Replace AC Compressor clutch only?

[taemo]

So back in December while starting and heating my 09 WRX, I started hearing some loud grinding noise on the car. At first I thought it was the recently changed timing belt but turns out it was the bearings on the AC Compressor clutch gone bad.

Question is.. should I just buy a new AC Compressor clutch online and replace it myself or just buy a whole new AC compressor and have it recharged since it is 11 years old now anyway?

[Darell_n]

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So back in December while starting and heating my 09 WRX, I started hearing some loud grinding noise on the car. At first I thought it was the recently changed timing belt but turns out it was the bearings on the AC Compressor clutch gone bad.

Question is.. should I just buy a new AC Compressor clutch online and replace it myself or just buy a whole new AC compressor and have it recharged since it is 11 years old now anyway?

I completely rebuilt the a/c on my ‘08 wrx and the clutch went out because the compressor was starting to seize. Those cars are very bad for eating rocks and getting pinholes in the condenser.

If you open the system, replace the compressor, condenser, belt and Tx valve all together. I tried cheaping out and it cost me more money in the long run. (buying parts from Rockauto, all labour and refrigerant myself)

[Darell_n]

If its noisy, cut the a/c belt off now before you have a smoke show on the road when it locks up. Happened to me twice.

[taemo]

thanks for the tip!
I brought the WRX to my mechanic and he removed the a/c belt for me since it is winter right now anyway.

will just buy an OEM AC Compressor online and have Allmakes Auto install it for me later this spring
https://www.buyautoparts.com/buynow/...or/60-02934_NC