Thread: Ac compressor replace how to do

Need some advice on how to replace an a/c compressor. Is it a real simple take off and replace? Do i take it off the compressor from the bottom or top of the car , do i have to remove the fan to take off the compressor???

I removed mine from the top. I did not remove the fan, or anything else for that matter. You will want to replace the orifice tube and probabaly the accumulator as well . Then you will need new o-rings for the compressor if it didn't come with any, and the accum. Some PAG oil to refill the new compressor and some in the accumulator. Then a vacuum pump to draw down the system to 30Hg. If it holds 30Hg of vac. for 1 hr. then the system is leak free and you can proceed to refill w/ the correct amount of R-134A (2.2lbs IIRC). Check the book to be sure as you don't want to overfill it.

And no, gauges made for R12 refrigerant will NOT work w/ R134A. Different setup.

Originally Posted by BillBoost37

Enjoy the orifice tube.

That's what she said

I'm getting ready to do this on mine. I was going to have the dealer do it but labor alone was $350 so screw that. How long did it take you guys? What brand did you go with on the compressor, or did you get a used one? How hard was the orifice tube? Is the accumulator a straight up remove and replace? Obviously new seals on everything, too.