AC compressor help
 

Hi,

I have an 03 X5 3.0 that was involved in an accident. The AC compressor was damaged; the pulley where the belt rides into was broken into pieces. My question is, can I just replace the broken part without replacing the whole compressor? I've seen some e36 folks replaced theirs, but I realized it might be a different case for the E53.

And since the bumper is now out of my way, I can access the compressor from the front of the car if I could just lift the condenser and radiator a few inches. This would be a lot easier than working from the top. I can remove the fan shroud and fan clutch if necessary.

Please advise.

Thanks!

Sure it's possible to replace just the pulley.

Question is, is the rest of the compressor ok?

The body can develop cracks where refrigerant can leak out, and what happened to the compressor clutch?

Just by looking at the compressor, it looks okay. No sign of cracks. I didn't know that the pulley was made out of plastic. It wouldn't break into pieces if it's metal. The clutch, I'm not sure as I haven't taken it off from the compressor yet. I will try to make some room tomorrow to remove it from the compressor.

I just need to remove one bolt on the center of the pulley right? And it will come off?

Thanks!

Worth a try, but I can't say I've seen this done. There is a clutch in there as well and spacing is critical for engagement. If it has been tweaked at all you may have issues. Try it out well before you reassemble the whole front end again to be sure it works.

If your refrigerant level is normal you hopefully dont have any leaking cracks.

You may need a puller to get the pulley and clutch out.

Not an AC tech but I've seen a few compressors having clutches removed/replaced and it was pretty much a slap it together job from what I've seen.

Later E53 have a variable orifice compressor and not the older style with a simple clutch that engages and disengages. Look up your compressor model...

The "simple clutch" style usually has a keyed shaft and a nut. Counter hold the pulley with a strap wrench or something similar. I haven't looked for an E53, but you can usually find replacement AC clutches on eBay now.

I would be worried that the seals in the compressor were compromised. Ditto on running it and let it sit overnight before buttoning it all back up.

I looked up the 2003 3.0L (I don't know your production date, so had to guess, so don't take this as gospel), and I think it does have the variable displacement compressor from Calsonic Kansei and not the simpler Denso version. This means it won't have a classic clutch like older-technology compressors. Look for a manufacturers label on the compressor. You may still be able to replace the pulley, but the whole thing is more complicated than you are expecting.

So how does a magnetic clutch work on a plastic pulley?

Are you sure it from the ac compressor and not the power steering pump or an idler wheel?

After looking it up, I don't think it has a classic magnetic clutch. I've handled the Denso unit that does have a clutch but not this version. Dunno...