My air conditioner compressor started chattering recently. It is only when the compressor clutch is off (compressor not running). There doesn't seem to be any electrical problems with it; it's something mechanical. I got under the car to try to get a better look, but I can't really see much, and don't want to remove the whole compressor if I can avoid it. From what I can see, I think I might have figured out the problem; from the front of the car, there is a 3-lobed plate that I guess is the clutch control, then a plate behind it that is the clutch (?) then the belt pulley. The middle plate (I'm assuming that it's the clutch plate) will slide around to some extent. It has 3 bolts that go through the tri-lobed part that holds it basically in place, but it is not held perfectly in the center of the pulley. I cannot see the front of the assembly because it is so tightly packed in there. Is this part supposed to be loose? Or, is there supposed to be some sort of bolt in the middle to hold it in place? Any suggestions? Thanks,

Stephen

 

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