AC compressor pulley loose, grinding/scratching and burning belt. Next steps/options?

Hi guys,
Some of you may recall my recent AC saga. Now I may know why it popped the fuse in the first place. Recently I’ve been hearing what sounded like bearing noise under certain driving conditions. Occasionally a rattle at start-up, and occasional sounds of what sounded like a belt scraping over a stationary pulley. Just yesterday I merged onto the highway and smelled burning rubber for 30-45 seconds after WOT. Same thing on the ride home. I visually inspected and sniffed around the engine bay before and after each drive. AC also wasn’t as cold as when I first replaced the blown fuse.
I was hoping this was going to be an idler pulley or the bearing pulley, but I took off the belt today, and naturally, it’s the AC compressor pulley. It has obvious play, easily being rocked front to back. And it grinds when you turn it, like it’s full of sand. Not seized, but not anywhere near smooth and silent. Additionally, there’s a black dust that sprinkles out of the backside of the pulley when you’re spinning it.
The clutch itself spins smoothly and freely with the engine off.
So, what’s next? Is this a full compressor replacement/rebuild? Or are any of the pulley components individually replaceable? If so, is this something that can be replaced without evacuating the AC, ie, at home?

Thanks,
Jeremy

 

I should also add that this compressor was rebuilt 6K miles/6 years ago. That being the case, would it be best practice to avoid rebuilding this compressor for the second time, and just replace it? Or are multiple rebuild not considered irresponsible?
I already have a replacement receiver/dryer waiting, and will replace that as part of this service if a compressor rebuild/replacement is in order.

 

Not sure, but plausible. The entire pulley rocks back and forth, and has that gritty sand. Bearing race is likely shot, if nothing else. I can’t speak to the quality of the last rebuild, as it was done two or three owners ago.
I’m leaning towards full replacement at this point.
Does anyone have a list of cross-references for compressors that are compatible? I know it’s a fairly ubiquitous piece, and not proprietary to Ferrari in the least. Just wondering which application trades for the best price while being completely plug and play?

 

Oof. I was not expecting 3K. 2, maybe, but 3 just for the part? That’s a lot. I’ve seen companies offering rebuild services of your unit for $450. I’d be willing to try that first. Even if it only lasted a few years, I could have it rebuilt 7 times for the price of one new one, and by that time I might be dead anyway

Next question: could the car run without the compressor while it’s being rebuilt? I had one shop quote me 3-4 weeks for a rebuild turnaround time. I’d hate to have the car down and out for a month during prime time drive and event season!

 

The tension was actually low on the existing belt when I checked it before removal. It was 121Hz, as opposed to the 155-165 or thereabouts that it’s supposed to be. I corrected the tension when I reinstalled, even though it’s a moot point at this time.

 

Can you PM me with the details of that shop?
Thanks

 

I actually did just buy a drier, so it’ll be a perfect time to put that in if I have to replace the compressor.

The compressor replacement seems like a diy job if a shop can evacuate before and then refill the system after. Is that fair to say?

 

I will most likely have a shop handle all of those things. I’m a big DIY’er, but I’m more than happy to admit when something is beyond what I’m willing or able to attempt.

 

Perfect. In that case, my plan to replace the drier at the same time should cover that base as well!

 

I did not check that nut before. I could, but regardless, the pulley grinds and binds as I turn it by hand anyway ( with the belt removed), so it will be getting replaced regardless. I’m assuming the grinding /scraping is a bearing failure of sorts, as is the play in the pulley. I do have videos of it, but FChat won’t let me load the files as they’re too big.
I ended up placing an order for a rebuilt compressor from Compressor International, and I will be sending mine back for a core return refund. It would cost me the same either way in the end to rebuild mine or buy a completed rebuild from them, but with a complete lack of downtime with the core exchange option.
I already have a new receiver/dryer waiting, and I’ve ordered a full suite of O-rings and gaskets to replace all the pieces involved in replacement of both items, as well as a new belt.
I’ve made arrangements with a local shop to evacuate the system for me, and I’ll swap in the new parts at home and bring it back for a vacuum test and recharge once the swap is done.
Here’s hoping!

 

I called Ranshu and was informed that they only deal with shops/businesses, and not directly with the public consumer. So, next call was to Compressor International