Car ac compressor

Your car ac compressor is under more stress than any other component in the automotive air conditioning system.

And for this reason, compressor failures are one of the most common and potentially expensive problems that you may experience with your vehicles air conditioner system.

Most ac compressor failures will fall into two categories. This would be an internal failure or an external one. The external compressor malfunction is the best-case scenario for car owners.

This is where either the clutch will fail or another exterior component such as the pulley or bearing. This means that the internal workings of the compressor are in tact.

The internal failure of an air conditioning compressor is the worst-case scenario, because when the compressor comes apart inside it can spread damaging metal parts through the entire air conditioning system. This debris can be challenging to remove and can cause repeat compressor failures going forward.

Car ac compressor replacement instructions

1) Identify and remove refrigerant in accordance with any state and federal or local regulations before working on the vehicle.

2) Remove failed compressor from the vehicle. Transfer any switches, sensors, brackets, or manifolds from the original compressor to the replacement unit.

3) Thoroughly flush each component not being replaced with an approved AC flush solvent. Once each component has been flushed of all contamination, it is necessary to air dry these components using compressed and/or filtered shop air to insure no flushing solvent is left in the system.

4) Replace the accumulator or dryer and all expansion devices. This would include the orifice tube and screen.

5) After installing the replacement compressor on the vehicle ensure proper mounting and belt alignment.

6) It is recommended to install an in-line filter in the suction line near the compressor inlet. This will prevent possible debris from entering and destroying the replacement unit.

7) Add the proper type and amount of ac oil as per manufacturers procedures. Some suppliers of re-manufactured compressors install the oil in their unit. Be sure to follow any and all instructions that come with the replacement air conditioning compressor.

8) Apply a vacuum to the car ac system. A minimum of 29 inches of mercury for one hour to insure moisture and residual flushing solids or boiled from the system.

Improper refrigerant charges are another major cause of premature failure of car ac compressors and poor system performance.

10) When you're finished with your repairs conduct a complete system performance test. Each component in the system must be evaluated.

Most original compressor failures are the result of another failed component within the system, and if not attended to the compressor will most definitely fail again.

Condenser and radiator fan motors are, components that can cause these failures due to high system pressures. When these fans malfunction The A/C compressor is pushing against pressures, much higher than normal conditions.

Car ac compressor replacement

As you can see from the instructions above, an internal compressor failure that has spread metal through the system is a challenging repair for even the most experienced automotive mechanic.

When you remove the original compressor signs of this failure will be metal flakes around the compressor outlet.

Another telltale sign of internal compressor failure will be metal chips and debris clogging the orifice tube screen. If you see these signs of metal chips and debris make sure that you follow the above steps to protect the new compressor.

There is nothing worse than spending a lot of time and money on a repair Just to have it fail the next day.


give this car ac compressor resource page a


More information about how a car ac system operates. I have several pages that describe the theory and operation.

It is much easier to diagnose and repair the systems when you have a full understanding of how it works. This next link will take you from car ac compressor to automotive air conditioning

Car AC Supplies

Custom Search