Does anyone have experience replacing the AC compressor clutch / pulley on our cars? I'm just exploring my options, because today the A/C stopped working and still working to troubleshoot exactly what has failed.

Mine is a 2014 with the OM642 3.0L Diesel

 

You sure that it's the AC Compressor? That is soooo rare....How many miles on your vehicle? You check all your fuses? Have you checked to see if there is a leak and refrigerant has leaked out completely?

 

Yes - since I've posted this I can provide an update and clarification:

1.) Took the car out, and the air was blowing really hot (temperature setting at 16 C)
2.) upon arrival at my destination I the engine compartment exhibited some faint unusual sounds, engine stalled out and and I coasted into my parking stall
3.) Upon inspection, serpentine belt (which was new) had some rubber strands parting from the sides
4.) Started up no problem, kept AC off suspecting a locked up compressor. Meanwhile its so hot here that adjacent cities are basically instantaneously combusting (near the hottest place / day ever recorded in Canada)
5.) Inspected at home, found black rubberized goo coming out the front of the pulley (looked like bitumen)
6.) Ran the engine and cycled the AC on (hood open for inspection), engine made unusual sound again and smoke started to billow out - so shut down engine right way. The pulley of the AC was extremely hot (hotter than typical heat sink / residual heat from engine).
7.) Made the wife start the engine, cycle AC on so I could watch pulley, made the unsual sound and I had her cut the engine before I could even get a good look. Tried a second time, but it wouldn't engage anymore, likely blew the fuse from overloading or the safety mechanism (from what I understand) has worked and now the pulley wont engage.
8.) AC refrigerant currently has 100psi on both low/hi sides - because compressor won't engage, these don't go to their typical hi/low pressures.
9.) Vehicle has just over 300,000km on it

The back story: I had blown the engine Aug 2020 (spun bearings) and took almost a year to find the parts, instructions, get machining done, and fix the first phase of poor machining. During that time, the orifices of the system and compressor were plugged but how perfect, I couldn't tell you. Its plausible that the system became contaminated and that My vacuuming of the system was insufficient, along with possibility of improper oil amounts.

Going forward: I have ordered a new compressor, drier, expansion valves and gaskets (o-rings), so in about 2 weeks. I will inspect the old compressor further, off the vehicle, because I am curious as to what/if anything has failed. I will share my findings then.