Replacing AC compressor - any advice or tips?

motu1983 · 10-14-2007, 06:56 PM

Well, my AC compressor caught fire today. TWICE! Apparently the clutch seized up (i think) and the lack of free movement means that the serpentine belt was forcing said compressor's pulley to move, causing massive friction and eventual ignition. Not fun when you're about 50 miles from ANYWHERE, on a sunday no less, meaning all the u-pickem's are closed today!

so i've got to find one in the morning, and replace it ASAP. Any tips or advice for ease of removal and installation?

tangofox007 · 10-14-2007, 07:54 PM

Does your compressor have isolation valves between the compressor and the hoses? If so, it would be a fairly simple job if all you want to do is replace the compressor.

motu1983 · 10-14-2007, 08:22 PM

ok, i've done quite a bit of work on the jeep myself (mostly thanks to the board) but i've never touched AC before. what exactly are isolation valves? and are the bolts over on the power steering pump the only way to loosen/tighten the serpentine belt on the XJ? i haven't gotten to the serpentine belt replacement yet, but it appears the bolt that locks the power steering pump in place (the one facing the front of the jeep) is frozen tight.

man, when it rains, it pours. I've done SOOOOO much work on the jeep in the last month...... ugh.....

tangofox007 · 10-14-2007, 08:58 PM

The isolation valves would be on the fittings where the hoses connect to the compressor. There would be two valve spindles with square 1/4" wrench flats on the end. Usually under threaded aluminum covers. If you have them, you can close the valves and remove the compressor without needing to remove the refrigerant.

The belt tension is adjusted via the power steering pump. There are two bolts on the front and two on the rear that must be loosened, plus the long adjusting bolt. All have 13mm heads.

10-14-2007, 07:54 PM	#2
tangofox007 Web Wheeler Join Date: May 2005 Location: GA Posts: 5,933 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Does your compressor have isolation valves between the compressor and the hoses? If so, it would be a fairly simple job if all you want to do is replace the compressor. Last edited by tangofox007; 10-14-2007 at 08:24 PM..

10-14-2007, 08:58 PM	#4
tangofox007 Web Wheeler Join Date: May 2005 Location: GA Posts: 5,933 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	The isolation valves would be on the fittings where the hoses connect to the compressor. There would be two valve spindles with square 1/4" wrench flats on the end. Usually under threaded aluminum covers. If you have them, you can close the valves and remove the compressor without needing to remove the refrigerant. The belt tension is adjusted via the power steering pump. There are two bolts on the front and two on the rear that must be loosened, plus the long adjusting bolt. All have 13mm heads.