A/C Compressor Replacement opinions

mjj1587 · 05-02-2012, 10:10 AM

Hey guys!
Wondering if I can get some opinions. I am replacing the AC Compressor in my wife's KJ as the weather here in MI is going to be getting warmer soon. The compressor in and of itself is not bad - the pulley bearings blew out last fall and I just bypassed for the winter as AC is obviously not needed in the cold. At any rate, even when the bearings blew out, the AC still worked fine.. it just made a terrible grinding metal sound as the pulley spun (the cap for the bearing blew off and the balls were grinding up). That being said I have some options:

I can: Purchase a complete replacement kit including: Compressor, Condensor, and Orifice tube (actually the whole line) for just under $400... then probably around $100 for an evac and refill/charge of the system.

-or-

I can: Call my buddy who is friends with the owner of a dealership who can get me a new compressor for $200 cash...

I am thinking that since I know there is no internal damage to the existing compressor (meaning there's no particles in the closed system) could I just do a quick disconnect and reconnect of the AC lines from the old compressor to the new one and leave the existing condensor and orifice tube? That would save me close to $200. The KJ has 165k miles on her... what are some thoughts on these options?

Thanks guys!

tjkj2002 · 05-02-2012, 06:34 PM

Ifyou do not replace the other parts any warranty on the compressor is voided.You must show proof of the reciever/dryer and orfice tube being replaced at the same time as the compressor to keep the warranty.

streetglideok · 05-02-2012, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjkj2002

Ifyou do not replace the other parts any warranty on the compressor is voided.You must show proof of the reciever/dryer and orfice tube being replaced at the same time as the compressor to keep the warranty.

Yep exactly that. Best to go thru the system and fix it right. Another thing, the clutch bearings usually fail alongside an impending compressor kaboom.

mjj1587 · 05-03-2012, 08:22 AM

Ok cool! Glad I asked - I am aware that 99% of compressor warranties are only valid when replacing the receiver/dryer & orifice tube, but was willing to forfeit that for the cheaper fix...at any rate, I'm not a mechanic and only know enough to really get by so it's good to have honest opinions from others. I appreciate it guys!

tjkj2002 · 05-03-2012, 08:37 AM

Yeah doing it right is expensive but with the quaility of remaned/aftermarket compressors of late you want that warranty.

gjinc · 05-12-2012, 06:33 PM

I got a new pulley bearing from auto zone
MT2021
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par...7233_235847_0_

streetglideok · 05-12-2012, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gjinc

I got a new pulley bearing from auto zone
MT2021
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par...7233_235847_0_

I have a distinct feeling you are going to find out theres more wrong then what you think. Give it a few days or weeks with the a/c running.

gjinc · 05-12-2012, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by streetglideok

I have a distinct feeling you are going to find out theres more wrong then what you think. Give it a few days or weeks with the a/c running.

Been working great, no problems

streetglideok · 05-12-2012, 07:20 PM

Some can back me up on this when I say, the vast majority of compressor pulley bearing failures were tied to an overheating compressor/impending kaboom compressor that I have seen. You may have the odd one, but only time will tell.

gjinc · 05-12-2012, 07:44 PM

compressor is working good, pressures are where they should be. Air is cold
i have done this on other vehicles with no trouble and I don't expect any on this one. Already has a few thousand miles on it

I've also replaced compressors, flushed systems, and replaced orifices when necessary. It was not necessary this time.

Sometimes it is just a bearing and sometimes its not.

Thanks

cemcclain · 07-06-2012, 05:27 AM

Hi, I'm getting ready to replace the A/C compressor in my jeep. This is the first time doing this and I am a little confused about the parts available.

I've ordered the compressor, accumulator, and fluid line (which advance auto's website id's as the expansion valve). Do these seem like the only parts needed?

streetglideok · 07-06-2012, 06:51 AM

Pag oil, and in reality a flush to clean out to the best of your abilities, the condenser and evaporator. From there, you will need a shop to evac and charge the system. You'll also need to find out, if the compressor is filled with oil, or shipped dry. Normally there is a tag on the unit to verify this. Next, you'll need total oil capacity for the system.

cemcclain · 07-06-2012, 06:30 PM

Thanks!

Do you have any idea what the time frame needs to be between completing the part installations and getting the refrigerant pumped in?

streetglideok · 07-06-2012, 07:07 PM

ASAP. Longer the accumulator is exposed to air, the more likely it will become contaminated by moisture. Soon as you are done with the work, it needs to be evacuated and charged.

cemcclain · 07-21-2012, 11:07 AM

The parts all finally came in so I can replace the A/C components. After reviewing the Haynes manual and looking over the system I have a couple of questions:

1. Is there a good order to replace the compressor, fluid line and accumulator in? I was planning to pull one part at a time and install it's replacement.

2. If the compressor comes with oil in it do I add more oil? If yes, how much? I can't find a reference for how much to add.

3. Were else do I add oil and how much?

4. Do I only use the flush on the condenser and evaporator?