OK this is a most interesting post. In July 2020 I bought an OEM Denso AC Clutch. The bearing was Grey Material, the non-metal part.

I installed while compressor on the LS400 . I followed instructions exactly and even used two new shims from the Lexus service desk. That clutch lasted 2 months. Started making noise.
The bearings are shot. Nachi Bearing 30BGS10DLT is what is printed on my bearing. How do I contact Nachi ?

Dis I get a bad bearing assembly in that new clutch?

 

Two months failure on an OEM clutch is atypical and you should be able to acquire a replacement from dealer.

Have a survey performed by a mechanic and obtain a written estimate that the clutch is the problem to bolster your position before requesting refund, exchange or return.

 

Interesting this thread resurfaces now

I'm getting a squeaking sound from my A\C whenever it's engaged. The system still functions perfectly, but until the car warms up for the first 15 minutes the belt sounds super squeaky, like an old serpentine belt. Yet the serpentine belt itself is new.

Is this likely my clutch\bearing having reached the end of it's life as well? It's a direct 1:1 correlation to whenever the A\C is turned on while the car is cold-ish.

 

Good info, we lost cold air in our 92 LS and are beginning diagnostics.

 

Hello CL friends,
The AC in my 98 LS makes lots of noise when engaged/on. Sound coming from engine compartment. AC functions normally.
When the AC it turned off the noise goes away.

What direction should I take?
New Nachi bearing?
New Clutch ?
New Denso compressor?
A different route?

Thanks!

 

The noise is in the compressor. When the compressor is off, the compressor internals aren't turning.

There are a lot of different brands of compressors that I've had good luck with. In this case, I'd spend the cash and get a new Denso compressor.

Are you doing the work yourself? If yes, there are a few other things that should be inspected/replaced at the same time; inspect for circulating debris and replacement of the receiver/dryer.

 

It does seem like the compressor, it's kind of like a small engine in itself the compressor is so they definitely can fail just like an engine can. Seems a better route just to replace the entire compressor if you can. For anyone interested, and I would be interested myself, some companies make bypass pulleys. So, say if you were in the situation where you needed time, but you wanted to make your vehicle functional at the same time while you were addressing the AC issue. I came close to finding one with this company named Dorman (Dorman Compressor Bypass Pulley) makes some that fits certain Lexus cars. Not sure about the LS 400 though. If anybody can find one anywhere that fits the LS 400 feel free to post it. You could even in a certain situation take it to a shop and say hey please pull the oem compressor properly and install bypass pulley while I look for a good compressor, something like that. It's maybe not a bad temporary fix idea, that is if you can find one. The bypass pulleys generally sell for around 40 dollars.

 

On my 320k mile 1996 the clutch doesn't seem to stay engaged. Where is the friction surface in the exploded view shown above?

 

The friction surface is between Item 88403 and 83301.

With some HVAC systems, the clutch will cycle off and on. This is normal. A clutch will also cycle off and on when the system is running low on refrigerant. A proper system diagnosis seems in order.

 

Thanks Paulo.

My clutch seems to lack enough friction to stay engaged. Short video here as long as the link works https://photos.app.goo.gl/4Vh4WGKZLboFWaQJ6

I have another compressor with unknown history that is VERY hard to turn. I may try and swap clutches.


Rich

 

The resolution of that video is horrible. However, it appears that the clutch doesn't have enough grip to turn the compressor internals. The other spare compressor you have describes the same condition.

 

Update on my compressor if I may steal the thread for a moment.

There is a rubber connection in part 88403 that I guess absorbs some of the shock when the clutch engages. Both my 320k mile original and the junkyard compressor have this rubber section torn. So the clutch engages and the 88403 turns just from the interference of the remaining bits. Not enough engagement to spin the compressor properly. I'll search again for just this part or just the clutch but I wasn't successful recently.

Temporary fix will be to fill the gap where it tore with window weld and bolt it back together.

 

FWIW, there are shim washers underneath 88403 that set the clearance between it and 88310. The correct clearance between the two parts is 0.020" +/- 0.0059".

IMO, I would just bite the bullet and stop messing with two compressors of sketchy condition and just get a new or rebuilt unit. I know with DIY you save money because your time is free, but is it actually?

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...ompressor,6628

It's very odd that other than the dealership parts counter, a replacement aftermarket clutch assembly in unobtainium.

 

Thanks Paulo. I think I have the clearance too tight as it never disengages and will probably pump the pressures up to a dangerous level. I found one of the washers on the floor when I swept. Glad its easy to remove.

I have one of the compressors in my rockauto cart already :-). Ready to pull the trigger if necessary.

Also checked Amayama for the first time. i'm not familiar with them and just read about them on clublexus this morning. They have the 88403 for $71 + $13 shipping, end of February delivery date.

I enjoy the 'bench racing' on these subjects with everyone and don't mind spending time trying and learning as its a hobby. I have my beloved 2000 LS400 as a backup car.