I love the fact that you fix what is broken, instead of just throwing parts at things. You, Sir, are a true Mechanic, instead of a parts replacer. A man after my own heart. Good Job!
Just did this today on my own thanks to your video! Sent you some money on PayPal too since I can't imagine a shop would have charged. Took me about 5 hours start to finish, mostly because I am incredibly disorganized and a complete amateur. I did get stuck at the point when I was removing the 8mm screw that holds it all together. I couldn't get it to spin independently of the clutch. My drill wasn't powerful enough to turn it when the clutch engaged, and I couldn't get the clutch to engage without the rotational speed of the drill. The trick I finally used was to wedge my belt replacement tool between the bottom of the clutch and the steel protector plate, with the old belt providing some extra thickness and friction. That was enough to get the clutch to hold still while I ratcheted the 8mm screw out by hand. Thanks so much for the video!
Wonder if there is a way to convert the bad rust (red rust) to good rust (black rust). Black rust doesn't flake off, rather it acts like a barrier to further rusting.
@@CSX4772 Yes the product is called Extend or Naval Jelly by Permatex. Once you get the loose rust off you apply it and let it cure 24 hrs it will be black and ready to prime and paint. I use it when restoring old motorcycle tanks before painting.
Thanks for showing me how to do this. I always want to drive the six hours to shake your hand for all you have helped me to fix with your teaching. Keep em coming!
I have only just found this channel via big Clive and I love it. It amazes me how you find the time to film as well as run a business. Most of the mechanics in the U.K. that I have had the pleasure of are all miserable so an so’s who hate their job and hate the public but it’s obvious how much you enjoy what you do and that is so refreshing to see.
These are easy. The snap rings inside a Ford C-6 transmission don't even have eyes on them, only a bevel, and the output shaft one is WAY deep down in a narrow hole.
I really don't watch your videos for instructional, but more for entertainment purposes. I've been a diesel mechanic for almost 25 years and now "retired" because of my cancer. I really appreciate the little things you mention for people like the different sides of the snap ring, and the fact you use OE parts whenever possible. A lot of people don't realize how much difference there can be. I've done a ton of those ac clutches on ford pickup trucks up to the ford/sterling semis. I worked at a sterling dealer after I got out of the Army. Thanks for the entertainment and laughter when you talk about throwing things in frustration LOL. On a side note, I had never heard of fluid film until your video, but here in Michigan I use a product called LPS 3 that does the same basic thing. Happy wrenching.
@@fascistpedant758 yeah man, I'm enjoying the family time I get to spend. I'm realizing how much I missed out on my kids when I was working 80 hours a week. I'm good with it all, I really don't have much of a timeline. It's incurable, I'm in remission, but it always returns. It's just a matter of months or years and I'm just living what I have. We're all leaving today for our last full family vacation before my son graduates and heads off to basic training for the Army. We're heading to Vegas and the Grand Canyon.
Woke up last night at 8:30pm waiting for our Wednesday Night What's Up but no one showed up. This video made up for it though ! My wife drives a 19 escape.
Hard to believe that bearing lasted less than 25K! I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one who struggles with snap rings. Even a pro like Eric has trouble with them.
Just did this job last weekend, only I replaced the bearing instead of the whole thing. I got 360,000km (220,000 miles) out of the bearing so not complaining. Nissan Patrol, bearing failed in 40C (over 100F) heat in outback Australia with three 10hr/day drives left to get home, and had to cut the belt to be able to continue. Got a speeding fine because some misery guts copper in central Queensland didn't think driving with the cabin temps in the high 40's was enough of an excuse to be hauling ass home, let alone the cyclone that was bearing down on us!
I am glad to see others have been playing the hide-n-seek game with snap rings. When they get away from me, they usually hide on a shelf or inside a five gallon bucket.
LMAO, When you started singing " OH WE'RE GOING TO THROW SOMETHING ". I remember early in life removing a worm style hose clamp from my CHEVY Pickup, The screwdriver slipped & cut my hand. I was P'OED, HURT LIKE A BUGGER, TURNED AROUND WALKING AWAY I FLUNG THE SCREW DRIVER BACKWARDS TOWARDS THE TRUCK. When I turned back around the old anti-freeze was POURING OUT OF THE RAD. I JUST STUCK MY SCREW DRIVER THROUGH IT, MY HAND DIDN'T HURT SO MUCH AT THAT MOMENT.
My father in law and I worked on the A/C system in my Honda. Fortunately, it wasn't the compressor clutch. Rather, it was the thermostat sensor. For now, it's jumped. But, to get to that solution took a lot of diagnostic tests. From continuity, to checking the cooling fans, and finally the thermostat. And my father in law is a mechanical for the NCDOT. And inspired me to be a mechanic as well!
I like to keep one of those freebie paint can openers handy for stubborn buried snap rings like that. They give you a lot of dexterity to both pry and hook while your pliers open it up, and you can usually kick a bit of it out of the groove so you don't have to constantly start all over when the pliers let go. :)
You know what I love? cursing at stuff when fixing a car doesn’t change no matter if you’re a pro or a beginner. It’s just usually a lot worse and a a lot more often when you are the latter.
