Any suggestions on where to pick up an AC compressor clutch? I ordered 1 already from Amazon that was listed as a fit for my 2000 XJ, however it came with a keyed clutch, and mine factory compressor is a spline. It appears as though most of the ones I find online show a keyed shaft.

My local parts stores only sell the full compressor. RockAuto is out of stock, with no idea when it will be back in stock.

 

I have tried replacing the clutch a few times on my 98 and 99 XJ. I gave up and just do the compressor. I invested in a vacuum pump and AC gauges. They have paid for themselves many times over.

 

It does look like that is an impossible to find part. Choices seem to be a junkyard search or replace the whole compressor.

 

In last week I have cleaned out my garage and all the old parts I replaced. Among them, was a OEM compressor for a 2000 XJ 4.0 with working clutch. Bad timing. Or I would've sent it to you for the price of shipping.

Scrap yard is going to be your best bet, if you really want to keep the old compressor.

 

I replaced the clutch on my 99 last year. I bought this Sanden Models MODELS 4501-4750 4691 A/C Compressor Clutch (FG550-CL) which is splined and was a direct replacement.

Shop by Sanden compressor model, not by model year of your Jeep. There should be a nameplate on the compressor.

 

I just replaced the clutch/pulley/magnet assembly on mine last week due to a failing pulley bearing. I got the whole kit from Maxsam Clutches. They appear to do all their sales via eBay.

 

Any tips or suggestions for removing and installing the new clutch?

 

Make sure you have a good set of snap ring pliers. Also, you'll need to hold the clutch in place so you can pull off that center nut. You'll either need an impact or a clutch holder tool like this.

Finally, you'll need a puller so you can get the clutch and bearing assembly off that center shaft. You can rent one at most auto parts stores. Just be sure you use a socket to push on the housing of the AC compressor and not on the compressor shaft. The instructions that came with my kit were pretty good

For me, the hardest part was getting the pulley and bearing assembly back on to the compressor face. I ended up using a socket to push on the inner bearing race and then a hammer over that to tap it on. The trick is getting something that is small enough to fit over the inner race only but big enough to clear that part that sticks off the mounting face of the housing. Something like a 1 1/8 in. socket should work.