Replacing AC compressor....any advice ?

[cptnsolo77]

Took the Vibe down to a local shop and the compressor is shot. I know I need to replace the filter drier as well. Has anyone taclked this project ? I searched but all I could find is a clutch swap. I tried other sites too. LOOKS pretty simple, but we know that can be decieving. 3 bolts, a connector for the pressure switch and the suction/discharge lines which is one bolt.

[Chiadog]

I haven't done it to a Vibe, but I've done several compressor swaps on other vehicles and I found it to be very easy and straightforward! AC Shop evacuates system - you do the swap - AC Shop adds the correct AC oil (if necessary) and charges the system, etc. No sweat.

[trb]

I replaced the whole ac system on my Mustang. It was not too hard, once I figured out that I was missing an O ring on the low pressure switch! I used the vacuum pump and gauges from Autozone to evacuate the system and pull a vacuum on it to dry it out, making sure it did not have any leaks, then I filled it with refrigerant to the proper amount. It was working great when the engine blew a few years later.

[cptnsolo77]

Thx guys, it looks pretty straightforward. I found a couple of youtube vids to guide me as well. Dont forget compressor oil if not preoiled

[Chiadog]

I replaced the whole ac system on my Mustang. It was not too hard, once I figured out that I was missing an O ring on the low pressure switch! I used the vacuum pump and gauges from Autozone to evacuate the system and pull a vacuum on it to dry it out, making sure it did not have any leaks, then I filled it with refrigerant to the proper amount. It was working great when the engine blew a few years later.

Great idea! I didn't know Autozone had gauges / vacuum pumps.
How did you ensure there were no leaks before charging the system? Let it sit 24 hours and recheck system pressure?

[trb]

I replaced the whole ac system on my Mustang. It was not too hard, once I figured out that I was missing an O ring on the low pressure switch! I used the vacuum pump and gauges from Autozone to evacuate the system and pull a vacuum on it to dry it out, making sure it did not have any leaks, then I filled it with refrigerant to the proper amount. It was working great when the engine blew a few years later.

Great idea! I didn't know Autozone had gauges / vacuum pumps.
How did you ensure there were no leaks before charging the system? Let it sit 24 hours and recheck system pressure?

Most shops vacuum it down to -29? or whatever the lowest it will go, and then make sure it does not loose vacuum over a certain time period. I ran the vacuum pump for several hours to dry it out and then left it over night just to be sure it held the vacuum, and then charged it up to specs. It was kind of an experiment since I converted the system over to r134a with a bigger condenser to help with cooling. I ended up getting with a friend that does AC work on cars to locate the leak since he has a leak detector. It was pretty obvious when he put it over by the pressure switch!