You know how long I've been waiting for someone to do a video on the AC Bell thanks to you showing now I can do my own I hope you have a nice 2023 and more work coming your way
I am actually attempting this tomorrow. My 2012 focus keeps blowing the fuse for the compressor clutch. It will work for a few days than blow. Every shop near me told me that they would only replace the entire compressor so I decided to do it myself. Thanks for the great video.
Ah, snap ring pliers. Those pliers that never flipping fit right when they're new. I used to work at Borg-Warner turbo systems many years ago. We used snap-ring pliers all over the place in that factory. The worst thing was when you had to go get a new pair. Not because a new pair was necessarily hard to get ... but because you'd be spending at least 10-15 minutes at the grinding wheel getting the danged ends ground down to a useable diameter. Once you got them dialed in, they were fantastic .... until the next time they broke and it was rinse and repeat .... As much fun as it was building turbo chargers .... I don't miss that job at all. Not one bit. Great video Eric, thanks!
There is something about watching these videos that are hypnotizing. They are that good and you learn a lot. I am wondering if a person could have just changed the bearing in this and saved some money.
What was it back then? Coffee, butter, corn syrup, shaving cream? Pretty well anything we consume has been declared to cause cancer at one time or another.
Hey Eric, another fine job brother. As for those stretchable belts, their crap! Just another step "backward" for mankind! You got one of the most realistic, educational, and entertaining channels out there. Love watchin it!
Part of my work involves Photocopier servicing - the paper feed drive uses smaller versions of these same clutches .. we normally gap them with photocopy paper ! ... it's always close to hand !
I admire Eric's ability to keep the air from turning blue. AVE has shown the nervous nellys what to do with themselves (in exquisite detail), and I am anything but lady-like in my comments when things fly off into never-to-be-found land. I could never do videos.
Eric, Great fix and video - thank you. Wow only 22000 miles in 7 years! I would imagine that the bearing seal failed allowing the ball bearings to get corroded, etc. BTW my 05 Focus sedan 5-speed with 190K has its original AC compressor/clutch. My 02 Focus wagon 5-speed (rust bucket)with 129K I replaced the compressor, condenser, dryer, orifice tube, etc, (with the help of your videos) at 107K as the compressor was shot. SMA#1 God bless Paul
Just bought a '13 Focus last April with 56k miles, now has 67k with NO issues.And yes it has the infamous DCT. When I first test drove it it had slight judder on starts. Dealer replaced the clutch paks BEFORE I signed on the dotted line. Currently there are no problems, love the way the transmission shifts, lightning quick. With proper driving (no creeping in traffic) should last a LONG time. If not, dealer is backing it with a 150kmile power train warranty.
This brings back memories. When I started my automotive career my place if employment was at a Chevy dealer. I had been there about a year and a Ford mustang came in with A/C inop. I diagnosed it as a bad compressor clutch. Job was approved and I started working on it. Everything went well and I fired it up. That son of a gun was blowing cold. Very cold. I think it got down somewhere in the 20s. Then it started smoking and the new clutch was toast. I had know idea about the shim or checking the air gap. Being a dealer tech I've replaced several compressors bun no clutch kits. Lesson learned and I'll never forget about them again. Luckily I didn't get in any trouble but did catch hell from my fellow techs for quite some time.
On the stretchy belts, I deal with them on the GM’s 4.8l and the Mercedes sprinters. They’re not that bad, but I haven’t had much luck using the tool either of that design. If I’m going to change it I just cut it off. The Mercedes actually has a pretty good tool that actually works. I see the benefits of it, it eliminates the need for any tensioners or idler pulleys. So less moving parts less that can go wrong in theory anyway. Later!!!
I agree with cutting it off, but if someone forgot to buy a replacement and wanted to throw the old one back on (bad idea IMO) at least he shows how to remove it.
A year and a half after this video was posted I am here watching for my own education. I have dated a few girls that use stretchy fit belts... True story....😳
21:09 you said groove and you live in new York. Reminded me of the old ace frehely song. "New York groove" thanks eric O. Now I will have that song stuck in my head the rest of the day.
Great job Eric, keep up the good work. I live in Florida and have a 2013 Focus with 53k on it...man I don't miss the rust belt!...grew up in Michigan. My '13 is SO much cleaner than that car with more than twice as many miles.
The example of a professional not cussing like a sailor is one of the most valuabe things I have learned from SMA. I am not a pro, or even an advanced DIY, but I fix my own vehicles if I can. I used to start cussing when I was pulling the hood release. Now, I can hold out until I break something. That doesn't take long though!
Always used screwdriver. Never found a tool that worked for the stretch belts. Impressed the snap-ring didn't go sailing into never-never-land. Hope that new bearing lasts more than 30K. Great video.
I think many of us were holding our breath when you were removing the snap ring. My best friends in my snap ring drawer are made by Hazet of Germany, the bent Snap-on ones are there as reminders of past frustrations.
