AC Clutch Gone Bad?

[TallGuyJeep]

My AC started blowing hot air the other day. Also started making a strange rattling noise. Popped the hood but couldn't find a source at first and the noise stopped. Tried again to see that part of my fan clutch was spinning and would hit the other part causing the noise. Looks like the brackets holding the "outer ring" to the front "fan clutch plate" have been broken or cut. The ring just spins and spins, but it seems the clutch never engages. Any ideas for a fix, or do you think I need a new unit?

http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a557/jmill369/IMG_0506_zps4fce4131.jpg

[4.3LXJ]

Sounds like it might need to be replaced. But, can you turn the center part at all, not the pulley, but the crank shaft of the compressor?

[TallGuyJeep]

Yes, I can turn it but it's difficult. Hurts my fingers.

[4.3LXJ]

That is good. No grinding I trust. You might get away with just replacing the clutch.

[TallGuyJeep]

No grinding that I'm aware of. I didn't know you can replace just the clutch, I though you had to replace the whole compressor!

[4.3LXJ]

They can be replaced. Sometimes they cost as much as a compressor though. Kind of like rebuilding master cylinders vs whole new. The advantage though is that you can probably get away with the replacement without pumping it down and rechargine

[jeepin_idaho]

I had a similar issue last summer. My clutch seized up though and I had to replace the whole compressor. I found one at a salvage yard for about $160. I was back in business in no time once the system was charged.