How To Remove A/c Compressor?

[Matts 850 GLT]

Okay, my a/c compressor sounds like glass marbles and runs very noisey even when not switched on.

I want to pull it off an put another one on. Where are the mounting bolts and how to fix the pipes back in?

Thanks,

Matt

[--Aaron--]

For the lines going into the A/C compressor you're going to need a 5mm IIRC allen socket, 1/4 in. drive ratchet and cheater pipe......I tried a combination of other things and this is what worked best.

You should really have your A/C evacuated prior to as venting it to the atmosphere is not very nice.

To remove it you need to unbolt the power steering pump and put it out of the way, you can leave the lines hooked into it as long as the cap has a good seal. I ended up putting mine up by the rad. core support.

Then remove a bunch of bolts and brackets and pull the alternator, then do the same to your A/C compressor bolts. Once you get the alternator out the bolts you need to remove will be in plain sight.

Pay attention to how things are being removed and try to group things together neatly as this will help you reassemble. I got a bit stuck there for a few hours. Seriously though, you're going to be removing ALOT of bolts and approx. 3 brackets.

Mostly all of them are between 10 and 12mm....various socket/wrench combinations worked well for me. I did not remove the upper rad. hose but that may have made it a bit easier.....

When it's out it's a good time to clean that portion of your engine bay really nice. :D

[DonutsDemise]

r134 isn't as bad as r12 so it's not terrible if you just replace it yourself but you're going to have to take it to a shop to get it recharged anyway so may as well bring the parts and just have them do it.

[boltz]

r134 isn't as bad as r12 so it's not terrible if you just replace it yourself but you're going to have to take it to a shop to get it recharged anyway so may as well bring the parts and just have them do it.

If it's making noise while it's not running, that says it might be a clutch or bearing problem that could be solved without opening the system.

R134a is not an ozone destroyer like r12, but it is a very powerful greenhouse gas.

+1 on having a pro evacuate and charge. I scrounged a lot of used equipment off ebay, and managed to get all the right stuff for about $700, but I don't think you could do much better than that.

-JH

[Gilhuly]

Take pictures of the alternator brackets on the disassembly. It will save you on the reassembly. R134 is heavier than air. It won't do a damn thing.

[rocketman4321]

I've heard others say to remove the alternator and P/s pump, and it would certainly give more room. But I managed to do it by removing the receiver/dryer--popping the one connection out requires one of those round plastic tools from ebay or the local auto parts store. If the receiver/dryer (aka, accumulator) is old, it's prudent to replace it anyway, and not very expensive. With that out, you can loosen the bolts on the serp belt end and the ones holding it on the front (side of the compressor).

You may want fresh o-rings to reconnect the lines. And don't forget to add a/c oil to the compressor if it doesn't come pre-charged.

[wheelsup]

I don't have anything to add except to say I replaced the a/c components on my wife's Jetta a month ago. Shops wanted $1200+ I did it for under $500 and that was with spending around $150 extra as they sent the wrong drier and I had my mechanic put one of his in when he recharged it. It was very rewarding. Only took me 6 hours too. Now my next big step is to figure out how to r&r the engine and tranny.