Aircon Compressor Replacement

HLC · 31-03-2011, 10:55 PM

Hi Boys,

Long time! Took my AU for a drive last weekend, did about 100kms. That's the furthest i've driven it in about 3 months. as in- I wouldnt have done 100km's in it in the last 3 months!

anyway, since i dont drive it, some of the ancillaries have gotten a bit tired, namely the compressor. It was getting noisy and rattly and smelt like it was on fire occasionally lol

About 2 blocks from home, the compressor seized and as a result the serpentine belt got thrown. Managed to get the car home... just, and it stalled just as i pulled under the carport.

I have no problems replacing the belt, but the compressor is a challenge.

I have a compressor lined up, and there is very little gas in the system (aircon wasnt cold anyway, so i never used it, probably why it died).

So anyone had any experiences replacing the compressor? Looks fairly straight forward, 4 bolts holding it on, and just the plumbing otherwise.

tips? tricks? will i need to remove the manifold, or is there enought access??? (obviously the intake piping is a must)

thanks fellas.

My32Doors · 31-03-2011, 10:58 PM

Honestly mate, take it to a specialist and they will (or should) guarantee their work.

HLC · 31-03-2011, 11:26 PM

it's a car i do less than 2000km's per annum in. I have no interest in taking it to anyone where i will spend big dollars, when i can do the work myself and any 3-month gurantee is redundant anyway given the k's i do.

The company car on the otherhand, where i do nearly 40 000 kays a year in, well thats another story.

WannabeXP · 31-03-2011, 11:30 PM

Seal up the gas pipes ASAP, the more gunk grit or whatever gets in them the shorter your compressor will last. They dont like any contamination.
Im sure the fridgey will evacuate the pipes anyway but its doesnt remove the **** just the moisture.
Cheers Jason

hankb · 06-04-2011, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HLC

Hi Boys,

Long time! Took my AU for a drive last weekend, did about 100kms. That's the furthest i've driven it in about 3 months. as in- I wouldnt have done 100km's in it in the last 3 months!

anyway, since i dont drive it, some of the ancillaries have gotten a bit tired, namely the compressor. It was getting noisy and rattly and smelt like it was on fire occasionally lol

About 2 blocks from home, the compressor seized and as a result the serpentine belt got thrown. Managed to get the car home... just, and it stalled just as i pulled under the carport.

I have no problems replacing the belt, but the compressor is a challenge.

I have a compressor lined up, and there is very little gas in the system (aircon wasnt cold anyway, so i never used it, probably why it died).

So anyone had any experiences replacing the compressor? Looks fairly straight forward, 4 bolts holding it on, and just the plumbing otherwise.

tips? tricks? will i need to remove the manifold, or is there enought access??? (obviously the intake piping is a must)

thanks fellas.

I can not believe what I am seeing here.
From this post and your further post I see that you are contemplating DUMPING the contents of your cars A/C system into the atmosphere. To be able to work on an automotive A/C system you must have a Certificate II AUR 20705 qualification and a National Refrigerant Handleing Licence, that is the law Australia wide.
I presume you have these qualifications.

Beer Baron · 06-04-2011, 08:23 PM

Get someone to evac the system. You swap over compressors then you pay for the system to be vac tested, oiled and re-gassed.

4 Bolts holding the compressor on.
1 bolt in each pipe, Should be 2.
Wiring for the clutch.

If you leave the system open for too long your receiver dryer will need to be changed so make it quick.