@@rich1953 take it to a local shop and ask them to just replace bearing in the clutch rather than the whole clutch assembly. That procedure won't have a book time and you can show them this vid on how to get the clutch off. They will have a press to get the old bearing out. You might need to Id the bearing for them, but if they're fair, they'll pull it and either source it for you, or let you get it yourself.
@@stephendee7839 Its leaking refrigerant as well. Ford AND local shop claim if it is the compressor making noise and not clutch it is a major problem and metal particles can be introduced into system resulting in major component replacements and flushing of system. The local shop won't touch it.
@@rich1953 Just throw an inline filter both before and after the compressor. Drop in a new compressor and run it for a few hours and change out your filters. Not the most 'ideal' way to fix it ... but a LOT cheaper than replacing and cleaning the entire system out. Always good to have a down-stream filter anyway just in case the new one decides to crap all over itself. I always put filters just before and just after my A/C compressors just in case.
We have a 5 bay shop. When it comes to AC season we need a 15 bay shop. We usually end up stacking them 2 deep. 1 inside and one outside parked behind it. ‘Tis the season!
I will have to check out those out Knipex pliers. I thought I was the only one who had trouble with snap rings because I have some generic snap ring pliers bought from the local auto parts store.
Screwdriver....tried, true, and works. If you find a tool that actually works better, please let ALL OF US know. Otherwise, I’m gonna roll it on and off with a screwdriver...I already have one and it still works. LOL, love ya man.
Stretchy belts. I changed the one on a GMC 1500. Just rolled it off like you did. When purchased the new belt(AC Delco) it came with a roll on tool. Work well.
Now I know why I'm paying a mechanic I had no idea so much is involved hope he is up to the job you made it look easy but it's hard thank you so much for your video I can know what I'm paying for kind of scary to see how much can go wrong
I made my own tool for the stretch belt. It's just a big socket with a big slot cut out of it. pulley goes into the slot. Seemed to work well for me. I'll try to find it and take a picture.
Great video. Those stretchy belts are evil. You are the only person I know who can do them in under 15 minutes. I saw the Lisle tool at the local auto part store and will take your advice not to purchase one. Thanks again!
I rarely swap out the clutch. Many times over the years I've replaced the clutch, and the next one failed days or weeks later. Clutch failure is usually a sign of a "tight" or bad AC compressor. In this case the mileage is low, so hopefully it lasts.
My old boss actually met the engineer who designed that a/c system with the lower shield on the compressor and the small bolts... my old boss proceeded to tell him how bad it was in reality when you factor in rust/corrosion when you need to replace the compressor.
I need to do this on a 2015 ford focus. I wasn't sure if I would need a puller or not. After watching this, it looks like it won't be too difficult. Mine is making a tick-tick-tick noise. The noise stops when I turn off the AC. Thanks for the video, it's a big help. I should send you a new hat. You probably have a new one, but prefer the worn out one.
I watched this video and one on the Honda odyssey. You have my respect....I would pay you to work on my rig, and I haven't paid someone to work on my rig since 1976. good on you.
Have to replace the belt on my Fiesta 2006 1.4 Duratec because it's squeaky as a rubber duck, but I was struggling with getting the stretch belt off and on. But when I installed the new one, it was just too big and didn't have ANY tension on it so had to put the old one back on
I snapped the bolt 😑🤦♂️ I've ended up getting a removal kit with left drill bits, and a centre drill bit guide. But I'm wondering if there is possibly Loctite in there, & if i should try and use a bit of heat first? On top of that, the clutch component to this one i think may have been pressed on, so i'm wondering if i may have to end up depressuring the gas and take it out completely when putting a new one on. 😱😁.
@@TheOzthewiz Yes, but he made the wise decision to not replace the compressor, AC dryer, refrigerant, seals, etc, which many professional shops might do. As far as replacing only the pulley bearing, you can do that, I've done it myself. However the adjacent coil usually has severe heat damage when the bearing overheats like this one, and that extra heat could warp the mating plates of the clutch. So if one can find parts, I think the best option is to use the method shown.
My focus is at 14,000 miles I’ll probably only get another year outta my compressor clutch and bearing and I’ll be doing the same thing. On those snap rings I’ve always heard em say “make sure the chamfered side faces out”. The new clutch looks nice enough to last another 20,000 miles. Thanks as always Eric.
Bobby Brady it’s hard to believe a 2012 has only 24 to 25,000 miles on it. Looking at where they placed the compressor(bottom of the engine) it doesn’t surprise me the clutch and bearing would go bad. Looks like it sits right where the mud and salt would splash all over it.
It's like my 88 Mustang, the smog pump is about 6 inches off the pavement. When I lived in LA, I had to replace it nearly every Rainy season. The freeways would flood and I would hit giant puddles and ruin it. Why is the A\C on the very bottom of the engine on the Focus? You make it look easy. Thanks for posting
I can see that I would hate those stretchie belts! My V6 Nissan has one belt with a tensioner.....thankyou. I've seen those magnets stick to the compressor, had to rip it apart! Good Job on your part!
