My ac is out and i need a new AC compressor. i have one coming in and now to to see how hard it is to do or should i jus take it to mechanic. and what other parts other than comp should i replace while im at it?

 

http://forums.maxima.org/4th-generat...ompressor.html
http://forums.maxima.org/4th-generat...ompressor.html
http://forums.maxima.org/4th-generat...ompressor.html
http://forums.maxima.org/4th-generat...yesterday.html

+Haynes manual.....

 

You should know how to remove your ac compressor since if you're alternator ever dies, you would of needed to remove the ac compressor also (except the part where you disconnect the refrigerant line)

 

Alternator has never died.

 

its four bolts man but i also say buy the haynes book. itll save you a lot of headaches

 

sorry, i guess i really didn't completely finish my thought. I meant to say, you should do it yourself. Its not that hard. IF your alternator ever dies, you would need to take off the ac compressor in order to get to the alternator. Since you've already done the ac, the alternator is only a few more bolts. The compressor job is not that hard. Kinda like replacing brake pads except your under the car and your arms will hurt later on cause you're laying under the car.

 

Except that you need a vacuum pump to evacuate the system when you're done, and a source of refrigerant, and a new dryer.

 

1. You have a shop evacuate the freon in your car...

2. Break the bolts loose on the front pass. wheel

3. Jack the front of the car up, put it on stands

4. Remove the front pass. side wheel.

5. Remove the plastic cover thingies under the car (forgot how many)

6. Unbolt the lines from the A/C compressor

7. Unbolt the A/C Compressor

Done.

I left some details out, but that's the idea.... I will make another How-To on my blog whenever I buy my A/C Compressor (My A/C is out too).

 

Glad you mentioned the evac. as step 1.

Being the system will have been opened and a major component replaced, in order to get the correct charge the system needs to be evacuated and charged from a vacuum state. Have a qualified a/c repair tech with the correct a/c machine perform that work. The machine will also make sure you have the correct amount of oil in the system, also very important especially after a compressor replacement.

Are you using a used or remanufactured part?

 

Is it just me, or is removing the wheel unnecessary?

 

If you are going to replace the compressor, I suggest going to Auto Zone and getting a new dryer. They don't cost much and in my opinion, there are probably more dryer problems than bad compressors.
Randy

 

This. and a new expansion valve (If $$ is tight, then just get the dryer).


Maybe removing the tire is excessive, I only did it once and it was last summer, when I learned that my car has a diff compressor than a 97...

 

Step 1. It's the bearing that's messed up. If you can manage to replace the bearing it will be a lot easier and cheaper. Most of the time this is the case.

It's simple to remove. I didn't even have to remove the wheel. It's just 4 large bolts, and the refrig. lines that run into them.

I had to go get a stock drier. The aftermarket didn't fit. Cost $88 for the stock drier. yuk

Take it to a shop to have it recharged, and have them check for leaks. There is a possibility your A/C went b/c of a leak. Possibly in the lines or in the condenser.