2006 Sonata GLS
141k mi

The field coil on the compressor failed. This part is secured to the compressor with a snap ring; and a different snap ring secures the pulley to the compressor shaft. Snap rings cannot be reused, and I am having difficulty sourcing both, which I need. Hyundai and Kia dealership parts counters are, as usual, useless; and unfortunately snap rings are not the sort of component to harvest from a junkyard.

Any assistance with finding these two snap rings is appreciated.

 

Both ring fasteners are technically internal circlips, and nothing about them is unique to OEM Hyundai or their fitment in your Sonata. Just take the two you removed to any well-stocked hardware or auto parts store and find their match. They'll work fine and you'll spend exponentially less money without a Hyundai logo printed on the baggie.

 

Boy...my compressor clutch failed in my 2004 Sonata I4 2.5. I borrowed the AC tools from Auto Zone. I didn't have too much trouble with the clutch, but the coil was a royal b**ch. I had a helluva time getting the snap ring off, then the coil was a press-fit and I had to spend quite a long time coaxing the old one off, then more time trying to get the new coil on the compressor. Then, it didn't work when I got all done. But not worth paying an AC place to work on it. So, I gave it my best.
Note: I did this with the compressor in the car, because I didn't want to evacuate the system. It was extremely awkward with the car on ramps.
0/10, would not repeat. I did wind up finding a belt that excluded the AC compressor. I reused the snap ring; I was not aware this was an issue.
Good luck; I hope this works out for you!

 

I was completely up in my head regarding my snap-ring post. I simply re-used the existing retainers—both of which were perfectly fine for refitment. With the new field coil doing its job the cabin is nice and chilly once again. Total job cost: $40 using a genuine Hyundai part.

The field coil is infamous for burning out--Hyundai even released TSB 12-HA-003 specifically for t-shooting this condition. If your Hyundai is blowing warm/hot air in the summer when it should be blowing cold (regardless of make/model/year) follow the guidance in that TSB.

No doubt Hyundai engineers squeezed that compressor into a tight spot! And replacing a faulty field coil does not require discharging the system since no lines must be disconnected from the compressor, so good thing you didn't bother (an expensive mistake if you had). With the four mounting bolts removed, the compressor conveniently pivots 90° to provide access to the business end. Shame you gave up. It's an onerous job to do on your back, but still definitely within access of a reasonably competent shade-tree wrencher.