Bad A/C clutch?

[mranum]

The other day I noticed an odd "dry bearing" sound coming the a/c compressor. Looked closer and it was the clutch trying to engage. Now, I can spin the center of the clutch fairly easy by hand so I assume the compressor isn't locked up.

How can I test to see if the clutch is bad?

For the time being I just unplugged the electrical plug from the compressor.

 

[SunlitComet]

you should always be able to turn the compressor by hand. if while engaged you see the belt pulley turning but the compressor shaft slipping you should disassemble the clutch to check for burning.

 

[mranum]

you should always be able to turn the compressor by hand. if while engaged you see the belt pulley turning but the compressor shaft slipping you should disassemble the clutch to check for burning.

Thats exactly what it does. It wants to engage but can't and it leaves tiny metal shavings around it. I'll have to do some reading about how to take them apart.

 

[SunlitComet]

give me a year please.