How would you take the pulley and clutch assembly off the air conditioner compressor of a 1995 olds eighty eight royale without removing the compressor?

Answer 1

It has been a long time since I've done this, BUT I'm sure its the same today. And by the way the process is common to almost all vehicles, which makes this answer generic. An AC clutch/pulley assembly is very much different than other pulleys on the vehicle. Due to the thin walls of the clutch outer cup, you CANNOT use an ordinary gear/pulley puller or it will mangle the pulley, sometimes without removing it. A special puller, specifically designed for compressor clutches must be used. As I recall, the clutch center hole was threaded, and the puller bolt screwed into it, and would bottom out on the end of the compressor shaft. Continuing to screw the bolt into the clutch resulted in the clutch being pulled by its riding up, or outward, on the bolt. With the PROPER TOOLS, like most everything else, its not too bad a job. I'm not sure, but I think many of the national chain auto parts stores either loan or rent this tool. Depending on the space available in you engine compartment, you may have to remove, or at least displace some stuff to have room to work. One item, I seem to recall, was the radiator FAN SHROUD, and on some vehicles, where the upper radiator hose passed right in front of the AC compressor, that hose had to be disconnected at that end, and displaced out of the way. I think we used to tie it back out of the way with a piece of heavy twine! Hope this helps until a Buick AC technician improves it.