DIY: A/C compressor removal and installation
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 34,122
Likes: 489
From: My little world
DIY: A/C compressor removal and installation
Well, I could have paid someone to do this for me, but I figured I'd better DIY so I could share pics and info for anyone wanting to do this. (the things I do for you)
So here's a short writeup with pics.
1- remove the battery and tray
2- remove the main belt from the engine by loosening the tensioner.
3- disconnect the main A/C electrical harness and 2 coolant lines
4- go under the car and remove the ground wire bolt and harness
5- (optional) remove the oil filter (you'll thank me later when you go to remove the lower bolt)
6- remove the 3 bolts that hold the compressor in. I prefer to do it from the top front, then top back, then bottom.
7- slide the A/C compressor forward and rotate it for best maneuverability while pulling it out the top of the engine bay.
*Note- there is a small "z" bracket on the ground cable bolt that connects it to the compressor. Make sure you re-install it.
Reverse the directions for re-installation.
So here's a short writeup with pics.
1- remove the battery and tray
2- remove the main belt from the engine by loosening the tensioner.
3- disconnect the main A/C electrical harness and 2 coolant lines
4- go under the car and remove the ground wire bolt and harness
5- (optional) remove the oil filter (you'll thank me later when you go to remove the lower bolt)
6- remove the 3 bolts that hold the compressor in. I prefer to do it from the top front, then top back, then bottom.
7- slide the A/C compressor forward and rotate it for best maneuverability while pulling it out the top of the engine bay.
*Note- there is a small "z" bracket on the ground cable bolt that connects it to the compressor. Make sure you re-install it.
Reverse the directions for re-installation.
Last edited by O. L. T.; Jul 15, 2005 at 05:35 PM.
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 34,122
Likes: 489
From: My little world
Originally Posted by /Aerostar\
Nice writeup, but please dont tell me I see a Fram oil filter in there? For shame OLT, for shame haha
I did this on my hooptie. It's just used for testing nowadays. It logged 45 miles in the last 5 months I drive my sandstone one as a daily.
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Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 879
Likes: 1
From: Tennessee
So you just charged it up with some r134a and it's been good as new since?
On my SC3 I can't pressurize the a/c system as much as it should be since by doing that the a/c compressor just engages and then disengages every 10-20sec.
The other thing I've noticed is after a drive at a high rpm for 1-2 min (5000+) or a drive at 85 for awhile I'll smell a burning inside my engine, already replaced the waterpump so I think the compressor clutch/compressor itself has to do with that. What caused you to replace yours, just loss of r134a?
On my SC3 I can't pressurize the a/c system as much as it should be since by doing that the a/c compressor just engages and then disengages every 10-20sec.
The other thing I've noticed is after a drive at a high rpm for 1-2 min (5000+) or a drive at 85 for awhile I'll smell a burning inside my engine, already replaced the waterpump so I think the compressor clutch/compressor itself has to do with that. What caused you to replace yours, just loss of r134a?
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: FL
Whats the seceret to getting to the rear upper bolt? My cars been apart for ever because I can't get the AC compressor off to change the water pump.
I boght a 14mm (built-in) universal socket, but have not had time to use it. I can't seem to get a socket up there. Are you accessing from the top or bottom?
I boght a 14mm (built-in) universal socket, but have not had time to use it. I can't seem to get a socket up there. Are you accessing from the top or bottom?
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 34,122
Likes: 489
From: My little world
Originally Posted by TMaxxTim
So you just charged it up with some r134a and it's been good as new since?
On my SC3 I can't pressurize the a/c system as much as it should be since by doing that the a/c compressor just engages and then disengages every 10-20sec.
The other thing I've noticed is after a drive at a high rpm for 1-2 min (5000+) or a drive at 85 for awhile I'll smell a burning inside my engine, already replaced the waterpump so I think the compressor clutch/compressor itself has to do with that. What caused you to replace yours, just loss of r134a?
On my SC3 I can't pressurize the a/c system as much as it should be since by doing that the a/c compressor just engages and then disengages every 10-20sec.
The other thing I've noticed is after a drive at a high rpm for 1-2 min (5000+) or a drive at 85 for awhile I'll smell a burning inside my engine, already replaced the waterpump so I think the compressor clutch/compressor itself has to do with that. What caused you to replace yours, just loss of r134a?
My local Maxi muffler charges r12 systems
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 34,122
Likes: 489
From: My little world
Originally Posted by FloridaSC
Whats the seceret to getting to the rear upper bolt? My cars been apart for ever because I can't get the AC compressor off to change the water pump.
I boght a 14mm (built-in) universal socket, but have not had time to use it. I can't seem to get a socket up there. Are you accessing from the top or bottom?
I boght a 14mm (built-in) universal socket, but have not had time to use it. I can't seem to get a socket up there. Are you accessing from the top or bottom?
