Mercedes Benz R350 A/C Compressor Clutch
The Mercedes-Benz R-Class’s A/C compressor clutch is an important part of the car’s air conditioning unit. It impacts how well the A/C system cools the vehicle while you drive. To select the correct compressor clutch for your Mercedes-Benz R350, you need to understand how it works, what role it plays in maintaining a comfortable temperature inside your car, and what components it contains.
How does a compressor clutch work?Located at the center of your R350’s A/C system and close to the transmission is a compressor that pressurizes refrigerant and pumps it through the A/C system. A compressor clutch controls the entire process. It ensures the proper amount of refrigerant is pressurized and released, and it keeps the R350’s system performing efficiently.
When a vehicle in the Mercedes-Benz R-Class’s air conditioner is turned on, the compressor clutch is triggered. Power from the engine serves as fuel for the A/C system and allows this process to occur. The clutch forces the compressor to begin pumping refrigerant through the car’s air conditioning system. When the Mercedes-Benz R350’s A/C system is turned off, the clutch signals the compressor to stop pumping refrigerant. It has an automatic response to changes the driver makes to the R350’s A/C’s control panel.
A compressor clutch is under near-constant strain when the air conditioner is operating, so it’s important to maintain it to keep the system functioning well.
What are the A/C compressor clutch components?The compressor clutch in a Mercedes-Benz R-Class vehicle has five main components that work in tandem to ensure proper operation of the compressor. The components are surprisingly simple and are found in all cars, trucks, and SUVs. While all vehicles’ compressor clutches share the same parts, it’s important to buy the correct versions that will work with your car’s make and model when purchasing replacement parts.
- Clutch rotor: The clutch rotor found in Mercedes-Benz R-Class vehicles uses power from the engine to constantly spin a friction plate when the A/C is turned on.
- Electromagnetic coil: The electromagnetic coil is next to the friction plate that the clutch rotor controls. When a Mercedes-Benz air conditioning unit is turned on, a current is sent through this electromagnetic coil. The current provides a signal that tells the friction plate on the clutch rotor to begin spinning.
- Armature: The armature is a simple metal device that attaches the friction plate to a rotor plate inside the compressor of a car in the Mercedes-Benz R-Class.
- Armature springs: The armature springs disconnect the Mercedes-Benz’s friction plate from the compressor’s rotor plate and allow the compressor to rest when the unit is turned off.
- Output hub: The output hub found in Mercedes-Benz R-Class vehicles shifts power from the clutch to the compressor’s pump rotor. It is permanently attached to both the armature and the pump rotor. Since it’s permanently attached, the amount of slippage between friction plates in the clutch and compressor is minimized.