Hey guys.

My first question of probably many. Had a 300zx for just over a year now. Recently the air con screech's when on. It's not the belt. Today I noticed the pulley struggling to spin when the clutch was engaged so assuming it's the compressor clutch. Can these be replaced on there own ? Just clutch and pulley rather than entire compressor. Or does anyone recon the unit?

Thanks guys

Are you sure it’s not the idler pulley?

 

It has been attempted to remove the compressor pulley and extract the bearing in situ, but so far no one has been successful. It’ll be unit out for reconditioning I’m afraid.

Check the tensioner pulley, being low down these tend to suffer first. I had the same issue with mine and found the bearing in the pulley was shot. A replacement bearing for less than £5 and I was good to go!

Welcome to the club Matthew.

Ah I did not even think about the idler pulley.... I'll take the belt off and give it a check over. Assuming if its faulty it wont want to spin freely?

Thanks guys. If no one has succeeded in doing that with the compressor I won't attempt.

If the pulley bearing is no good, it won’t spin smoothly and freely and might sound or feel rough.

Ok lovely thanks again. I'll have a look when I get under there to rip the leaky power steering hose out. Fingers crossed as the compressors are a lot more to to sort money and effort wise.

If you need a new idler pulley bearing you can get it from here (6301 2RS/LLU/C3 Rubber Sealed spec):

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/232349937763

 

Ah brilliant. Could it still be the idler if it only makes the noise when the air con is engaged ? Forgot to mention that bit.

Ah brilliant. Could it still be the idler if it only makes the noise when the air con is engaged ? Forgot to mention that bit.

 

Yes. When the load is applied on the belt, it puts more strain on the pulley bearing and can cause your symptom. Out of curiosity have you checked the belt condition and tension?

The belt is pretty much brand new. Under a year old. Should re check the tension just in case as I replaced it.