DrifterFreak210

iTrader: (7)

yes i searched!
My AC compressor took a **** on me a few weeks ago. The problem was that the bearing on the clutch gave out and this caused the engine to die out whenever the ac was on.
So i figured buying another compressor would work. But now i'm trying to figure out a way to install it. I'm the kind of person that needs to have some sort of instructions before i even pop the hood. I tried searching for a DIY, or something similar and found nothing. It seemed that the more I searched the more confused I got.
Is this an easy enough job that I can do it myself or do i need to take it to a shop to have it done?
again, i searched, but it only made things even more confusing.
thanks for any help!

LS6427

iTrader: (2)

There's some guys on here that should jump in tonight that can tell you exactly how to do it.

I don't think its that hard. I could tell ya somewhat because I was gonna change a line a few months ago and I was gonna have to remove it...but I was able to fix that line good as new. I wouldn't want to miss a step.
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therealthatguy

iTrader: (23)

it's not hard at all, access to a lift is a LIFESAVER!! but ramps or jackstands work too, quite simply

Remove the A/C belt
Bleed the A/C(coolant)
Remove 2 lines that go to the condensor, (located right against the radiator)
Remove swaybar (not necessary, but sure gets in the way)
Remove clip
Unbolt compressor.

TADA!

DrifterFreak210

iTrader: (7)

Thanks!!

Bleeding the AC coolant, how hard is that? i mean i know its probably just a plug, but how much is going to come out? and is it safe stuff to deal with. because I have been told not to mess with ac fluids.
what would someone recommend to fill it back up with? type of fluid I mean.

also if someone has pics of where to drain it and where to fill, it would be muchhhhhhh appreciated.

LS6427

iTrader: (2)

An A/C shop can recover the refridgerant for you before you start the job, then later on when you're done...go back and they can put it back in.

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LS6427

iTrader: (2)

Can't you just remove the one bolt from the back of the compressor, instead of unbolting the line from the condensor at the different corners???

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6.0 silverado

iTrader: (2)

If your compressor seized, it might be a good idea to replace your dryer and orifice tube as well.

If you just want to replace the compressor alone, make sure you drain/measure the oil in your current compressor, so you know how much to put in your new compressor.

fleetmgr

There is a good bit of refrigerant in the system, assuming you don't have a leak. You do need to be careful, as it's under pressure (about 100 psi), and it can and will cause some rather painful frostbite if it gets in contact with your skin. You absolutely DO NOT want it in your eyes.

Look on the back of the compressor and you'll see 2 lines, one larger than the other. Follow the larger line until you see a black plastic cap sticking out perpendicular to the line. If you remove the cap, you'll find a Shrader valve under it. Connect an appropriate hose to this connection that you got from the parts store (the one for charging that contains a piercing valve for a can of refrigerant will do), and allow the stuff to blow away. You'll know it's done when it quits coming out. Don't do this in an enclosed space like a garage, do it outside. Expect to see some oil come out too, as it flows freely through the system with the refrigerant.

To recharge, you'll need enough R134a to equal what's recommended for your car. The parts store should be able to help with this, as well as what spec oil you need. Put the oil into the compressor before putting it on the car by pouring into the port on the compressor that corresponds with where the larger line goes. Turn the compressor by hand as you pour it in.

DrifterFreak210

iTrader: (7)

Thanks a bunch everyone, i'll try it out and see how it goes, hopefully it'll turn out good.

Jasey

This thread is a lifesaver!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!