I was so happy when i turned on the A/C in both our cars and it still blows cold. Havnt touched it in 5 months. I would have shot some WD or something on the belt tool
2:23 my Haynes manual makes no mention of the magic finger gesture being necessary to remove the liner. Must be some dealer TSB issued not available to the public
So, the spacer is just a normal washer correct? It is not a washer that goes on the exterior bolt when you tighten it correct? Just want to make sure because. I diassembled my clutch like 2 years ago intending to fix it , but instead ended up using another compressor. I took my car to at least ten different shops and people, with all of them telling me it was the compressor or the clutch, and it ended up being a hole in a hose, which I pointed out to each one because I heard hissing when putting in freon. Kept being told it had to do with the clutch and wouldnt be a hose. I ended up replacing the hose but using the replacement compressor because I didnt want to press my luck and break something. Only problem is the replacement compressor is noisy , my wife is sick of the noise, so in going to attempt to put the original compressor back on.
When working on 14 to 18 gm half ton products if you get gm belts for the ac or vacuum pump, the belts come with special tools. And they actually work. I have about fifty. It has to be from the dealer though. Ford......SOL.
This line killed me after a long hard day of work. Just what i needed. Love the sense of humor. It so closely mirrors mine and that's just an added benefit of why i love this channel so much!
It kind of sounds like that is a car that sits a lot being a 2012 with less than 30k miles on it. That could be part of the problem as well, metal gets rusty from sitting. I had to replace the same parts back when I had my 98 F-150. I used oem parts too, it has all the pieces and you know it's going to fit.
Your epic snap-ring fight was reassuring for those of us who also have them. (Mine usually ping into unknown locations as a finale.)
When they ping and go flying it becomes a game of "shhh, listen close" it is the only chance of guessing where it went....
@@SouthMainAuto Isn't that normally right about the time that the compressor kicks in?
I was waiting for Eric to get out the cutting torch
My friend calls E-clips "Jesus clips", because you try to remove them carefully, and PING, followed by "Oh, Jesus, where did that go?"
@@DaddyBeanDaddyBean I think that's a universal term for them
The only time I'm in favor of a stretchy fit belt is the day after Thanksgiving. Great video as usual. Keep up the good work!
Same here. Lol.
Hey !
How you know that is the cluth that u need to change and not all thw compressor?
I love the fact that you fix what is broken, instead of just throwing parts at things. You, Sir, are a true Mechanic, instead of a parts replacer. A man after my own heart. Good Job!
Just did this today on my own thanks to your video! Sent you some money on PayPal too since I can't imagine a shop would have charged. Took me about 5 hours start to finish, mostly because I am incredibly disorganized and a complete amateur. I did get stuck at the point when I was removing the 8mm screw that holds it all together. I couldn't get it to spin independently of the clutch. My drill wasn't powerful enough to turn it when the clutch engaged, and I couldn't get the clutch to engage without the rotational speed of the drill. The trick I finally used was to wedge my belt replacement tool between the bottom of the clutch and the steel protector plate, with the old belt providing some extra thickness and friction. That was enough to get the clutch to hold still while I ratcheted the 8mm screw out by hand. Thanks so much for the video!
Much respect for you rust belt guys, a vehicle up there ages so much faster than here in Tennessee. You guys are always fighting the rust battle.
Wonder if there is a way to convert the bad rust (red rust) to good rust (black rust). Black rust doesn't flake off, rather it acts like a barrier to further rusting.
@@CSX4772 Yes the product is called Extend or Naval Jelly by Permatex. Once you get the loose rust off you apply it and let it cure 24 hrs it will be black and ready to prime and paint. I use it when restoring old motorcycle tanks before painting.
I have lead a sheltered life - first time I have heard of "stretchy belts" for automotive use. Thank you for the education, Eric O!
I always love what the automatic closed caption does to the opening of your videos. Today it was "welcome to the cellphone Allah"
He's fixing a "Daisy compressor" today
I saw that! 😁
I learn an awful lot from these videos. Amazed to see just how much rust that 2012 Focus has accumulated, over a relatively short period of time!
Thanks for showing me how to do this. I always want to drive the six hours to shake your hand for all you have helped me to fix with your teaching. Keep em coming!
I have only just found this channel via big Clive and I love it.
It amazes me how you find the time to film as well as run a business.
Most of the mechanics in the U.K. that I have had the pleasure of are all miserable so an so’s who hate their job and hate the public but it’s obvious how much you enjoy what you do and that is so refreshing to see.
You sir are a good and honest mechanic we need more like you because it's getting hard to find good and honest mechanic.
I’m convinced that snap rings are pure evil now. I knew that I couldn’t be the only one having trouble with them.
These are easy. The snap rings inside a Ford C-6 transmission don't even have eyes on them, only a bevel, and the output shaft one is WAY deep down in a narrow hole.
AKA Wireguy don’t forget about the easy ones that are rusted on!
Come on now there has to be a better way than the snap ring
I really don't watch your videos for instructional, but more for entertainment purposes. I've been a diesel mechanic for almost 25 years and now "retired" because of my cancer. I really appreciate the little things you mention for people like the different sides of the snap ring, and the fact you use OE parts whenever possible. A lot of people don't realize how much difference there can be. I've done a ton of those ac clutches on ford pickup trucks up to the ford/sterling semis. I worked at a sterling dealer after I got out of the Army.
