OEM 2007 Dodge Nitro A/C Compressor

2007 Dodge Nitro A/C Compressor Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Remove and Replace the Clutch on a Zexel A/C Compressor on 2007 Dodge Nitro?

  A: To get the Zexel A/C compressor clutch loose and install a replacement, separate the negative battery cable, take down the coolant recovery jar from the front under the hood and remove the radiator fan and its shroud. After that, remove the accessory drive belt and pull the engine wire harness out of the connector on the compressor clutch field coil at the top of the A/C compressor. Slide the screw that holds the connector bracket onto the A/C compressor out and place the bracket and the lead somewhere out of your way. Hold the clutch plate with a band-type oil filter wrench or strap wrench as you unfasten the bolt that holds the compressor shaft. Be careful not to force open the gap between the clutch and pulley and bearing assemblies or you might hurt the clutch plate and watch for any of the clutch shims slipping out when you remove the clutch. Tap the clutch area with the plastic hammer a few times to set it free from the splines in the compressor shaft and then take out the clutch plate and shim(s). If needed, the pulley and bearing assembly can be taken out with either your hands or a two jaw puller. First, snap off the retaining ring 9764 securing the pulley and bearing to the A/C compressor and after that, remove the pulley and bearing assembly. Should you need to, fit a two jaw puller and tighten the center-bolt of the puller clockwise until you can remove the pulley and bearing unit.