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Before anyone jumps all over me, I did search but found nothing on installing the A/C compressor pulley. Lots on the bearing failure and compressor replacement but nothing on just the pulley replacement.
I have a 2007 ML350 and the A/C pulley failed. Made a whirling noise, then clapping noise and then through off the pulley. The bearing race is still on the compressor. There is no damage to the main shaft of the compressor. The vehicle only has 53K miles on it. Since the AC was working perfectly and the miles are low I would prefer to replace just the pulley and not have to open the system and change the compressor.
Has anyone done this themselves?
I know pulling the bearing race will be a challenge. I will have to use some kind of puller or try to grind part of it off.
My question is, how difficult will it be to install the new pulley?
Will the new pulley/bearing slide right on? or will it have to be pressed on?
There is a MB service bulletin that states the pulley can be replaced without having to remove the AC compressor.
It would seem to me that you will need to replace the entire clutch. Still easier than the whole compressor. If you that route, DO NOT beat on the end of the shaft.
Thanks for the feedback. This does not have a conventional AC clutch/pulley. This AC compressor has an internal clutch. What I need to replace is just a pulley with bearing.
Confused on what part of the pulley has the bearing, do you have pictures?
The direct drive compressors that rely on the RCV have a fixed pulley, it doesn't have a bearing in it at all. It unscrews and threads back on I believe, I know I changed one once due to damage, but I don't remember what special tools were needed.
Gimme your VIN, and i'll post the WIS instructions for you if I can find them.
Here's the work instructions for the pulley replacement. I don't know why the EPC link he posted doesn't show the pulley though, it should be there if they can be removed. I think there may be an EPC error, the note on the pulley says after chassis number a390565 and your car is A398235 which should be applicable.
Last edited by ItalianJoe1; 04-06-2018 at 09:14 PM.
Joe, now that you pointed it out, there must be some sort of error. A general search for 164.186 pulley shows two different ones that are available, but those are prior to chassis #379024. He can only sort this out at the dealer.
Try to remove it and see what happens? I can't really say without seeing what you have on your car. I've only replaced one or two, it's not common that they fail without needing the actual compressor.
Bearing ID was correct
Well I tried to replace the pulley but it was a fail. So called part that would work as a replacement part was close but not.
Bearing ID was correct
Bearing thickness was wrong
Pulley height is clearly off.
Have a AC problem with my 2007 ML350 W164..,The AC Clutch pulley hub is broken, do the centre shaft supposed to be spinning? shaft won't rotate at all.. just wondering when I applied so much force to rotate this 7mm bolt the shaft is not moving a bit even at all..is it in a locked position? or something wrong with the shaft as it is supposed to be spinning with Pulley? or the Pulley on bearing will spin and shaft just stay in position?
I have got a new front hub (clutch) kit...will this resolve the issue? or the hub will break as the shaft is locked (Pulley is rotating without any problem on bearing).?
Have a AC problem with my 2007 ML350 W164..,The AC Clutch pulley hub is broken, do the centre shaft supposed to be spinning? shaft won't rotate at all.. just wondering when I applied so much force to rotate this 7mm bolt the shaft is not moving a bit even at all..is it in a locked position? or something wrong with the shaft as it is supposed to be spinning with Pulley? or the Pulley on bearing will spin and shaft just stay in position?
I have got a new front hub (clutch) kit...will this resolve the issue? or the hub will break as the shaft is locked (Pulley is rotating without any problem on bearing).?
and I got the reply that the clutch hub has done its job by breaking off without affecting the drivability of the car as the compressor could be internally locked..I could not get any further information from him to see whether it is repairable or need a new compressor.!
I have got a new clutch kit, but as the centre shaft with 7mm bolt is not rotating, if I fit the new clutch it will break right? If it is internal locked is it repairable or better to buy another one?
Thank you very much
broken clutch hub
broken part removed and I got a new clutch, but not sure new clutch will solve this issue as centre shaft with 7mm bolt not rotating