97_GXE

My once quiet Maxima has now become a loud machine. Went to 2 shops and 1 is the tailpipe/muffler and the other is supposedly the compressor bearing, as is being felt on the hoses as well. This started way last year after going thru some deep puddles during a storm. Couldn't figure out what it was, but ever since the car has been making lot of noise. (Lesson learned, no more puddles/off-road driving). But other than the noise, it's been fine for thousands of miles.

Only thing is, they didn't quote me on what I'd need to do. So I'm wondering since the a/c is working fine and was just serviced back in July, could I get away with just a clutch replacement or look into the whole thing.

I hate messing with compressors because too many of them on the market are temporary junk. If I can keep this original one I have with 365,000 miles, I'll be happy.

Karim

Go to a junkyard and get a cheap replacement. I'm betting most have far less miles.
On a side note what variant do you have? The center console looks different from any gen 4 I've seen.

CallMeThatOneGuy

iTrader: (2)

That's a 2000 q45 interior

97_GXE

Junkyard compressors are scary! Did them on other cars and they usually seized or leaked (96 and 87 models albeit).

I have the 97 gxe. But my other ride happens to be similar to my signature pic lol. It's a 98 q45...which also needs compressor replacement, but I bought it that way and looks like the seal around the bearing leaked and got noisy idk.

Napa has a clutch set for $230. But a reman compressor is $238. $8 difference. I'm confused as to weather the system needs discharging? Every place nowadays wants ****ing $125 to service a/c...even those $59 groupon deals get uphold

Karim

Yes the AC system is pressurized. To work on it safely they have to discharge the freon.
Youre lucky to only have the service for $125.
They want double that here.

97_GXE

where's "here" and what kind of service you refer to for $250? $125 was the cost of vac/recharge refill after I did the condenser last year.

Also i seen videos on other makes where the clutch comes off without needing discharging. I'm wondering if i can simply remove the first compressor bolt, remove that first disk with the holes and maybe check to see if there's some gunk that got in there that I can PB blast away and lubricate with silicone.

Karim

Here is canuckystan.
A recharge is fairly cheap. Just around $90.
Any actual service is upwards of $200.

I would recommend getting the kit for recharging. They can be had for pretty cheap.

CS_AR

Here's a Nissan A/C clutch replacement video. The video has two parts. I basically followed this video when I replaced the clutch on my 99 model Maxima. I purchased a compressor and clutch from a wrecked 97 model I30. I moved the clutch from the salvage compressor to the 99 model.

Note that I did not need to cut any bolts to remove the clutch. You will need a GOOD pair of snap ring pliers.

flames101sully

iTrader: (1)

The kits in Canada are not R134a. I had to order mine through an online site as I couldn't find it in the city. Apparantly they're not allowed to sell them retail here.

I ordered the AC Pro kit. Can't remember the site, although I know it was from Canada.


In Calgary it's around $80 for a system evac and $100 for a recharge. Although the place I went to last year was on the cheaper side, I have also been quoted $225 for an evac and recharge

vqmaxman

Take extreme CAUTION as your about to open the H and L port lines from the compressor. the R-134 free-on will leak out with extreme pressure and the fluid can shoot up into your face,if not on to the whole engine bay. This type of work you want to do it away from flammable or closed circulated areas. The compressor bleeding they have a special tool that can syphion the free-on out.