Thread: 99 RR - AC Clutch causing the 'whirring' noise

Howdy chaps,

I finally found it was the AC clutch causing the mysterious whirring noise at idle. (Actually Dranged pointed this out at Rover Park but I said he was dreaming...) When AC is on, clutch engaged and under load, the noise disappears meaning it's not the AC itself but the bearings or whatever inside the main pulley assembly.

I can pull the front plate off easy enough - which is directly connected to the drive input shaft of the AC.
I confirmed it was not the clutch friction surfaces making the noise by running engine without the front plate.

So it's the main pulley assembly making the noise - when not under load.
RAVE gives no clue - just says replace the entire unit.
There's a pretty wild looking circlip holding the pulley and bearing in place.

While I find a tool suitable for removing this crimpetly clip, I was wondering if anyone has any previous experience or could tell me what to expect...?

It's been making the noise as far back as I can remember - 4 years, 60,000 klm. Car has done 135,000 klm - might have even done it from new.


Thanks,
Hardy

Nah, no chance. Not for this part anyway. If it explodes when I remove it I'll take some pics...
It's just a circlip but a highly decorated one - all zigzaggy and fancy.
Bought some 'clip pliers today.

Pulling it apart is not the problem.
I was just looking for advice from anyone who knows a bit about AC clutch pulleys. RAVE has nothing so I'm going in blind...

Thanks,
Hardy