02 Pathfinder A/C compressor removal

[saskapath]

I've got an 02 with a dead compressor so found one from a wreck and took it to a local shop to have it and a new condenser installed. I think they gave it a pretty good shot but were unable to loosen any of the bolts attaching the compressor to the engine. The were concerned about breaking one or more of the bolts or rounding off the heads and sent me away with a hot car. I appreciate the fact that they quit before they broke something but still need to get the compressor changed.

I'm going to try soaking them with penetrating oil for a week or two and then take a try at them myself, perhaps with some heat and or cold. I thought I would check and see if anyone else has run into this issue and if so, how did you get them loose.

many thanks

[ezb57e]

Welcome to the forums.
I'm thinking snow/salt corrosion here as they are not typically a problem.
Penetrating oil may help.
They can round off if you don't use a good socket or aren't quite square when you hit it.
Getting the engine hot will get the bolts pretty warm too.
I would be leery of a torch on the mounting points.
Since you are not trying to save the compressor, you could get Medieval and use an air chisel to start the bolts or cut them off completely if they round off, but it could be a bit tight there though.
Best of luck