AC pulleys are the unsung heroes of your car’s air conditioning unit. A broken compressor pulley doesn’t just reduce cooling; it could even damage the engine.
But are damaged pulleys expensive to replace?
We’ll explore the factors affecting AC pulley replacement costs and the symptoms of a faulty pulley. We’ll also help you determine if you need an AC clutch replacement.
Let’s begin!
This Article Contains:
- How Much Does an AC Pulley Replacement Cost?
- Is It Worth Replacing the AC Pulley?
- Signs You Need an AC Pulley Replacement
- How Long Do AC Pulleys Last?
- Do You Need to Replace the Compressor Clutch Along with the AC Pulley?
How Much Does an AC Pulley Replacement Cost?
Here’s the average cost of an AC pulley replacement service:
A. Range
Replacing an air conditioner compressor pulley can cost around $95 to $430.
This includes:
- New component cost: $45 to $90
- Labor cost: $50 to $340 (the hourly rate for AC repair professionals ranges from $50 to $170, and the job takes approximately 1 to 2 hours)
B. Factors Affecting Cost
Replacing a faulty AC compressor pulley can incur additional costs due to factors like:
- Vehicle type: Your vehicle’s model and release year determine which type of replacement compressor pulley will fit in it, which in turn affects the cost.
- Part quality: New AC pulleys from higher-end brands like GM and ACDelco generally cost more than generic ones. Additionally, highly efficient multi-groove pulleys are difficult to manufacture, so they’re more expensive than single-groove pulleys.
- Additional repairs: Sometimes, the pulley can damage the surrounding belt and the compressor connected to it. This can be quite expensive, as the car AC compressor replacement cost ranges between $800 to $1500.
Is It Worth Replacing the AC Pulley?
Yes, because a faulty air conditioning compressor pulley can damage many different parts of your car, starting with the AC unit. A bad AC can increase the cabin humidity and fog up your windows, making it hard to see where you’re going.
But that’s just the start.
A faulty compressor pulley can also impact its surrounding parts, such as its bearing, expansion valve, and clutch coil. It can lead to compressor failure, resulting in a hefty repair bill. And if the pulley hasn’t been spinning properly for a long time, it could stop completely and shred the serpentine belt.
Consequently, a broken pulley could damage the engine. The engine powers the belts and the attached pulleys. So when these parts don’t function properly, the engine has to work hard to keep them running, potentially shortening its lifespan.
Signs You Need an AC Pulley Replacement
You may need to call a mechanic if you notice any or all of these symptoms:
- AC unit isn’t cooling properly
- Loud squealing noise, followed by a stalled engine
- Engine smelling like burnt rubber
- AC compressor belt coming off or slipping
- Compressor overheating very quickly
How Long Do AC Pulleys Last?
A new AC compressor pulley can last as long as your car. However, it can wear out quicker than usual if you constantly use your air conditioner for longer periods (especially in hot temperatures).
Here are a few ways to prevent damage to your new compressor pulley:
- Keep it clean and avoid spilling liquids like the AC coolant
- Ensure proper lubrication and right belt tension
- Go for regular maintenance checks
- Replace the serpentine belt if it shows signs of wear
Do You Need to Replace the Compressor Clutch Along with the AC Pulley?
Yes, you may have to replace the compressor clutch, especially if you’ve driven with a broken AC pulley for a long time.
Let us explain.
The pulley ensures a smooth power transfer from the engine to the AC clutch. If the pulley malfunctions, the compressor may experience uneven and excessive loads, causing its clutch to engage and disengage more frequently. This will wear it out faster.
One surefire way to know if you need an AC clutch replacement is to look for a burning smell coming from the central AC unit — a sign that the clutch has melted. This happens because the pulley would have overheated and transferred the heat to the clutch.
Get an AC Pulley Replacement with AutoNation Mobile Service
Replacing AC system parts yourself can be challenging. Improper repairs might inadvertently affect the compressor, which is notoriously expensive and not usually covered by car insurance.
So why not avoid the hassle and let the professionals from AutoNation Mobile Service handle the pulley replacement for you?
We’re a mobile auto repair and maintenance solution that operates seven days a week.
Our mechanics can also assist you with car AC repair, AC installation, compressor repair, and replacement of other climate control parts.
Book an appointment, and we’ll send our expert technicians to your driveway.