Rep Power: 0

Last summer I noticed my 2004 Civic idled a little rougher and louder when the AC compressor would engage, but nothing severe. I removed the power steering pump and alternator today because I'm planning to put in a new timing belt and water pump. While in there I checked the AC compressor pulley, and it definitely has some play and is a little noisy when spun. I'm wondering if I should pull the AC clutch off and just replace the bearing, or if I should plan to replace the whole compressor. How does one go about making that decision? Everything runs fine, I would just like to eliminate the rough idle if possible, and I'm wondering if a new clutch bearing will do the job. If I replace the whole compressor I'll have to wait until it's all back together so that I can take it somewhere and get the refrigerant evacuated.

 
Rep Power: 221

Remove the clutch, see how much play you have in the compressor shaft. Make your decision from there

 
Rep Power: 0

My 2004 has always had a little more vibration and rougher idle when AC is on. Pretty sure it's a characteristic of this one.

 
Rep Power: 125

Certainly not a normal characteristic. Idle will pick up maybe 100rpm but it shouldn't be any rougher.

 
Rep Power: 0

I ended up replacing the clutch and it idles much smoother and quieter now. I didn't feel any play in the shaft after I removed the old clutch. The old bearing was definitely noisy.