Thanks for the entertainment and laughter when you talk about throwing things in frustration LOL. On a side note, I had never heard of fluid film until your video, but here in Michigan I use a product called LPS 3 that does the same basic thing.
Happy wrenching.
Good luck fighting the cancer.
@@fascistpedant758 it's a terminal cancer, I'm just trying to enjoy what's left
I hope you find peace in dealing with it.
@@fascistpedant758 yeah man, I'm enjoying the family time I get to spend. I'm realizing how much I missed out on my kids when I was working 80 hours a week. I'm good with it all, I really don't have much of a timeline. It's incurable, I'm in remission, but it always returns. It's just a matter of months or years and I'm just living what I have. We're all leaving today for our last full family vacation before my son graduates and heads off to basic training for the Army. We're heading to Vegas and the Grand Canyon.
Woke up last night at 8:30pm waiting for our Wednesday Night What's Up but no one showed up. This video made up for it though ! My wife drives a 19 escape.
Hard to believe that bearing lasted less than 25K! I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one who struggles with snap rings. Even a pro like Eric has trouble with them.
Just did this job last weekend, only I replaced the bearing instead of the whole thing. I got 360,000km (220,000 miles) out of the bearing so not complaining. Nissan Patrol, bearing failed in 40C (over 100F) heat in outback Australia with three 10hr/day drives left to get home, and had to cut the belt to be able to continue. Got a speeding fine because some misery guts copper in central Queensland didn't think driving with the cabin temps in the high 40's was enough of an excuse to be hauling ass home, let alone the cyclone that was bearing down on us!
I am glad to see others have been playing the hide-n-seek game with snap rings. When they get away from me, they usually hide on a shelf or inside a five gallon bucket.
LMAO, When you started singing " OH WE'RE GOING TO THROW SOMETHING ". I remember early in life removing a worm style hose clamp from my CHEVY Pickup, The screwdriver slipped & cut my hand. I was P'OED, HURT LIKE A BUGGER, TURNED AROUND WALKING AWAY I FLUNG THE SCREW DRIVER BACKWARDS TOWARDS THE TRUCK. When I turned back around the old anti-freeze was POURING OUT OF THE RAD. I JUST STUCK MY SCREW DRIVER THROUGH IT, MY HAND DIDN'T HURT SO MUCH AT THAT MOMENT.
Good to know, never saw the stretchy belt removal, thanks Eric
My father in law and I worked on the A/C system in my Honda. Fortunately, it wasn't the compressor clutch. Rather, it was the thermostat sensor. For now, it's jumped. But, to get to that solution took a lot of diagnostic tests. From continuity, to checking the cooling fans, and finally the thermostat. And my father in law is a mechanical for the NCDOT. And inspired me to be a mechanic as well!
I like to keep one of those freebie paint can openers handy for stubborn buried snap rings like that. They give you a lot of dexterity to both pry and hook while your pliers open it up, and you can usually kick a bit of it out of the groove so you don't have to constantly start all over when the pliers let go. :)
rhkips good trick
You know what I love? cursing at stuff when fixing a car doesn’t change no matter if you’re a pro or a beginner. It’s just usually a lot worse and a a lot more often when you are the latter.
Come for the mechanic expertise, stay for the commentary. Another great video, thanks Eric!!
You know how long I've been waiting for someone to do a video on the AC Bell thanks to you showing now I can do my own I hope you have a nice 2023 and more work coming your way
I am actually attempting this tomorrow. My 2012 focus keeps blowing the fuse for the compressor clutch. It will work for a few days than blow. Every shop near me told me that they would only replace the entire compressor so I decided to do it myself. Thanks for the great video.
Ah, snap ring pliers. Those pliers that never flipping fit right when they're new.
I used to work at Borg-Warner turbo systems many years ago. We used snap-ring pliers all over the place in that factory. The worst thing was when you had to go get a new pair. Not because a new pair was necessarily hard to get ... but because you'd be spending at least 10-15 minutes at the grinding wheel getting the danged ends ground down to a useable diameter.
Once you got them dialed in, they were fantastic .... until the next time they broke and it was rinse and repeat ....
As much fun as it was building turbo chargers .... I don't miss that job at all. Not one bit.
Great video Eric, thanks!
There is something about watching these videos that are hypnotizing. They are that good and you learn a lot. I am wondering if a person could have just changed the bearing in this and saved some money.
Last time I was this early ... brake-cleaner didn't give Californians cancer.
What was it back then? Coffee, butter, corn syrup, shaving cream? Pretty well anything we consume has been declared to cause cancer at one time or another.
Ironic, considering Californian-ism causes brain cancer.
@@fascistpedant758 I live in California, and I think living here causes cancer.
@@markquigley7839 It's not living there per say ... it's being around all the liberals. Gives you brain cancer with the quickness.
Mark Quigley likewise
Hey Eric, another fine job brother. As for those stretchable belts, their crap! Just another step "backward" for mankind! You got one of the most realistic, educational, and entertaining channels out there. Love watchin it!
