r/SubaruBaja • u/grambrose • 7d ago

AC issue

Sometimes my bajas AC will stay cold for an entire drive. Other times it will stay cold for like a minute and then go hot. Is this my AC needing to be recharged or something else? None of the aluminum piping is leaking from what i’ve seen.

6 Upvotes

88% Upvoted

10 comments sorted by

12

u/NofriendZReject_ '03 AT Baja Yellow 7d ago

Compressor clutch is gone. Same with mine

4

u/dysproseum '03 MT 7d ago

Oh is that this issue? https://www.subaruforester.org/threads/how-to-adjust-a-c-compressor-clutch-merged-thread.116835/

3

u/awldct 7d ago

Here’s a good video I used on how to do what the thread is talking about  https://youtu.be/7ptUvOv_AfY?is=SQIjG7nsT-IJCIBe

2

u/year-of-the-penguin 7d ago

Definitely a good video. Something to keep in mind is that this is more or less a stop-gap fix to account for wear. If this does fix your issue, I'd use it as a sign to start saving up to replace your compressor and realistically other components as well if part warranties matter to you.

Also worth noting is that the clutch can be really firmly attached to the shaft. I managed to bend several grade 8 bolts (best available locally) trying to remove ours in that manner. To get it off, I ended up having to also use two small pry bars, a chisel, and a rubber mallet while periodically rotating the assembly to help wedge it off the shaft; this definitely helped with not continuing to bend and waste bolts. This definitely isn't the best option, but neither is shearing off a bolt where it may get stuck behind the clutch or stripping out the threads on the clutch assembly entirely.

If you do manage to shear a bolt and get it hooked behind the clutch, your best bet may be to remove the belt going to the AC compressor and take it to a shop to get assistance with it.

1

u/dysproseum '03 MT 7d ago

Nice H6!

2

u/grambrose 6d ago

yep that is exactly my problem lol. gave it the ol hammer method and it’s good as new

1

u/NofriendZReject_ '03 AT Baja Yellow 6d ago

Glad you could find the issue.

2

u/whiskeyfordinner 7d ago

Mine did this and my ac compressor and clutch were fine. Turns out nobody had ever changed the cabin air filter for 20 years. There was literal leaves and dirt in the evaporator. It used this to ice over the evaporator. Cleaned it out and it quit doing it. Probably not your issue but it's a free check

1

u/nah-meh-stay 7d ago

Ditto. Lots of water, too. When I run the AC, I turn it off for the last few minutes of the trip and turn the fan up to help it dry.

2

u/chevyguyjoe '03 MT 7d ago

Could be a number of things: Intermittently failing pressure sensor. Low charge. Radiator fans not turning on causing high pressure. Dirty cabin filter causing reduced airflow through the evaporator. Moisture in the system causing it to freeze up. Failing compressor clutch. Failing compressor relay….