2008 Rogue SL A/C compressor not engaging

[joesera]

A/C suddenly stopped working (no cooling at all, compressor never engages) a few weeks ago with no warning signs. Compressor connector is getting power. Could it be anything but the compressor/clutch? Is this easy to replace? Anyone have instructions?

[Rogue Jarhead]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/A-C-Compressor ... SwCMtaVbkb

Not sure if this fits your vehicle, you would need to do due diligence, but often its the clutch that fails on these things and you can replace the clutch and related components without breaking open the system. I've done it on my vw without removing the compressor from the car.

[joesera]

Thanks for the tip Jarhead. Looks like it should fit my '08. Has anyone here done this job (A/C compressor clutch) on their Rogue? I can't tell from the ebay pic what holds the clutch assembly onto the compressor.

[joesera]

Found a couple YouTube vids for Altima/Maxima--looks like the central bolt is a PITA to remove, otherwise seems doable.

[Rogue Jarhead]

That central nut will spin right off with an impact gun.

[joesera]

Ordered a clutch kit from eBay.

[amc49]

There is an airgap in there that is critical to set right, in fact, with wear a working clutch can quit simply by being too wide. The magnetism then fails to pull the faceplate to closed. I've recovered a clutch back to working fine simply by reshimming that airgap closer and clutch then went back to working for years.

[Rogue Jarhead]

When you get that kit a selection of shims will come with it make when you take it apart that you remember where the shims are and use the correct new one.

[joesera]

I installed the new A/C compressor clutch today (it was easy--no trouble with the central bolt--the eBay clutch came with the wrong wiring connector, so I spliced on the old one). Compressor cycles on now, but only very briefly (1 second) every few minutes, and the vents are still blowing warm air. According to the pressure gage that came with an A/C Pro recharge kit, the refrigerant was on the low end of the normal (green) range, so I added a 12 oz can of Walmart Supertech R134a to bring it up into the middle of the green range, but A/C is still not cooling.
The new clutch rubs lightly against the pulley when disengaged, enough to slowly rotate the clutch. Not sure if this matters though.
Kind of discouraged--not sure what to try next short of replacing the compressor. Any further diagnosis I can do without special A/C equipment?

[Rogue Jarhead]

I think you’re refrigerant charge is wrong, probably a little to much. Those gauges on the cans help but are not entirely accurate.

One other thing to check, when you set your ac to high do the radiator fans come on? They should, if not check the fuses. Your ac will not function if those fans do not come on, but since your compressor is cycling on and off I think yours are probably working.

I think you’re going to have to have someone do a proper charge on your system now, which will require a trip to a garage that knows how to do that.

I’m a little concerned about your description of how the clutch seems to rub and move slowly when off. I’m going to check and see if mine does that also.

[Rogue Jarhead]

My clutch is rock steady when the air is off. I wonder if one of those shims didn't get put back in the right place. Or maybe one with the wrong thickness.

[joesera]

The new clutch only came with 2 very thin shims. The old clutch had 3 thicker shims. Even with the 3 thicker shims, the gap was too narrow, causing the new clutch to rub when disengaged, so I added a 4th shim, which seems to have done the trick--clutch is stationary now.
I tried releasing some refrigerant from the low pressure port, and noticed the compressor stayed on longer. So I continued releasing refrigerant, and cold air started blowing from the vents. After a short drive (in 90 F heat), the compressor started short cycling again, so I released more refrigerant, and the compressor stayed on and vents blew cold air. Obviously the system was way overcharged. Compressor seems to be running (and cooling) good now.
Thanks for the tips!

[Rogue Jarhead]

Way to go, sounds like you’ve got it. Those ac systems have to be more or less right on charge wise or they won’t cool.

Make sure that center nut is on good.

I didn’t say anything about releasing some of the charge because some folks get up in arms over that, and I wasn’t sure you’d understand what I was trying to say. Looks like you figured it out on your own.