Part of my work involves Photocopier servicing - the paper feed drive uses smaller versions of these same clutches .. we normally gap them with photocopy paper ! ... it's always close to hand !
I admire Eric's ability to keep the air from turning blue. AVE has shown the nervous nellys what to do with themselves (in exquisite detail), and I am anything but lady-like in my comments when things fly off into never-to-be-found land.
I could never do videos.
Hate those stretchy belts too! Nice job thanks for sharing!
Eric,
Great fix and video - thank you. Wow only 22000 miles in 7 years! I would imagine that the bearing seal failed allowing the ball bearings to get corroded, etc. BTW my 05 Focus sedan 5-speed with 190K has its original AC compressor/clutch. My 02 Focus wagon 5-speed (rust bucket)with 129K I replaced the compressor, condenser, dryer, orifice tube, etc, (with the help of your videos) at 107K as the compressor was shot.
SMA#1
God bless
Paul
Just bought a '13 Focus last April with 56k miles, now has 67k with NO issues.And yes it has the infamous DCT. When I first test drove it it had slight judder on starts. Dealer replaced the clutch paks BEFORE I signed on the dotted line. Currently there are no problems, love the way the transmission shifts, lightning quick. With proper driving (no creeping in traffic) should last a LONG time. If not, dealer is backing it with a 150kmile power train warranty.
Phenomenal job with the camera angle. Was able to see the snap rings and the tapered edges
This brings back memories. When I started my automotive career my place if employment was at a Chevy dealer. I had been there about a year and a Ford mustang came in with A/C inop. I diagnosed it as a bad compressor clutch. Job was approved and I started working on it. Everything went well and I fired it up. That son of a gun was blowing cold. Very cold. I think it got down somewhere in the 20s. Then it started smoking and the new clutch was toast. I had know idea about the shim or checking the air gap. Being a dealer tech I've replaced several compressors bun no clutch kits. Lesson learned and I'll never forget about them again. Luckily I didn't get in any trouble but did catch hell from my fellow techs for quite some time.
On the stretchy belts, I deal with them on the GM’s 4.8l and the Mercedes sprinters. They’re not that bad, but I haven’t had much luck using the tool either of that design. If I’m going to change it I just cut it off. The Mercedes actually has a pretty good tool that actually works. I see the benefits of it, it eliminates the need for any tensioners or idler pulleys. So less moving parts less that can go wrong in theory anyway. Later!!!
I agree with cutting it off, but if someone forgot to buy a replacement and wanted to throw the old one back on (bad idea IMO) at least he shows how to remove it.
Wow 22000 miles you can’t accuse them of over building it and it looked like the new part was a sealed barring nice video thanks
You got that right Overbuild wasn't in their vocabulary at the time this little fella was a gleam in the eye's of the design team..
Original was also a sealed bearing. There were pieces of it falling out when he first took the clutch apart. Unbelievable at that low mileage!
A year and a half after this video was posted I am here watching for my own education.
I have dated a few girls that use stretchy fit belts...
True story....😳
21:09 you said groove and you live in new York. Reminded me of the old ace frehely song. "New York groove" thanks eric O. Now I will have that song stuck in my head the rest of the day.
Great job Eric, keep up the good work.
I live in Florida and have a 2013 Focus with 53k on it...man I don't miss the rust belt!...grew up in Michigan. My '13 is SO much cleaner than that car with more than twice as many miles.
The example of a professional not cussing like a sailor is one of the most valuabe things I have learned from SMA. I am not a pro, or even an advanced DIY, but I fix my own vehicles if I can. I used to start cussing when I was pulling the hood release. Now, I can hold out until I break something. That doesn't take long though!
Always used screwdriver. Never found a tool that worked for the stretch belts. Impressed the snap-ring didn't go sailing into never-never-land. Hope that new bearing lasts more than 30K. Great video.
I think many of us were holding our breath when you were removing the snap ring. My best friends in my snap ring drawer are made by Hazet of Germany, the bent Snap-on ones are there as reminders of past frustrations.
Belts, snap rings, shims, washers, locktite, and tools to make the job easier ????? Can't get enough of them, eh Eric !!!!!!!
I just did this repair yesterday. Easy as can be. I had luck with the Gates stretch belt tool working great for getting belt off and on.
Hi
Do you mind to share the info of where you sourced your parts?
I've never called a snap ring a snap ring. I've always referred to 'em as goddamnit's! Right pain in the arse!
Thanks for all the videos!
I love stretchy fit belts. especially for my ever expanding waistline.
we used to call that bailin twine
I wish you would have started it and let us hear the Chewbacca AC clutch.
Me too, I have an issue with my Fusion and Ford claims it will be around 2k to fix. Sadly I don't have SMA to fix it for me.
@@rich1953 take it to a local shop and ask them to just replace bearing in the clutch rather than the whole clutch assembly. That procedure won't have a book time and you can show them this vid on how to get the clutch off. They will have a press to get the old bearing out. You might need to Id the bearing for them, but if they're fair, they'll pull it and either source it for you, or let you get it yourself.
