I had a lot of fan belt noise with whining and squeaking and the belt tensioner was notchy when I replaced the belt a couple of weeks ago. So I replaced the tensioner and both idle pulley's (one was cracked at the bearing). Most of the noise is gone but the AC pulley/clutch is now heard with a grinding noise.

I did a search and it looks like most people just replaced the entire compressor. I was wondering if anyone just replaced the AC clutch? It looks like it can be bought separately and wouldn't have to open up the refrigerant. (92660JK20A - $335)

Has anyone tried this? Home DIY?

Well, considering you can get 3rd party re-manufactured compressor units, complete with clutch, for around that same price, it may not be too practical. I would look into getting a replacement clutch, but see if you can source the parts from an OEM equivalent source. The markup on that factory clutch unit is totally ridiculous.

btw, I did see it listed at $301 by one online Infiniti dealer.

Thanks. I would just go ahead and get a re-man complete unit but I would have to pay someone to do it since the whole system would be taken part. Was looking for a cheaper alternative.

Where did you see the $301? I can't find a separate clutch from anywhere but dealer.

I said that it WAS from a dealer.
Here:
http://www.trademotion.com/parts/ind...&siteid=215819
(This is Pepe Infiniti up in White Plains, NY.)
If you do buy from them, I'd call with a VIN # to verify that part number you gave. My sources showed a few variations on it, so for that kind of money, you'll certainly want to get the right one!

To find an aftermarket source for the clutch, I think you'd have to get someone who seriously knows about who makes the OEM units for Nissan/Infiniti (most likely Denso) and then see if they can source an OE equivalent (clutch) part. This would undoubtedly have a very different part number, but most likely would be identical to the actual Nissan part.

BONUS- These are annoying vids, but useful to get the gist of the job on a similar (possibly same) compressor:

Sorry, mistyped.

Thanks for the videos (not a fan of the music). It doesn't look that difficult except getting access to the area to get the original bolt off.

For anyone who has done this before - will I need the shims that came with the part? Just trying to plan ahead before I take it all apart and then wonder about it. The clutch came with 4 shims.

Nevermind, figured it out when I took the old one out. Pretty simple job but much easier if you have the snap ring pliars. Thanks for the info.

Congrats on getting it done!

Any notes, tips, or pertinent hints you want to add here for anyone following this in the future?

Good thought.

I put the car up on ramps, my car has no undertray but that would need removal.

I removed the radiator fan to get access to front of compressor and used this tool (Powerbuilt 648980) to hold the clutch while getting the bolt off. The bolt on my car was a regular 10mm bolt, not like the one in the above video.

Good lighting is a must to be able to see where the snap rings go back in. It would have been much faster if I had removed radiator so I could get a better view of things but that seemed a lot more work.

Make sure to get the rust build up between the 2 plates. it can cause the grinding noise when its turned off.

Yeah, I used a wire brush to flake off some rust and grit. I need to get an undertray to protect the engine from the elements.