Aircon compressor
Discussion
I went down to the garage to remind me of what you are going to do...
You will benefit from having access to a lift as the compressor is below the alternator. If you can get below your car then by all means remove the skid plate.
Disconnect battery.
Release the tension on the accessory belt. I always take the time to sketch the path as that seems to make it easier to remember. Also mark the direction of the old belt and replace it the same direction (or replace it - it's pretty cheap).
To remove it from the top you will want to remove the intake manifold to gain access to the alternator and it's associated bracket. I honestly can't remember if I put it in from the top or the bottom, or if removing the intake throttle body gave me enough clearance (without removing the manifold), but for sure things are snug...
Once you have it out of the way you have clearance to remove the AC compressor. I found that replacing it required 3 hands to get the bolts back in place.
And, I benefited from watching the youtube videos for how the AC piping disconnects on Fords & Jags as they are the same spring/clip type connectors that are trivial once you know the secret, but absolutely maddening first time... And, for some reason AC O-Rings come in a large # of diameters and thicknesses and materials. You absolutely want to make sure you have the correct size/thickness & AC material rated ones or you will get the opportunity to come back and do it again. And be sure to use an AC refrigerant rated lubricant on the o-ring (I use Nylog Blue).
You will benefit from having access to a lift as the compressor is below the alternator. If you can get below your car then by all means remove the skid plate.
Disconnect battery.
Release the tension on the accessory belt. I always take the time to sketch the path as that seems to make it easier to remember. Also mark the direction of the old belt and replace it the same direction (or replace it - it's pretty cheap).
To remove it from the top you will want to remove the intake manifold to gain access to the alternator and it's associated bracket. I honestly can't remember if I put it in from the top or the bottom, or if removing the intake throttle body gave me enough clearance (without removing the manifold), but for sure things are snug...
Once you have it out of the way you have clearance to remove the AC compressor. I found that replacing it required 3 hands to get the bolts back in place.
And, I benefited from watching the youtube videos for how the AC piping disconnects on Fords & Jags as they are the same spring/clip type connectors that are trivial once you know the secret, but absolutely maddening first time... And, for some reason AC O-Rings come in a large # of diameters and thicknesses and materials. You absolutely want to make sure you have the correct size/thickness & AC material rated ones or you will get the opportunity to come back and do it again. And be sure to use an AC refrigerant rated lubricant on the o-ring (I use Nylog Blue).
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