Was driving the car yesterday when the air started to blow warm. I smelled a burning smell and popped the hood to see the compressor clutch smoking and kind of wobbly as the engine idled.

Im assuming the clutch bearing went out and that Ill have to replace it. Has anyone swapped thiers out that can give me some pointers?

For example- The chevy service manual says I have to discharge the system. Im not about to argue with the manual, but is that really neccesary? Anything else would be good to know. Thanks

Oh the cars a '96 LT1

You don't normally have to discharge the system to replace the clutch. However -- at least on my '94 -- the refrigerant lines come so close to the front of the pulley/clutch unit that I bet you'll have to so you can get the unit off.

I had that happen two years ago -- not a corvette -- and getting the old one off was a miserable job as the stator and rotor windings overheated and the insulation burned, smelled to high heaven and got into everything. Normally it's a degree of difficulty "2" or "3" job on a scale of 1 to 10.

The one thing to watch for is to examine the bearing surface on the compressor case to make sure the old clutch didn't damage that when it failed. If it did, it's likely the new clutch unit will wobble and not last long.

It looks like getting the belt off is going to be harder than getting the clutch off. The hoses dont look like theyll be much of a clearence issue though. Thanks for the reply

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Interesting. I have all of 5/8" between the front of the clutch/pulley and the refrigerant hoses/pipes -- it's a '94 LT1. You'll need well over an inch of clearance to pull the clutch unit off. Then there's the clearance for the puller you'll need to use ...

The belt's a piece of cake. Just ease the tensioner until the belt slips off -- takes all of five seconds. I just put mine back on about 90 minutes ago.

Lol I was kidding about the belt. . . theres a ton of stuff under the hood of the car. . . Ill have to get a better look at the hoses as I just kind of glanced over the parts last I saw the car.

Re your ton of stuff. My older brother maintains Chevy stuffed ten pounds of crap into a five pound car. I agree with the 10 pounds, but I think he overestimated the five.

I haven't looked at this forum in quite a while but there was some good info here: www.autoacforum.com.

Often the heat of a burnt up clutch will take out the front seal on the compressor. Check it carefully before spending the money and time on replacing the clutch only. If you end up needing one send me a PM, I have a neighbor who parts out C4s for a living and has tons of parts and good prices.

I have a 1987 compressor if you want it.

damn so theres a chance I might end up needing to replace the whole compressor. . . . I wont be able to tear her apart til this weekend so Ill let you guys know If i need anything. Thanks for the help and the link

I just saw your sig... the 87 compressor won't help at all.