Removing AC clutch

[Markzilla88]

Ive got a quick question on removing the AC clutch from a 73 charger. When I hit the gas the car begins to squel. I tightened the belts all around and it hasnt improved anything, and you can definitly tell its comign from the AC unit. I dont want to go taking things apart without having an idea of what im doing, so I was wondering if anyone has suggestions of how to remove the clutch.

Also, on a side note. I guess a way around this could be to just remove the AC all together because it doesnt work anyways, but I would have to find another pulley system to make it work. I was looking, and it seems like if I could find a pulley that has three groves in it that will attach to the water pump, that could work. Does anyone know if mopar put one out? Im assuming they did for cars w.out AC

 

[67 coronet]

non ac cars use different mounting brackets for eveything.they only have 2 belts when running power stearing,or 1 belt with just the alternator.this was discussed on another thread and we came to the conclution that you need to keep the ac and use it like an idler pully or change most of your brackets and pulleys.changing the ac clutch is not hard,we do them all the time here at the shop.

 

[Slantsixdan]

Take note that if the only thing wrong is the compressor clutch, the compressor needn't be removed and the refrigerant needn't be discharged. You will, however, need a fast air wrench: with the belt still on the clutch, turn the ignition switch on (engine off) and turn the A/C on so the clutch engages. Use the air wrench to remove the clutch retainer bolt. Then use the air wrench to thread a 5/8"-11 bolt into the clutch body threads. The bolt you're screwing in will contact the front of the compressor crankshaft and then, as you continue to turn it, will force the clutch and pulley assembly off the front of the compressor crankshaft. Then turn off the A/C and the ignition and the assembly will come off in your hands. The clutch coil is held to the front of the compressor with three small hex-head screws.

If no air tools, put two sturdy round-shank screwdrivers in two of the three holes on the front face of the clutch. Put a third screwdriver between them. Brace this third screwdriver against the first two so as to hold the front plate stationary while you use an ordinary socket wrench to loosen and remove the central bolt. Do the same trick when the larger bolt you thread in to pop the clutch off the compressor hits bottom.