1991 Toyota Pickup AC Squeal
 

I have a 1991 Toyota V6 VZE RV (Pickup chassis) with an AC squeal/screech. I turned the AC on for the first time since last summer and found that it wasn't blowing very cold air. I hooked up my manifold and found that it had lost freon. After adding freon to the appropriate level, it started blowing icy cold air.

BUT... there is a loud squeal coming from the engine compartment. The squeal only occurs when the AC is engaged (no sound when only the blower fan is running). The higher I turn the blower fan when the AC is engaged the louder the squealing becomes. My guess is I need either a clutch or new compressor. Does this diagnosis sound right? How difficult is the job (I'd replace the compressor and if either is bad)? Is there a recommended manufacturer or replacement?

Here's everything I know about A/C: https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116/replac...-r134a-284801/ (including replacing the compressor)

The manual shows how to replace the compressor clutch. http://web.archive.org/web/201102052...12compress.pdf I don't know where to get the parts. Note that you have to use shims to set the clutch; you might need a set of them if this is DIY.

Note that you MUST have the exiting R12 recovered by a shop with the special machine; there is no reasonable way to do that in your garage. Don't even think if just letting it out into the air; you're not just drowning polar bears, you'd be killing us all.