DIY Air con pump replacement

[richard90]

Hi,
the Saab 9-3 Aero started to make some interesting noises today, followed by some smoke and an unusal smell.
This all appears to be coming from the A/C pump. THe car has made an wired rattle for some time (10 months) but it hasn't got any worse, until today.
I've seen some replacement pumps for a resonable price, however in the haynes manual it states not to work on the A/C system at home, always use a specialist.
If it was anyother pump, I'd simply wip it off and replace.
Has anyone else completed such a job, is working on A/C DIY dangerous/ hazardous?
Clearly I'd have to get it regassed at a specialist but would not doubt save some money doing the rest myself.

Many thanks,

Richard.

[Steve_D]

First question, was the a/c running when you had these issues?

Unless the a/c is switched in the compressor should not be turning as the electric clutch on the front of the compressor will not be engaged. If the compressor is running then the fault may be in the clutch which you may be able to repair/replace without disconnecting the system.

The reason for not replacing it yourself is that in disconnecting it you will release greenhouse gasses and make a hole in my ozone layer. An a/c fitter will connect too and recover the gas before starting work.

Steve

[richard90]

Hi Steve,

many thanks, the A/C was off at the time so as per your post, it must be the clutch. This would obviously be good news.
However this wouldn't explain the smoke coming out of the engine bay last night. The fan belt did fell rather hot and I perhaps thought it was slipping a bit or suffering serious resistance against the pully.
I'll get it up on the ramps this evening, which will be cold!

Thanks again,

Richard.

[buggalugs]

I can tell you from experience, if you disconnect an a/c line then quite a lot of gas will come out, under a fair amount of pressure, and having this directed at your head is not entirely plesant

[richard90]

I've checked it out and it's just the clutch which is broken. I've had a go at popping it off however it's proving rather hard!
I'll be able to remove it with a puller tomorrow, proably.
Does anyone know if it's possible to purchase a replacement clutch as this would save removing the pump and buying a new one?

Cheers,

Richard.

[Steve_D]

richard90 said:

.......Does anyone know if it's possible to purchase a replacement clutch as this would save removing the pump and buying a new one?

Probably not but you may be able to blag a dead compressor from your local a/c fitter.

Steve