A/C Compressor Removal/Replacement

[Burnsey]

I searched a bit and couldn't find anything about it really except for something I think Jesda posted 2 years ago (if there is a writeup or something somewhere, call me a noob post a link, thanks) ... has anyone done this themselves? ... I've been tryin to sell my car and got my A/C recharged and less than a month later my compressor locked up and is making a sharp scraping type noise

... I bought a used one (via David Sagers) and was wondering what I'd be getting myself into by trying to do the labor myself. My dad's friend could do it for cheap but he's kind of shady so yeah haha ... I wanna know who/if anyone on this board has done this replacement themselves and if you could rate it on a scale of difficulty 1-10, 1 being very easy.

Lemme know if you guys have any input on this.

Who knows ... if someone could give me some insight then we just might have a write up on it

[redmanfx]

First what year Q is it? Early Q's have R12 compressors, but since then, they make R134 replacement compressors for the Early Q's that are slightly different and require you to get new dryer and flush/vaccuum your old system out and get new fittings for the Low and High end pressure valves.

Replacing the Compressor takes time and I would rate it a 6 1/2 on a scale of 1 - 10. Some bolts are hard to get to, but it is right at the very bottom of the car so you can get to it easy enough from underneath. The Connectors are not that bad to release, but like I said, some bolts are a pain. If you do replace it make sure you get the right compressor and buy a new dryer as well. Two new rubber O rings should be purchased and watch out because if you have the old R12 system, Joe sends you the wrong ones. Tell them you have the old R12 compressor. The O-rings to those are thick and kinda cone shaped not simple O-rings.

Determine if R12 or R134a. Get the right compressor and buy a dryer as well. Well worth doing it your self if you can vacuum your system.

[DrewQ45]

First what year Q is it? Early Q's have R12 compressors, but since then, they make R134 replacement compressors for the Early Q's that are slightly different and require you to get new dryer and flush/vaccuum your old system out and get new fittings for the Low and High end pressure valves.

Replacing the Compressor takes time and I would rate it a 6 1/2 on a scale of 1 - 10. Some bolts are hard to get to, but it is right at the very bottom of the car so you can get to it easy enough from underneath. The Connectors are not that bad to release, but like I said, some bolts are a pain. If you do replace it make sure you get the right compressor and buy a new dryer as well. Two new rubber O rings should be purchased and watch out because if you have the old R12 system, Joe sends you the wrong ones. Tell them you have the old R12 compressor. The O-rings to those are thick and kinda cone shaped not simple O-rings.

Determine if R12 or R134a. Get the right compressor and buy a dryer as well. Well worth doing it your self if you can vacuum your system.

Good info from Redman...

Just wanted to add that there are 4 bolts holding the compressor to chassis. Can't quite remember if they are 14 or 17mm but I think 17. Two underneath facing you as you lay under the car and two up above (one in front and the other behind the compressor.) Those two are the hardest bolts to catch. There are also two lines to release (for which you need the afore mentioned O-rings) and those I believe are 12mm. Lastly there is a a plug to disconnect/reconnect.

If my numbers are wrong, it's only cause I'm going senile...

I'll be replacing mine this week so if you are patient, I'll throw up some pics.

...Drew...

[qsiguy]

I did it myself. I'd also say a 6-7 on the difficulty range IF you have the right tools. You need a manifold gauge set, a vacuum pump to evac the system and you're basic wrenches and stuff. I told my story on another thread...

zerothread?id=185175

Wasn't super difficult but it takes a lot of time. I have done a/c work before (a little) and I spend about 7-8 hours on the a/c part of my repairs that day and another 2-3 hours on other things.

[Burnsey]

I always forget to list the year/mileage/etc of my car lol ... I'mma put it in my sig for future references ... but yeah its a 1992

The compressor David Sagers (dsagers) on NICO was off of a 1991 ~100,xxx miles on it (i assume) ... that was the R12 system I believe.

But what I'm wondering now is if it was converted to 134a ... I'll need to email him later this evening after I get off work b/c i don't have access to personal email here.

*Redman - Where are you talking about getting the O-Rings from? ... The Joe character?

*Drew I wouldn't have time to work on it till probably Thursday or Saturday so I would be interested in pictures or any tips ya find out along your way.

[redmanfx]

CALL JOE FOR ALL YOUR PARTS NEEDS, 1 888 216 5328

Joe is from Everything Infiniti in Scottsdale, AZ. He's my parts guy and a whole lot of others here as well. Mention you're with NICO and you'll get our discount. Dan is there and so is another Joe. Anyone can help you, but Joe is the guy I always ask for. Talking to them in the past, the reason they only send the newer O-rings is because the manufacturers parts list they get no longer has the older O-ring parts number(due to the upgrade of those older compressors to the R134a which are slighty different where the hoses attach) and they can't really get them easily.

Once you get under the car you'll see the compressor and be able to figure out how to remove it. It is a pain to put back if you ask me. Check your belts while you have them off. Dont' forget the Compressor oil! The system takes a total of 8OZ.

[redmanfx]

Ps. I emailed you about buying your Q.

[Burnsey]

Ps. I emailed you about buying your Q.

haven't seen one on my end yet?

CALL JOE FOR ALL YOUR PARTS NEEDS, 1 888 216 5328

I'll be calling him tomorrow to talk to him about some parts

[Burnsey]

contacted Everything Infiniti (spoke with Bill I believe - don't really remember) and got the R-12 system o-rings ordered and they should be here prolly Friday or early next wk.

[Burnsey]

I'm ordering more parts for my S13 from Everything Infiniti/Nissan and wanted to make sure I got EVERYTHING I need for the Compressor swap on my Q before I place this order so i can save some on shipping and time.

I can get freon and oil for the system here ... I have all the gauges ... and I've got/ordering ...

A/C Compressor (R12)O-rings for the R12 systemNew Drier.

Is there anything else I'll need parts wise for replacing?

Also if I order directly off their website do I get the NICO discount or do I need to call to receive that?

[redmanfx]

You should really use 4 0z's of r12 compressor oil as well. I think the Dryer takes 1-2 Oz's as well. Compressor oil is always good to use for lubricating new compressors. I added mine to the compressor before it was installed. When you get everything back together just follow procedure from the FSM or here in other post. Lately there's been allot good info on replacing compressors and evacuating AC systems.

[Q45tech]

Dryer takes 0.5 not 1-2 too much oil is almost as bad as too little.

When you flush everything clean and spotless the entire systems need 8 not 7 or 9!