Can I REALLY fix my A/C with just a new clutch and coil? Let's find out!

The air conditioning on my wife's 2004 Volkswagen Beetle stopped working. I have come to the conclusion that the A/C clutch has failed and needs to be replaced. I've always been told that you have to replace the entire compressor because you can't get the A/C clutch off after so many years. Today I am going to see if I can prove that theory wrong. I'm going to replace the A/C clutch, pulley, and coil in the hopes I get ice cold air again. Let's get started!

[@kevinj6874]

You are definitely making my life easier with my daughters 2005 Bug. Almost everything has been replaced with help from you. Didn’t know you could just do the clutch and coil. Time to get the parts now. Every time you say that one $ucks I know you are making me cringe when I get to those bolts or clips.
Thanks again.

[@copenhagenblue8417]

Believe me, my wife is using her bug to go back-and-forth to nursing school. It’s a 59 mile drive each way, I am sure I will be doing lots of things to keep her bug on the road for the next 2 1/2 years. Lol but as always I appreciate you watching and if you need help on something, let me know. :-)

[@markovulicevic]

On my VW Jetta Mk4 2002, I've had the same problem with my AC clutch. It was 'half-seized' when turned on and it was making a hissing noize, not loud tho. All fans worked normally, but my clutch refused to turn freely. I turned off my engine, and the next day I just tried manually to spin it a few turns with my hands. There was just a tiny bit of resistance, but only at first spin. Lucky me, that worked and the AC is working as it should. Pure luck!
It turns out, clutch was only tired for a while, but after manually push it woke up! Just like that.
😂

[@copenhagenblue8417]

That’s some good luck right there! Hopefully it never gets “half seized” again.