad news is that it's a big job (a day) and the replacement part (a whole compressor unit) is not cheap. The total damage is £470 and change (inc VAT).

What I'm asking is, is this the sort of thing an independent a/c specialist would be able to fix cheaper than the dealership?

VicW · « **Reply #1 on:** May 27, 2015, 02:07:21 PM »

In part it depends on how long you can be without the car as it is possible that the compressor can be reconditioned.
Also it may be possible to fit an exchange reconditioned compressor.
There may not be a lot in it moneywise since the work required is the same whatever alternative you use.
It may be worth changing the drive belt at the same time.

Roughly where do you live ?

Vic.

nowster · « **Reply #2 on:** May 27, 2015, 02:15:42 PM »

I'm in the North Manchester area.

Having looked at the service manual, it might just be that a shorter shim needs to be fitted?

The drive belt looked fine and was driving the alternator without noticeable slippage.

VicW · « **Reply #3 on:** May 27, 2015, 03:24:31 PM »

The compressor clutch is electrically operated, the pulley wheel is driven all the time by the same belt.
Did the workshop that did the AC service say if the clutch was not operating or if it is is it slipping ?
When the clutch engages it can be heard and seen if you can locate the compressor under the bonnet.
Don't confuse the clutch noise with the AC cooling fan starting up.

Knowing the price of some AC compressor jobs at around £1k , £470 sounds reasonable. Where you are there must be recommended AC workshops around to get alternative advice.

Further to the above, today Thursday,while getting some new front tyres fitted at my son's workshop, he tells me that the price of AC compressors has come down recently so it may pay to look around.

Vic.

monkeydave · « **Reply #4 on:** July 06, 2015, 09:27:12 PM »

£470 at a main dealer is good i thought a compressor is £900 plus the fitting so £470 would be a relief

Rory · « **Reply #5 on:** July 13, 2015, 06:28:51 PM »

Quote from: monkeydave on July 06, 2015, 09:27:12 PM

£470 at a main dealer is good i thought a compressor is £900 plus the fitting so £470 would be a relief

I was thinking that too - although if they're simply changing the whole compressor I wouldn't have thought that would take very long.

Maybe Honda are paying 50% goodwill? I'd be hoping for that sort of contribution.