This is how I replaced the clutch on the AC compressor on 500X 1.4 multiair without removing the AC compressor.
I did not need to raise the car
Took me several attempts, this is the final attempt.
1. remove the engine beauty cover by undoing 2 x 10mm bolts and set aside
2. remove the air box:
- undo 3 x philips head screws and pull up the upper cover
- pull out the lower part from three rubber grommets
3. loosen all the cables / pipes in the vicinity of AC compressor
4. hold the clutch pate with 26m spanner and use Torx T30 to undo the bolt
5. remove the clutch plate
- might need a flat screw driver to gently wiggle it off
6. pull off the circlip with outer circlip angled pliers
7. Using 13mm spanner, turn the serpentine / auxiliary belt tensioner clockwise to take tension off the belt and pull the belt off the AC compressor pulley. Keep tension on the blet and using gaffer tape, secure the belt towards the headlight, so that it doesn't come off the lower pulleys.
8. pull off the AC compressor pulley, take care not to lose any of the spacers/washers (mine had only 1 washer 0.5mm thick)
9. Install the new AC compressor clutch and plate.
Mine was AC Auto AC-06DL32.
The air gap is the crucial space between the clutch plate and the pulley, typically 0.35-0.60mm.
I don't have the details for what it is supposed to be for the 500X 1.4 multiair.
I tried the washers that came with the new clutch and eventually ended up within the above range.
Insert the circlip.
10. Install the clutch plate and bolt.
My improvised 26mm spanner holder proved inadequate for screwing in (good grip for screwing out).
So I used an adjustable wrench to hold the clutch plate and secure the T-30 bolt.
11. Turn on the car and air con to make sure the clutch engages on and off.
12. The adjustable tool which is supposed to be useful for this job proved a waste of money and time.
Difficult to securely adjust the mobile pins.
Even when the pins fit the rubber grommets on the new plate, they didn't quite fit the already installed AC plate grommets.
Save a few dollars and several days of messing around and don't bother with this.
13. Wasn't difficult.
But I wasted several days messing around with the adjustable wrench tool.
Probably 4 hours all up including tidy up.
14. I didn't replace the magnetic coil as it was working fine.
To remove the coli, first need tp pull out the internal circlip. However this is deep, so you will need 90 Degree Long Nose Internal Circlips Tool.
Even though it is on a different car, this guy's video gives a good explanation of the steps.
EDIT: inserted additional photo and explained about magnetic coil
I did not need to raise the car
Took me several attempts, this is the final attempt.
1. remove the engine beauty cover by undoing 2 x 10mm bolts and set aside
2. remove the air box:
- undo 3 x philips head screws and pull up the upper cover
- pull out the lower part from three rubber grommets
3. loosen all the cables / pipes in the vicinity of AC compressor
4. hold the clutch pate with 26m spanner and use Torx T30 to undo the bolt
5. remove the clutch plate
- might need a flat screw driver to gently wiggle it off
6. pull off the circlip with outer circlip angled pliers
7. Using 13mm spanner, turn the serpentine / auxiliary belt tensioner clockwise to take tension off the belt and pull the belt off the AC compressor pulley. Keep tension on the blet and using gaffer tape, secure the belt towards the headlight, so that it doesn't come off the lower pulleys.
8. pull off the AC compressor pulley, take care not to lose any of the spacers/washers (mine had only 1 washer 0.5mm thick)
9. Install the new AC compressor clutch and plate.
Mine was AC Auto AC-06DL32.
The air gap is the crucial space between the clutch plate and the pulley, typically 0.35-0.60mm.
I don't have the details for what it is supposed to be for the 500X 1.4 multiair.
I tried the washers that came with the new clutch and eventually ended up within the above range.
Insert the circlip.
10. Install the clutch plate and bolt.
My improvised 26mm spanner holder proved inadequate for screwing in (good grip for screwing out).
So I used an adjustable wrench to hold the clutch plate and secure the T-30 bolt.
11. Turn on the car and air con to make sure the clutch engages on and off.
12. The adjustable tool which is supposed to be useful for this job proved a waste of money and time.
Difficult to securely adjust the mobile pins.
Even when the pins fit the rubber grommets on the new plate, they didn't quite fit the already installed AC plate grommets.
Save a few dollars and several days of messing around and don't bother with this.
13. Wasn't difficult.
But I wasted several days messing around with the adjustable wrench tool.
Probably 4 hours all up including tidy up.
14. I didn't replace the magnetic coil as it was working fine.
To remove the coli, first need tp pull out the internal circlip. However this is deep, so you will need 90 Degree Long Nose Internal Circlips Tool.
Even though it is on a different car, this guy's video gives a good explanation of the steps.
EDIT: inserted additional photo and explained about magnetic coil