@@stephendee7839 Its leaking refrigerant as well. Ford AND local shop claim if it is the compressor making noise and not clutch it is a major problem and metal particles can be introduced into system resulting in major component replacements and flushing of system. The local shop won't touch it.
@@rich1953 They're correct, if the compressor died and put metal in the system it's a nightmare.
@@rich1953 Just throw an inline filter both before and after the compressor. Drop in a new compressor and run it for a few hours and change out your filters. Not the most 'ideal' way to fix it ... but a LOT cheaper than replacing and cleaning the entire system out. Always good to have a down-stream filter anyway just in case the new one decides to crap all over itself. I always put filters just before and just after my A/C compressors just in case.
Yes stretch belts are incredibly ridiculous, and somehow you managed not to curse during your snap ring battle Great Informative video as always
He did reference a few negative slang words. One was under his breath. I had to replay with it loud in order to hear it.
@@sirsweetness8332 True, I thought the snap ring was born out of wedlock...
combatjumpmaster89
Yep...you caught it 🤗
oh wow your right lol
You Sir are up there with the best of the automotive techs. Many thanks for showing us your work!
I gotta say I love your vibe, I wish I could like the video twice.
The blue point stretch belt which i think is made by otc works really good. its a lot thinner than the one you were trying to use.
I think blue point is Snap-on.
"I'm gonna throw something" was my first thought too when you got into the snap ring brawl.
We have a 5 bay shop. When it comes to AC season we need a 15 bay shop. We usually end up stacking them 2 deep. 1 inside and one outside parked behind it. ‘Tis the season!
I've said it before, Knipex snap ring pliers. Amazon carries them. They work better than any other I've tried.
I will have to check out those out Knipex pliers. I thought I was the only one who had trouble with snap rings because I have some generic snap ring pliers bought from the local auto parts store.
Hard to beat knipex.
Amen knipex rules crescent (a k.a. snap on) can suck it!
Good job! I’m doing my 2003 Focus. This was very well done!! Thanks!
Thank you for not skipping the hard parts.
Great job. I really enjoy learning the different things that you do.
Screwdriver....tried, true, and works. If you find a tool that actually works better, please let ALL OF US know. Otherwise, I’m gonna roll it on and off with a screwdriver...I already have one and it still works. LOL, love ya man.
As usual, Eric is correct. We do in fact spend half our lives trying to get it in the groove.
Stretchy belts. I changed the one on a GMC 1500. Just rolled it off like you did. When purchased the new belt(AC Delco) it came with a roll on tool. Work well.
I watch your videos,new and old, everyday to that maybe through video-mosis I can learn to be as relaxed as you seem to be.
Now I know why I'm paying a mechanic I had no idea so much is involved hope he is up to the job you made it look easy but it's hard thank you so much for your video I can know what I'm paying for kind of scary to see how much can go wrong
I made my own tool for the stretch belt. It's just a big socket with a big slot cut out of it. pulley goes into the slot. Seemed to work well for me. I'll try to find it and take a picture.
Great video. Those stretchy belts are evil. You are the only person I know who can do them in under 15 minutes. I saw the Lisle tool at the local auto part store and will take your advice not to purchase one. Thanks again!
Hey Los Lunas here
I like your video I have a 2012 as well with 455,000 on it and my AC is noisy now that I seen your video I will fix it
volvo v50's from 2004 had the same problem. glad to see they got rid of it in 2012 (lol)
Because your volvo is 99% focus
I rarely swap out the clutch. Many times over the years I've replaced the clutch, and the next one failed days or weeks later. Clutch failure is usually a sign of a "tight" or bad AC compressor. In this case the mileage is low, so hopefully it lasts.
So could you just change the bearing? That’s what’s making noise on mine
Dr. O to the rescue! Awesome as usual!
My old boss actually met the engineer who designed that a/c system with the lower shield on the compressor and the small bolts... my old boss proceeded to tell him how bad it was in reality when you factor in rust/corrosion when you need to replace the compressor.
Stretchie belts and snap rings. Argh!! Handled like a boss. Thanks Dr. O!
Another good one Eric. Keep em coming! You and DiagnoseDan are the best on youtube.
Thank you for sharing your workshop experience. I always enjoy watching your videos.
I need to do this on a 2015 ford focus. I wasn't sure if I would need a puller or not. After watching this, it looks like it won't be too difficult. Mine is making a tick-tick-tick noise. The noise stops when I turn off the AC. Thanks for the video, it's a big help. I should send you a new hat. You probably have a new one, but prefer the worn out one.
Hey Eric just wanted to let you know how much we love your videos. Thanks Josh Eastern Upstate NY
I watched this video and one on the Honda odyssey. You have my respect....I would pay you to work on my rig, and I haven't paid someone to work on my rig since 1976. good on you.
Have to replace the belt on my Fiesta 2006 1.4 Duratec because it's squeaky as a rubber duck, but I was struggling with getting the stretch belt off and on. But when I installed the new one, it was just too big and didn't have ANY tension on it so had to put the old one back on
I snapped the bolt 😑🤦♂️
I've ended up getting a removal kit with left drill bits, and a centre drill bit guide.
