AC Compressor Replacement Questions
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 4,666
Likes: 1,847
From: Erlanger, Kentucky
AC Compressor Replacement Questions
So I have been trying to chase down a pulley that’s been squealing and making noise. Ended up changing both belts, then the main tensioner, then two idler pulleys (pulleys added in the E-force kit), and then the AC tensioner. Things were quiet for a couple of days.
But I now think it’s the AC compressor itself. Since its getting warm, I turned on the AC and heard a pretty good squealing. Turn AC off noise almost completely goes away. Once the car is warmed up, there isn’t any noise.
So I am going to change out the AC compressor. There aren’t any leaks in the system as far as I can tell and the ac still blows nice and cold.
From doing some reading, I am also going to replace the proportioning valve and the drier/condenser. I have served AC systems before so I kind-a know what I am doing.
I also ordered the o-ring kit and a new filter screen.
Anything else I need to do or be aware of? How much R134A does the system take?
Thanks.
But I now think it’s the AC compressor itself. Since its getting warm, I turned on the AC and heard a pretty good squealing. Turn AC off noise almost completely goes away. Once the car is warmed up, there isn’t any noise.
So I am going to change out the AC compressor. There aren’t any leaks in the system as far as I can tell and the ac still blows nice and cold.
From doing some reading, I am also going to replace the proportioning valve and the drier/condenser. I have served AC systems before so I kind-a know what I am doing.
I also ordered the o-ring kit and a new filter screen.
Anything else I need to do or be aware of? How much R134A does the system take?
Thanks.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 4,666
Likes: 1,847
From: Erlanger, Kentucky
Makes sense. I guess I could just try and change out the clutch but I am thinking its best to go all out. The car is almost 10 years old and while I am only at 27K miles, the AC has 10 summers on it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,999
Likes: 1,685
From: Southeast TX
If your compressor is going bad, you probably need to change the condenser too. Lots of crap circulating in your system if the compressor is taking a crap. If it's just the clutch, you could get away without it. They're not that expensive though. Probably be better to replace it all and not have to worry about your cabin air for a good long while.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 4,666
Likes: 1,847
From: Erlanger, Kentucky
If your compressor is going bad, you probably need to change the condenser too. Lots of crap circulating in your system if the compressor is taking a crap. If it's just the clutch, you could get away without it. They're not that expensive though. Probably be better to replace it all and not have to worry about your cabin air for a good long while.
I was able to get the old compressor out and the new one in. Ended up having to drop the front cradle about an inch and raise the engine up with a jack and a block of wood on the oil pan. Was still a tight squeeze however. Going to finish things up today and get the system recharged.
Changing out the dryer/condenser was pretty easy.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 215
Likes: 14
From: Mansfield Texas
St. Jude Donor '13
You mentioned replacing the proportioning valve. Are you referring to expansion valve in the firewall? I'm doing the same thing while I have my engine out of the car. The A/C was working fine but as hard as that stuff is to get to I'm going back with all new OEM GM compressor, condenser, expansion valve and new seals on everything while I'm in there.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 4,666
Likes: 1,847
From: Erlanger, Kentucky
You mentioned replacing the proportioning valve. Are you referring to expansion valve in the firewall? I'm doing the same thing while I have my engine out of the car. The A/C was working fine but as hard as that stuff is to get to I'm going back with all new OEM GM compressor, condenser, expansion valve and new seals on everything while I'm in there.
I am changing the compressor, condenser, and all the seals however.
