While driving down the highway, the A/C went out, that is fan continued running but no cold air. When I got to a stop, a loud metallic rattle could be heard coming from under the hood. After getting under the car, there is a metal ring on the inside of the A/C compressor pulley that spins freely. When the pulley is spinning, the metal ring knocks around inside the pulley and the compressor does not engage.
The loose piece is the first ring in from the outside with the 3 rivets. It can be "spun" freely with a finger. Is the whole compressor shot or can part of the pulley be replaced?? Is it something to do with the clutch??
1997 318ti
Will something like this part work as a bolt on replacement??:
NEW AC COMPRESSOR CLUTCH DRIVE PLATE / HUB DENSO 10PA SERIES COMPRESSORS