Broke the end of the shaft

[LarsMO11]

Hi!
2011 Nissan Murano. Overzealous and I broke the end off the shaft where the retaining ring goes while replacing bad clutch(similar to the one in picture).
Noting that the serpentine belt will keep it in line and prevent it from falling off, I installed the new clutch, and, YES!, I have cold air.
So now, it appears the clutch is engaged at all times, even when A/C is off.
Am I looking at a pre-mature failure of the compressor (bad now anyway), or something worse if I leave it like this?
Thanks!

[Cornbinder89]

Yes, you are going to have problems. But 1st I can't wrap my brain around "it is on all the time"! Either you have an electrical fault keeping it energized, or an mechanical fault with the installation.
Because it can't shut off when the evaporator gets near the frost point, it will ice over and prevent air flow through the evaporator and that is the least of your problems, If it gets cold enough, it could "slug" the compressor with liquid refrigerant and hydrolock it. Now you are at risk of burning the serpentine belt and leaving you stranded on the side of the road.
You didn't break the end of the shaft, but the end of the front case, from what I can see in the pictures.
Your compressor will be worthless as a "core" so you are looking at a new compressor as your best option.
Live and learn, some lessons aren't as cheap as others.

[Cusser]

Overzealous and I broke the end off the shaft where the retaining ring goes while replacing bad clutch

I'd get another used AC clutch and install that.

Most times, buying a brand-new AC clutch - if available separately - will cost practically as much as a complete compressor with clutch. Is it only the end drive plate that broke??

[Cornbinder89]

Cusser, are you seeing what I am? I see that he broke the compressor casting at the "snout" that the clutch bearing is pressed on. A new clutch or a used one will not help this.
I am not sure, but it is possible, that the clutch in question has the gap adjusted with shims, and he failed to shim it properly and that is why it doesn't release.
At this point a new compressor is likely the best soloution.

[Cusser]

Cusser, are you seeing what I am? I see that he broke the compressor casting at the "snout" that the clutch bearing is pressed on. A new clutch or a used one will not help this.
I am not sure, but it is possible, that the clutch in question has the gap adjusted with shims, and he failed to shim it properly and that is why it doesn't release.
At this point a new compressor is likely the best solution.

I believe he stated that the photo was a compressor "similar to his", not his actual one. So at this point I wouldn't put too much faith in anything but a new compressor either.

[LarsMO11]

Cornbinder89, you are correct. It's the end of the front case, broken at the groove for the snap ring. First, I'm going to test for voltage at the clutch with engine running, A/C off. Then, if voltage is not present, I may try a thin washer at the end of the shaft(inside the clutch), to create (or increase) the "gap". I know a compressor is probably in my future, but redneck engineering has pulled my biscuits out of the fire on more than one occasion! i read on another forum, (actually more than one-I'm not alone!), guys used JB Weld and/or Red Loctite after roughing up the nose and inside the pulley with a Dremel tool and emery cloth before tapping the pulley into place. I don't know if that snout could be drilled, but maybe a roll pin would keep it in place!

[Cornbinder89]

Yeah, you can give it a try. it may last it may not, but you will know until you try.
The problem with serpentine belt is you can't just pull the A/C belt and continue down the road. if it fails while driving.

[LarsMO11]

Update-tried running it over the mountain as is. It did freeze the condenser to the point of no air blowing through. Stopped car for 15 minutes, then drove for an hour with A/C off. It still blew cold air, but didn't freeze up. I guess the clutch was slipping a bit...
Got home, shimmed the clutch out with a lock washer and thin washer(about an 1/8"). Been 3 weeks, cycles off and on as it should.The drive belt is holding the pulley in position and shims are creating the correct gap. Sooooo, all is well for now!

[Cusser]

Yeah, you can give it a try. it may last it may not, but you will know until you try.
The problem with serpentine belt is you can't just pull the A/C belt and continue down the road. if it fails while driving.

Cornbinder has a good point: if you continue like this, may be wise to purchase a serpentine belt for such vehicle that does NOT have AC, and keep in the vehicle so you don't get stranded....