99 Pathfinder se 4X4 - AC Clutch bearing replacement

[Kennyp]

Hey guys so i'm new here ( Registered finally today )but I am in the middle of replacing my AC Clutch bearing on my 99 Pathfinder as we speak... So far so good.. Had to order the bearing Santech MT2029.

Used the folllowing tools

Autozone rentals:
27000 clutch holding tool
27119 race and bearing push set
27011 2-3 ton pulley pull tool

Other:
10mm socket
14mm socket
90deg Angle Pick tool
Ring pliers set

The normal stuff had to be moved outta the way
Unbolted main fan from clutch left clutch in place...pulled fan shround..left radiator in place.removed AC serpentine belt.

Removed front clutch plate bolt using clutch holder...used a small angle pick tool to reach into clutch plate at center roughly and pulled right off.

Then had to clean up 20 years of grime to see lock ring and removed it with ring pliers. Then had to use pulley removal tool to pull pulley. Electromagnet can stay on truck.

Now the reason most people say this can't be replaced is the 8 small dents made to hold the bearing in place.. I placed the pulley flat on ground with the belt side againts the edge of a curb and used a small chisel to knock these dimples back. Then turned the pulley over balanced it over 2 2x4s with the bearing open to the center. Used the 27119 bearing push set to direct impact only on bearing. And then used a rubber dead blow mallet to hammer out the bearing.. Took some aggression but... Hey the pathfinder deserved it for breaking lol... Once u push past the 8 dimples it goes pretty fast...

Plan on using the OLD BEARING as my push tool to reinstall new one... With one small addition.... Since the dimples are knocked off i plan to add red locktite to inside of the pulley and outside of the bearing to ensure it stays put... Since its locked in with a ring anyway and then bolted with outter clutch plate this may be overkill but... Hey I wanna be sure.

Now for my opinion of the job... I have read 3 different options on repairing this... Ill list them from expensive to cheapest..

1) Swap entire compressor (why it ain't broke and costs 250+ freon swap)

2) swap entire clutch assembly ( Again why it ain't broke and costs 80ish+)

3) Swap Bearing - my end cost will be less than $20 bux since I owed all the hand tools and rented the rest... And it will be fixed long after I sell the truck.

Do what you think is best but Including time spent sourcing rentals and bearing im 3 hours and $20 bux in ... And My money is more important to me than my time...

Never let someone tell you it can't be done... Everywhere I looked said replace it all... Nope.



P.S. I have sourced repair Info from this site since purchasing the truck last year felt it was time I added some helpful info that might help another Nissan Owner... Thanks to Nico for everything they have helped me with...


Took some searching to determine Bearing size so hopefully listing it here will save someone that time...

Bearing Specs:

Santech MT2029

CWV618 compressor Early Production compressor 40mm ID x 62mm OD x 24mm Thick.