But I'm wondering if there is possibly Loctite in there, & if i should try and use a bit of heat first?
On top of that, the clutch component to this one i think may have been pressed on, so i'm wondering if i may have to end up depressuring the gas and take it out completely when putting a new one on. 😱😁.
For old cars the difficult challenge is finding the correct part. Good for you, to replace the bad part rather than swapping everything.
Eric DID replace the entire AC clutch!
@@TheOzthewiz Yes, but he made the wise decision to not replace the compressor, AC dryer, refrigerant, seals, etc, which many professional shops might do. As far as replacing only the pulley bearing, you can do that, I've done it myself. However the adjacent coil usually has severe heat damage when the bearing overheats like this one, and that extra heat could warp the mating plates of the clutch. So if one can find parts, I think the best option is to use the method shown.
Quick question: At 6:44 was that a clip that you removed behind the magnetic plate? What kind of connector was that?
"Stretchy belt" I thought that was some classic SMA humor. Wow I didn't realize I was a thing thanks for the info!
Great video, learning every episode.
Thanks for sharing and best regards from the UK.
My focus is at 14,000 miles I’ll probably only get another year outta my compressor clutch and bearing and I’ll be doing the same thing. On those snap rings I’ve always heard em say
“make sure the chamfered side faces out”. The new clutch looks nice enough to last another 20,000 miles. Thanks as always Eric.
Bobby Brady it’s hard to believe a 2012 has only 24 to 25,000 miles on it. Looking at where they placed the compressor(bottom of the engine) it doesn’t surprise me the clutch and bearing would go bad. Looks like it sits right where the mud and salt would splash all over it.
Always fun to watch fun and entertaining videos and I always learn something.
It's like my 88 Mustang, the smog pump is about 6 inches off the pavement. When I lived in LA, I had to replace it nearly every Rainy season. The freeways would flood and I would hit giant puddles and ruin it. Why is the A\C on the very bottom of the engine on the Focus? You make it look easy. Thanks for posting
Tu eres una persona bien honesta y un buen mecánico que dios te siga bendiciendo. Saludos desde New Jersey 😬
Yea what he said lol
Sometimes old school is the best classroom
I can see that I would hate those stretchie belts! My V6 Nissan has one belt with a tensioner.....thankyou.
I've seen those magnets stick to the compressor, had to rip it apart!
Good Job on your part!
Thank you for this video, and very nice camera work!!
I was so happy when i turned on the A/C in both our cars and it still blows cold. Havnt touched it in 5 months.
I would have shot some WD or something on the belt tool
2:23 my Haynes manual makes no mention of the magic finger gesture being necessary to remove the liner. Must be some dealer TSB issued not available to the public
Hey Eric O, Love your videos. Oh! Wolfman Jack called me and he wants his voice back.....LOL
Clap Clap He should do a retro style radio show. I think he said something about being in the groove.
@@fascistpedant758 his vocal cords are not quite wound up as wolfman jack's but close.
I'm sure he can pull it off. With a shot or two of brake cleaner up the nose.
So, the spacer is just a normal washer correct? It is not a washer that goes on the exterior bolt when you tighten it correct? Just want to make sure because. I diassembled my clutch like 2 years ago intending to fix it , but instead ended up using another compressor. I took my car to at least ten different shops and people, with all of them telling me it was the compressor or the clutch, and it ended up being a hole in a hose, which I pointed out to each one because I heard hissing when putting in freon. Kept being told it had to do with the clutch and wouldnt be a hose. I ended up replacing the hose but using the replacement compressor because I didnt want to press my luck and break something. Only problem is the replacement compressor is noisy , my wife is sick of the noise, so in going to attempt to put the original compressor back on.
When working on 14 to 18 gm half ton products if you get gm belts for the ac or vacuum pump, the belts come with special tools. And they actually work. I have about fifty. It has to be from the dealer though. Ford......SOL.
The flat screwdriver, the handiest tool ever made , is best for removing belts and repairing small tires with flats !!!!
Apparently, they can even be used to drive certain types of screws.
@@fascistpedant758 Blasphemy, how could someone drive screws with that tool, preposterous lies you are spreading
It's just a rumor I heard. May be I should stop repeating baseless gossip. I didn't mean to hurt anyone's feelings.
24,000. Must have been in a flood !!!!
@@Familyraywhy in a flood?
"This guys looks like he's ready to lose his balls" Good one Eric.
This line killed me after a long hard day of work. Just what i needed. Love the sense of humor. It so closely mirrors mine and that's just an added benefit of why i love this channel so much!
Morning Eric O 😀 Fantastic a South main auto video whilst I’m on holiday in sunny Spain 🇪🇸😎👍🏻 Stevie 🇬🇧
It kind of sounds like that is a car that sits a lot being a 2012 with less than 30k miles on it. That could be part of the problem as well, metal gets rusty from sitting. I had to replace the same parts back when I had my 98 F-150. I used oem parts too, it has all the pieces and you know it's going to fit.
This was actually a great video, thanks for all the content
No wonder why the bearing failed, the compressor mounted low, in water, salt, dirt, all the time... Great video! Thanks for sharing.