A/C pulley removal.

[Nightowl]

I have a 2004 Jeep Liberty Limited with a 3.7L engine. The bearing is shot on the pulley, which I think also contributed on my water pump going out. I am in the process of changing the bearing. This is what I have done so far.

1. I took the nut off off the clutch, and removed the clutch piece that has the splined shaft.

2. I next took off the snap ring. This is as far as I have gone with it.

The You tube videos show that the next part being the pulley should come right off. So far, no luck. I was going to use a puller, but have no room to do this, as the coil is right there, and the jaws of the pullers I have looked at seem to be too large to get them to the back of the pulley. The compressor is still on the engine, as I don’t have a vacuum pump or reclaimer to get the Freon out of the system. Is there another way to get that pulley off? This Jeep has been in the family since new, and I don’t ever remember having that clutch off until now. I has used PB Blaster, on it to try to get it freed up but even tapping lightly with a hammer hasn’t helped. It’s like it’s welded onto the shaft or where the bearing rides. Thanks

 

[02blue]

I used a smaller three jawed puller. I have a set with three sizes and used the smallest. I'm sure there are better ways. It was a tough fit but the pulley/bearing is not a super tight press fit on the compressor housing.

 

[Nightowl]

I used a smaller three jawed puller. I have a set with three sizes and used the smallest. I'm sure there are better ways. It was a tough fit but the pulley/bearing is not a super tight press fit on the compressor housing.

Did you run into 2 snap rings? The pulley is so loose that you would think it would come right off. Half of the ball bearings are gone that I can see.

 

[ltd02]

Nope one snap ring. If the bearing are gone then the inner portion of the bearing is still stuck on the housing and the outer is sloppy from too much room to play.

 

[joedarock]

Did you check to see if replacement parts are available? When the clutch on my 2005 Liberty failed, it turned out not to be replaceable. Had to put in a whole compressor.

 

[Nightowl]

Well, I got it off. It took a punch and a hammer, hitting the pulley at about 10 and 2 o’clock, and it came off. Next was the coil that was. Installed with a snap ring. After looking at it, I decided to go for the kit and am waiting for that to show up. It was a lot easier once I took the electric fan off. I will get the clutch, pulley and coil for it. The shaft the pulley sets on, was not marred, even tho the outer race of the bearing was welded to the pulley. I am also going to replace the belt tensioner, as it has some drag on that smaller pulley. I guess after 200000 miles, it was due. The Jeep has been in the family since new. Now, if I can figure out how to fix the rocker panels that run below the doors, we will be set. Thanks for all information on how to deal with this problem.