I have browsed the forums and see several posts on diagnosis, but not any how-to on replacing the a/c clutch on the compressor.
I would like to avoid taking it out of the car.

Is it possible to replace the a/c clutch through the passenger side wheel well?

 

I don't think there's enough room in there!
Check this how to video out

 

Thank you, I have seen a video on changing the clutch when its out of the car. But I was hoping to keep from removing it. A) its a lot less work. There is so much in the way to get that compressor out. B) It is fully charged, and it will cost money to empty it, unless it goes into the atmosphere.

So nobody has done this in the car, through the passenger wheel well?

 

And is there a removal tool for the HHR compressor?

 

It doesn't seem difficult to remove. Haynes doesn't recommend any special tools.
1. have system evacuated
2. remove wheel
3. remove splash shields
4. remove drivebelt https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/main...e4/#post716723
5. disconnect electrical connectors
6. remove inlet and outlet lines (discard O-rings)
7. remove 3 mounting bolts
and it's out

Even if you were to do it while still installed, you would still need to do 2, 3, and 4

 

You haven't said why you want to replace the clutch. Did you know there are a couple of items in the underhood fusebox that pertain to the AC clutch?

 

The a/c makes noise when turned on. And sometimes the cooling is weak. I have checked the charge and it is good. Putting those two symptoms together seems the clutch is the most likely candidate.
And RJRSSS350, your description is rather simplified. The alternator sits on top of the compressor. So that will need to be removed just to get access to the compressor. There are plenty of other things in the way, in order to get the alternator out. Once you do all the work to get down there to the compressor, the serpentine belt is already off. So its not the actual compressor, which takes a lot of work, but all the things above it that you have to remove in order to get to it.

That is why I wanted to know if its possible to access the a/c clutch from the wheel well. If I could remove the wheel, and the plastic wheel-well and find a hole where I could place a pulley puller on the clutch, and get it off the compressor without removing the compressor, this would be much less work than going in from the top.

I dont know whats hiding behind that plastic wheel-well cover. Or if there is a hole there that will provide the access needed. I was hoping someone here had attempted this same approach, to save me from taking the wheel well apart and finding out the hard way.

 

Based on your description above,(noise and loss of cooling) that sounds more like a compressor that is going bad.
Back in my mechanic days, I replaced many AC compressors. Doing just the clutch hub....only done a few of those since it usually was the whole compressor that was needed.

AC clutches just "lock in" the pulley so the compressor can turn. The clutch or hub unit is usually a very sturdy part and seldom do you see just that part fail. It does happen but I would check the compressor closely. Maybe even get a local shop to listen and give you their opinion.

Just my 2 cents.

 

Not my description, that's from the Haynes repair manual. You remove it from the bottom, you don't have to mess with the alternator.

 

Remove from the bottom?
I did not catch that in your (Haynes) description. If it can be removed from the bottom, it may be possible to change the clutch from the bottom.

The noise, sounds like bearings to be, and that is in the clutch assembly. I already purchased the clutch so..
However, my feeling is if I have to evacuate system and remove the compressor, why mess with the clutch at all, just replace the entire unit, right?