1993 960 AC Clutch plate broken - replace clutch?

bubi82 · Post by **bubi82** » 22 Feb 2014, 17:09

Hello,

I have the following problem on my Volvo 960 wagon (1993):

The AC compressor clutch front plate is broken (see pictures attached). This plate consists of 2 separate plates (correct me if I am wrong) which are permanently connected via a metal spring plate.

The spring plate is broken, causing the engagement/disengagement to fail. You can see the problem in this video:

The main questions are:
1) Can you replace the AC clutch without replacing the whole compressor?
2) Can you just replace the clutch plate itself?

Any comments/ideas will be highly valued and appreciated!!!
Thank you,
Robin

Post by **jimmy57** » 22 Feb 2014, 20:27

Your sort of stuck. The plate wears a pattern with some serious grooves on the belt driven pulley face. A new flat front plate stands a great chance of slipping. A new plate comes with a complete clutch anyway.
Your best bet is to go used if a JY will sell the front plate and not make you buy whole compressor. IF its cheap enough a whole compressor for $50 or so is still cheaper than any other route you could take.

bubi82 · Post by **bubi82** » 23 Feb 2014, 00:57

Thank you very much for your answer!

I would like to omit replacing the compressor itself (work and money). Therefore I would like to just replace the clutch (or even plate only, but I understand your concerns with the grooves).
But for the 1993-960 it seems that you cannot buy the clutch by itself (I also called a few places and for this car, you can only buy the complete compressor assembly).

Therefore I am not even sure, if the clutch even comes off from the compressor? If so, what do I need to do? There are many descriptions for other models, where this works, but not for the 960 (year 1993) as the compressor and clutch seem to be different.

If it does come off, I guess I could try to get one from a JY. Just confused why they would only sell the compressor as one unit for this model....

bubi82 · Post by **bubi82** » 23 Feb 2014, 21:07

Ok, here is my "plan of action": Since it seems easier to just change the clutch, I'd prefer that (don't have to mess with the AC system in that case).
Seems all I would need to do:
1) Remove the serpentine belt
2) Take the nut of the AC clutch
3) Get a puller for the ac clutch and take it off
... Would you agree? Will this work for the 1993 960?

Regarding buying the clutch: Yes, there are a lot of clutches for sale for the 960, but they are all for older models (up to 1992), where there are 2 belts on it. For the 1993 model, all I find is the complete compressor+clutch assembly. That is what is confusing to me.... and I started to wonder if the clutch can even be taken off? If so, I guess I could get a clutch from a JY…

I have attached 3 pictures:
Picture A: The clutch which I find on ebay for a VOLVO 960 (up to 1992) with 2 belts
Picture B: A photo of the clutch on my car
Picture C: The replacement compressor and clutch for my car (1993 960). I only find this as an assembly

Thanks a lot for your help!!! Robin

Post by **jimmy57** » 24 Feb 2014, 07:22

The photo of double v belt is wrong. All 960's have serpentine belt.
The plate will work off 92-94 and maybe the 95 and later also.

You do not need much of a puller. 3 of the correct bolts to thread into pull holes on plate, a larger flat washer with three holes drilled at the spots for the three pull hole bolts, and a bolt and nut. Grind a point on the bolt used to push against shaft in the center.
put bolt through center hole in washer and start the nut.
Thread in the three plate pull hole bolts 4-5 turns each.
Hold the nut with an open end wrench and turn the bolt making sure the end of bolt is on the shaft.
Usually the plates slips off with only a little pulling to get it unstuck.