A/C Compressor Clutch Check

Check the pressure plate for discoloration, peeling, or other damage. If there is damage, replace the clutch set (see A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH OVERHAUL ).
Check the pulley bearing play and drag by rotating the pulley by hand. Also check for grease leakage from the bearing. Replace the clutch set with a new one if it is noisy, has excessive play/drag, or has bearing grease contamination on the clutch faces (see A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH OVERHAUL ).
NOTE: The pulley and the pressure plate were mated at the factory by a burnishing operation. Always replace the pulley and the pressure plate as a set. Replacing only one part of the clutch set will cause clutch slippage.

Fig 1: Checking A/C Compressor Clutch
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Measure the clearance between the pulley (A) and the pressure plate (B) all the way around. If the clearance is not within specified limits, remove the pressure plate (see A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH OVERHAUL ) and add or remove shims as needed to increase or decrease clearance.
Clearance: 0.35-0.60 mm (0.014-0.024 in.)

NOTE: The shims are available in three thicknesses: 0.1 mm, 0.3 mm, and 0.5 mm.

Fig 2: Measuring Clearance Between Pulley And Pressure Plate
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Remove the pressure plate (see step 1 on A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH OVERHAUL ), and inspect the pressure plate and pulley friction surfaces for wear. If there is excessive wear, roughness, or scoring, replace the clutch set.
Inspect the friction surfaces and the compressor shaft hub for excess oil. If excess oil is present, and it is not from the engine or power steering system, then the compressor shaft seal is leaking. Replace the compressor (see A/C COMPRESSOR REPLACEMENT ).
Measure the resistance of the field coil. If the resistance is not within specifications, replace the field coil (see A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH OVERHAUL ).
Field Coil Resistance: 3.9-4.3 Ω at 68°F (20°C)

Fig 3: Measuring Resistance Of Field Coil
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.