I need to replace the A/C compressor on my 2005 Honda Odyssey with around 170K due to failure of the compressor clutch. I tried to replace just the clutch, but the part I was able to find was not very good and has already failed. Seems the industry just wants to replace the compressor when just the clutch is bad. The A/C system holds pressure and worked very well while the compressor clutch would engage. I am now replacing the whole compressor and would like to know if whether the condenser really needs to be changed out if the system holds pressure without leaks and I can confirm that the internals of the compressor did not blow up. Thank you. Really appreciate your down to earth videos.
That vehicle is 17 years old going on 18. It would not make any sense to keep a compressor that old if the clutch is shot. You could replace the clutch and then have the compressor go out on you in a short while.
If the condenser is not leaking it's not absolutely necessary to replace it, but it may be required for the new compressor warranty. Once again due to age it's probably not a bad idea to replace it. (Particularly for a condenser which is out front in terms of being hit by debris.)
Since modern cars don't have service valves on the compressor, the AC system has to be evacuated anyway and that's an opportune time to replace other parts. (On older vehicles I've owned - I'm talking circa 1960s and 1970s vintage - the compressor could be changed without evacuating the system by just closing off the service valves. Unfortunately that kind of serviceability is a thing of the past.)
It would be best to replace the 17-year-old drier as well while you're at it.
