Hi Guys:
A "newbie" here. I just came from the local Ford garage and have decided that I don't want to pay the price they want for replacing the A/C clutch and the alternator on my 1997 F150 (5.4L)......... just shy of $900.00, but the diagnostic was $90.00 by itself. So, we're talking $1000.00. I'm by no means a mechanic, but I do have mechanical abilities and tools. Having never messed with the air conditioning part of any vehicle, I'm treading on unfamiliar territory. How difficult is it to change the A/C clutch? What tools do I need? And, specifically, how do I go about doing it? And.................. as usual.............. a speedy reply would be greatly appreciated, as I use this truck at least ten times a day!!!!!

Thanks.

Paul

 

I took a peek at my '97 service manual (www.alldatadiy.com) and found two ways to replace the clutch: Do it yourself using hammer-mechanic techniques....or pull the compressor and take it to a shop and let the experts replace the clutch, a less expensive procedure than having the shop pull the compressor and then work on it.....however:

In addition, the AC system must be discharged of refrigerant before the compressor can be removed, then upon reassembly the system must be evacuated and recharged with refrigerant and oil. If you don't have a vacuum pump and manifold guage set the job can't be done.

There are several special tools required to make the change and the shop will have them all.....not to imply that you can't do the work yourself, just be ready for surprises if you try it on your own. There is the possibility that the clutch could be replaced in-place, but I would recommend against it for a number of reasons not the least of which is questionable access to the clutch to do the work. (If some members have some input about this, let's hear from them.)

BTW: The alternator should be a piece-of-cake, comparatively, to replace. I'd certainly do that for myself.

I would do the work myself, but then I do have all the tools and a few years of experience and a certain "Yankee Ingenuity" that has served me well.