AC Compressor replace. Anything to watch out for?

[califesaver]

I am replacing my AC compressor and my HI side AC line. Is there anything I should watch out for. I am going to replace the line first to see if there is anything unusual in the line, Is there anything that I need to watch out for in either that should make me stop and take it to Subaru?

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[Turn in Concepts]

Well, it's a pain to get the lower bolts off the AC bracket with it still in the car. A wobble will help with that.

[Jasper]

dont forget to replace the drier!

did the compressor take a crap on you? (if it did, i'd STRONGLY recommend buying the tools to do a complete flush on the system. particles in those lines will tear up a new compressor in no time)

[califesaver]

bumpp

[bugeye829]

you don't have to replace the drier but make sure you vacuum the system real good before you charge it up.. oh and make sure the compressor has oil in it.

[jargon]

Originally Posted by kfy1232

you don't have to replace the drier but make sure you vacuum the system real good before you charge it up.. oh and make sure the compressor has oil in it.

Where are you getting your compressor from? You need to make sure you drain all the oil out of it first by turning it upside down. Sometimes they are shipped with 2-3 ounces in them. If you haven't bought the compressor yet, get one from discountacparts.com. They have pretty good prices.

You don't have to change the dryer, but it is recommended. The filtering funciton of the dryer should not be compromised, but the desiccant properties may be (drying). You can't change the dryer by itself since it is hooked to the condenser. You'll have to get a whole new one (rockauto has good prices for this-~$130 I think). What was the cause of failure of your AC system anyway? You might also consider changing the expansion valve ($100 from stealership), but again, not completely necessary.

What I would recommend is to do the install yourself and take it somewhere (again, no reason to take it to the subaru stealership for this) and get it flushed. They will also add oil to the compressor. Just make sure the compressor isn't hooked up to engage!

[wrxwhite]

Why are you replacing the compressor? If the compressor exploded; the entire system will need to be flushed to get all the metal out. There are kits available to install a screen on the low side inlet to catch all the particles. Most manufacturers will not warranty a replacement compressor if metal particles are found in it.

[jargon]

Originally Posted by wrxwhite

Why are you replacing the compressor? If the compressor exploded; the entire system will need to be flushed to get all the metal out. There are kits available to install a screen on the low side inlet to catch all the particles. Most manufacturers will not warranty a replacement compressor if metal particles are found in it.

I've flushed many AC systems and have yet to discover one that did not contain metal particles.

[UkNuck]

one odd tidbit I can throw in is to be careful not to whack the #2 TGV sensor while you're working around there... I had a compressor replaced under warranty and it came back showing a P1086... they are not too robust apparently

[califesaver]

I am replacing the compressor becuase the clutch seizes up when I am trying to run it. I had a leak in my Hi side line so I am figuring that it went too long with no fluid in the lines and it seized. Now even if I turn on the fan with the AC button not on it will back load on the engine, which I am figuring from the clutch seizing.

[jargon]

In that case, don't bother putting another compressor on unless you plan to flush the system . Take it to a local shop with all (some) of the lines disconnected (after you install the parts, of course) and get them to flush and charge it for you.

[califesaver]

I looked at the condensor from rock auto. In talking to them they found out from the manufacturer that the part is the condensor only. It does not come with the dryer. I am going to hope that that part is ok and will take in the new compressor to the shop and get them to flush it and get it working. Hopefully the condensor/dryer is still in good condition.

[Parkay090]

Not meaning to hijack, but I'm in a similar boat with AC Compressor troubles. The clutch on my compressor is slipping when compressor initially engages and it makes a god awful squeal during this time.

I have a replacement compressor, but I'd like to find a "how to" or a schematic of the Subaru HVAC system before I tear into it.

Any thoughts?

Thanks

[califesaver]

Well if your just replacing the compressor you probably only need to vaccum out the line. Then replace the compressor. You should probably get the system flushed for good measure. Make sure there is oil in the compressor. Recharge. Chill in your glory.

[fastnoypi]

wheres the drier located? any pics? just curious because i dont think i've seen it when i last replaced my compressor. Im having the same symptoms as parkay and recently replaced the ac tensioner pulley

[califesaver]

the dryer is located with the condensor

[Psipwrd]

Has anyone tackled this job yet? Same problem here, seized compressor, bad squeal and burnt rubber smell when AC is on. I can't locate the expansion valve, but I just ordered the dryer ($40 w/o the condenser) from discountacparts.com so I would assume it can be replaced alone...