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AC compressor change questions

blu_fuz

New Member Classroom vulture
Joined
Sep 25, 2002
Messages
16,030
Location
Waupun, WI
My compressor is shot and I have a new FORD one to replace it with. I will be changing that and the drier canister. Are there any o-rings or gaskets that I need to change with those while I am in there and the system is not charged? I just want to have everything so I am not running around. Any info is appreciated - JOE
 
yes, the accumulator needs 4 o-rings and the compressor I believe needs two.

make sure you get the green A/C system o-rings.
 
Go get a universal pack from autozone that has all the different sizes for like $6. Its a life saver once you get in there.
 
you need to separate the A/C lines with the removal tool Dyoel mentioned.. you can buy the plastic cheap-o ones for yourself (has multiple sizes and colors.. red and blue, etc, in the package) or you can borrow one from the parts place but getting the right sizes (two sizes for the two lines going in to the top of the canister) on the first try may not happen.
 
I had to get compressor O-ring from Ford dealer for my 98 Mystique. Hopefully, some were included with the new compressor.
 
Hope you don't mind me thread jacking blu.
Anyone have a rough idea of cost for having the compressor replaced by a shop?
Mine completely seized and when I turn it I can hear the little pieces that used to be the bearings grinding and some flakes actually fall out. I read somewhere that I also need to have the condenser replaced as well. Is that right?
 
Well price the compressor and then double that before adding on labor. And no the condenser is usually fine unless you see obvious damage to it.
 
Compressor is $210 from team ford. Is it possible to replace the bearings instead of replacing the unit? And I'm not wrong in assuming I have to evacuate the system before doing anything right? That's the main reason I would have a shop do it, otherwise I think it would be pretty straight forward.
 
Replace condensor and line

Replace condensor and line

My friend who owns a ac shop replaces the line with the filter (don't know the correct name) the condensor, and the compressor (obviously) if the compressor has seized or damaged bearings.

He explains that the particles generated during the seizure of the bearings gets everywhere and flushing the system will not clean them out of the filter line or condensor.

In his early days he tried to help customers out by only replacing the compressor, after he had brand new compressors also seize, he started replacing the other items and has never had a problem.

My 2 cents worth (where did the cents sign go?)
 
My friend who owns a ac shop replaces the line with the filter (don't know the correct name) the condensor, and the compressor (obviously) if the compressor has seized or damaged bearings.

He explains that the particles generated during the seizure of the bearings gets everywhere and flushing the system will not clean them out of the filter line or condensor.

In his early days he tried to help customers out by only replacing the compressor, after he had brand new compressors also seize, he started replacing the other items and has never had a problem.

My 2 cents worth (where did the cents sign go?)
Do you happen to know what sort of cost I'm looking at to have that done? I'm really hurting after dropping a bunch of coin into the car the last month or so.
 
Costs? i dunno

Costs? i dunno

I was able to find a cheap rebuilt compressor, new condensor and the line for about $500 but the car I had wasn't worth the time or effort so I bought a shorter $16 belt and bypassed the compressor.

Others on the list would have a better idea, but a quick trip to the ac shop should provide you wih a pretty good estimate.

Best of luck
 
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