Repair our AC Compressors saving ££££

mowlas

Member
Messages
1,728
ANY OPINIONS PLEASE ON GETTING A ‘CLUTCH SET’ DESCRIBED BELOW?

There is a repair kit for the OEM Delphi 1021 unit in our cars. I was surprised because I had read that our AC compressors can't be repaired.

Compressor Express have said they have a 'Clutch Set' which consists of the following kit components and is compatible with the Delphi 1021 in our cars:
  • Bearing
  • Coil
  • Pulley
  • HUB
It is made by a company based in Poland,
 

lozcb

Member
Messages
12,297
ANY OPINIONS PLEASE ON GETTING A ‘CLUTCH SET’ DESCRIBED BELOW?

There is a repair kit for the OEM Delphi 1021 unit in our cars. I was surprised because I had read that our AC compressors can't be repaired.

Compressor Express have said they have a 'Clutch Set' which consists of the following kit components and is compatible with the Delphi 1021 in our cars:
  • Bearing
  • Coil
  • Pulley
  • HUB
It is made by a company based in Poland,
I can see another How to on the horizon ...........kudos to you Mowlas if you test it out
 

safrane

Member
Messages
16,746
The are an extra +£XX0 compared to all other AC Compressors as part of our favoured makes 'Brand Tax'
 

mowlas

Member
Messages
1,728
You can buy the OEM compressor from companies like Compressor Tech or Compressor Express for around £600, including VAT. Then, I'm guessing, add the labour cost of 3-4 hours to professionally refit, safely dispose of the refrigerant (coolant), replace other related parts and re-charge the system. If you buy the part from a dealer or one of the mainstream distributors then you are looking at between £1,200 and £1,800 including VAT... then add the labour costs.

The 'Clutch Set' is £149 including VAT. I was interested in any opinions as to whether the Clutch Set is likely to work (given views that our compressors are not repairable due to the way the bearings erode the casing) and whether there would be any saving on labour costs?
 

Zep

Moderator
Messages
9,110
You can buy the OEM compressor from companies like Compressor Tech or Compressor Express for around £600, including VAT. Then, I'm guessing, add the labour cost of 3-4 hours to professionally refit, safely dispose of the refrigerant (coolant), replace other related parts and re-charge the system. If you buy the part from a dealer or one of the mainstream distributors then you are looking at between £1,200 and £1,800 including VAT... then add the labour costs.

The 'Clutch Set' is £149 including VAT. I was interested in any opinions as to whether the Clutch Set is likely to work (given views that our compressors are not repairable due to the way the bearings erode the casing) and whether there would be any saving on labour costs?

It depends on the fault. If the clutch isn’t engaging because the coil inside has failed, then this will fix it. If the shaft bearing has failed then it won’t.

As an aside, the compressors can be repaired if they are caught early enough. If the bearing seizes and spins in the casing, then it isn’t.
 

mowlas

Member
Messages
1,728
It depends on the fault. If the clutch isn’t engaging because the coil inside has failed, then this will fix it. If the shaft bearing has failed then it won’t.

As an aside, the compressors can be repaired if they are caught early enough. If the bearing seizes and spins in the casing, then it isn’t.

Thank you Zep! That's really helpful! My AC works well, but I am getting an intermittent, low-level rumble that lasts for about 10 seconds and stops... and then comes on again after about 2 minutes. Had it for about 3 weeks now. Is that a sign of wearing bearings or seizing?
 
Last edited:

Felonious Crud

Administrator
Staff member
Messages
21,012
You can buy the OEM compressor from companies like Compressor Tech or Compressor Express for around £600, including VAT. Then, I'm guessing, add the labour cost of 3-4 hours to professionally refit, safely dispose of the refrigerant (coolant), replace other related parts and re-charge the system. If you buy the part from a dealer or one of the mainstream distributors then you are looking at between £1,200 and £1,800 including VAT... then add the labour costs.

