Replacing ac compressor clutch BEARING

[jfboy]

Has anyone ever attempted to replace the AC compressor clutch bearing in their m3 ?

I suspect that this is what make our compressors noisy.

http://www.autozone.com/N,15201255//...eResultSet.htm


Now I want to replace mine.

I already pulled the clutch. I removed one 10mm bolt and the end peice of the clutch came out.

Now the part that holds the bearing and the pulley isnt coming out.

I dont know hoe to remove it.

I'm tempted to pry against the pulley and the compressor to free it up but very scared of bending the pulley.

Any help is apreciated.

Edit pics o9f the progress...

step 1 remove the 10mm bolt


Then you pull the clutch end off.


That's a crappy pic of the end of the clutch and the 10mm nut + washer


Look with a mirror you will see a snap ring.


With snap ring pliers you can remove it but this takes patience


Now it's removed you can see the bearing.


With a socket you can drive the old bearing out.
The little lip ring will become loose. Do not lose it and take note of how it goes in.


then you can insert the new one using the old one to drive it in.
Dont forget to isert the lip ring first and in the correct way
As you are driving the bering in, get the pulley on a surface that allows the lip ring to stick out as you tap it in all the way. If you do it on a flat surface, you will damage the lip ring.



Done!


BTW the OEM bearing is a NACHI Part Number 30BGS10DST2 (also says 190 on it)
The replacement C&S bearing says 30BG05S2G-2DS


I reinstalled the clutch as it was and the pulley would not spin freely as it should. Basicaly the clutch was engaged at all times. I suspect there is a small difference in the width of the bearing when compare to the original. But I found an easy fix. Use the washer you see in the 3rd pictures and insert it INSIDE the splined shaft of the end of the clutch. It will make the piece come out just enough to give you the clearance you need for the pulley to spind freely. (sorry no pics)

[n00bjabi]

Have you tried using a 2 jaw puller to see if you can get a hold of it from the sides of the compressor housing and pulling it off?

[jfboy]

With a mirror I was able to find a circlip holding it on.

I have remove the pulley but the bearing seems to be presed into it.

[jfboy]

The bearing has very little play in it. I wonder if it's really what's causing the noise... hmmmmmm ???????

When you spind the pulley and put your ear to it you can hear its a little noisy.

Ah well I'll get it replaced and see if it solves the problem.

Gotta buy it and go to a machine shop to get it pressed on.

[Ron97M3]

thanks for trying I have but my name on this so I can read your results.

[jfboy]

will let you guyz know what happens

[al_r]

I tapped mine out with a socket from the other end; don't remember the size. You can also order the replacement bearing online for ~$25.

[Steve Bassen]

I tapped mine out with a socket from the other end; don't remember the size. You can also order the replacement bearing online for ~$25.

Did that fix the noise problem? Do you have the specs on the bearing so it can be ordered before removing the pulley?

[al_r]

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...d.php?t=576534

Post # 8 has the link where I got mine.
G/L!

[Steve Bassen]

Awesome, thanks!

[jfboy]

I tapped mine out with a socket from the other end; don't remember the size. You can also order the replacement bearing online for ~$25.

So it came right out ? I dont wanna damage the pulley.

I just ordered the bearing thru that website.

My local autozone didnt have it in stock and they couldnt order it either.

BTW: Being w/o my M3 sucks!

[al_r]

Yes, the bearing will tap/press out with a socket and hammer. I pressed in the new one with a vice and the socket.

[jfboy]

Yes, the bearing will tap/press out with a socket and hammer. I pressed in the new one with a vice and the socket.

Did you notice the "crimped" areas around the bearing on yours ? Like a manichine crimped the metal around the bearing to make it tighter ?

[al_r]

Did you notice the "crimped" areas around the bearing on yours ? Like a manichine crimped the metal around the bearing to make it tighter ?

On the bearing or the sleeve it rides in?
My bearing was just pressed in, no shoulder or crimping on the sleeve that I remember or that caused me problems.

[jfboy]

Did it look the same as the last picture I posted ? See the little crimp marks around the bearing ?

[al_r]

Did it look the same as the last picture I posted ? See the little crimp marks around the bearing ?

Ahh, I see - the little marks in the black that someone may have punched?
I _think_ mine may have had those, but they maybe only slowed me down a little in removing the old bearing.
If the crimps worry you, you could dremel them away, then use a little bearing loctite when installing the new one...

Do the numbers on your bearing match my replacement? Or does it measure correctly/the same?

[jfboy]

I ordered the one you recommended in your thread. Waiting on it now.

[jfboy]

still waiting on that damn bearing!

M3 withdrawals....

[jfboy]

bearing came in today. Will put the car back together this weekend and let you know if it fixed the ac compressor noise issue.

[96 328i]

That bearing I believe spins all the time, when you energise the clutch (turn the a/c on) the compressor then turns and your noise starts. I have the same noise with my 328. The bad news is I think it's our compressors but I'll watch and find out.

[jfboy]

That bearing I believe spins all the time, when you energise the clutch (turn the a/c on) the compressor then turns and your noise starts. I have the same noise with my 328. The bad news is I think it's our compressors but I'll watch and find out.

I noticed that the old bearing had developed a slight amount of play and I think maybe when the clutch presses down on it, id makes contact with something nad makes the noise.

But yes I'm aware that it may be the compressor itself but I'm giving this a shot.

[jfboy]

Well finaly started the car today and I am happy to say that the noise appears to have come down significantly both with the ac on and off. I am not giving it the seal of aproval yet but I will let you know in a few days.

[al_r]

Good job, nice pics.
Lots cheaper/easier than replacing the whole compressor, evacuating/recharging.
Hope it does the trick for you.

[jfboy]

bumping old thread. I am wondering if the bearing is the same for the 540i/m5 compressors.

[PHL]

Can anybody give me the exact size of the 10mm bolt? Dealer says the bolt is only available when the compressor is purchased. Furthermore, he was unable to give me its exact length.