The 'Clutch Set' is £149 including VAT. I was interested in any opinions as to whether the Clutch Set is likely to work (given views that our compressors are not repairable due to the way the bearings erode the casing) and whether there would be any saving on labour costs?
I got one from Compressor Express in Hungary. Very impressed with the apparent quality as well as the service. It was pre-Brexit.
 

mowlas

Member
Messages
1,728
I got one from Compressor Express in Hungary. Very impressed with the apparent quality as well as the service. It was pre-Brexit.

Thank you! Was it the whole compressor or the 'Clutch Kit'? I agree about the service, they are ever so helpful and respond to all the questions.
 

Zep

Moderator
Messages
9,110
Thank you Zep! That's really helpful! My AC works well, but I am getting an intermittent, low-level rumble that lasts for about 10 seconds and stops... and then comes on again after about 2 minutes. Had it for about 3 weeks now. Is that a sign of wearing bearings or seizing?

From this distance, it does seem to be a bit more bearing than clutch. If the vibration was when the clutch was disengaged that would be more indicative of a clutch issue. But like I say, I am standing a fair distance from it.

Maybe listen to it using an automotive stethoscope (long screw driver) to see if you can pinpoint it.
 

lozcb

Member
Messages
12,297
From this distance, it does seem to be a bit more bearing than clutch. If the vibration was when the clutch was disengaged that would be more indicative of a clutch issue. But like I say, I am standing a fair distance from it.

Maybe listen to it using an automotive stethoscope (long screw driver) to see if you can pinpoint it.
 

mowlas

Member
Messages
1,728
From this distance, it does seem to be a bit more bearing than clutch. If the vibration was when the clutch was disengaged that would be more indicative of a clutch issue. But like I say, I am standing a fair distance from it.

Maybe listen to it using an automotive stethoscope (long screw driver) to see if you can pinpoint it.

Thank you so much Zep! Really appreciated.
 

BL330

Member
Messages
1,121
I got one from Compressor Express in Hungary. Very impressed with the apparent quality as well as the service. It was pre-Brexit.
I did too. You just need to identify the type of compressor your car came with, Sanden or AC Delco.
In my case we used one of those cameras on a flexible tube to see the back of the compressor before ordering.
 

philw696

Member
Messages
25,113
A long screwdriver is one of my useful tools for many purposes especially diagnosing noises.
Was an essential piece of kit from having Classic Minis since the 70's radiator bottom hose ;)
 

conaero

Forum Owner
Messages
34,593
The issue with the GT/QP compressors are two failure points which last 20k miles ish only:

- clutch pack play, rattles then falls off

- front nose bearing spins and eats the housing

The first you could repair but the second will be coming so IMHO it’s a waste of time. If you were to replace the front nose bearing it will still spin in the eaten housing.

Some will see this as a shameless plug but it’s a set price to forum members that is the sensible route:

Sportsitalia forum discount price:
  • Degass system
  • Replace AC compressor
  • Regass system
£595 plus vat parts a labour

With a ramp it’s a pig of a job. If rear hex bolt seizes and if it rounds or shears off, your engine is coming out. You get one go at it.
 

philw696

Member
Messages
25,113
The issue with the GT/QP compressors are two failure points which last 20k miles ish only:

- clutch pack play, rattles then falls off

- front nose bearing spins and eats the housing

The first you could repair but the second will be coming so IMHO it’s a waste of time. If you were to replace the front nose bearing it will still spin in the eaten housing.

Some will see this as a shameless plug but it’s a set price to forum members that is the sensible route:

Sportsitalia forum discount price:
  • Degass system
  • Replace AC compressor
  • Regass system
£595 plus vat parts a labour

With a ramp it’s a pig of a job. If rear hex bolt seizes and if it rounds or shears off, your engine is coming out. You get one go at it.
Snap On hex key 3/8 sockets and you won't have a problem guaranteed.