Flushing a/c system

[Shawn_hollen]

Anyone have advice on what all I need and need to do to flush out the a/c unit. I have a 99 q45

[AZhitman]

You don't really 'flush' the AC system per se... Unless you have the tools, that's a shop job.

They'll connect it to a machine that will place the system under vacuum (removing old refrigerant and oil), and ensure it holds vacuum. Then they'll replace with the proper amount of refrigerant, oil, and sometimes a dye (to spot leaks). They'll likely recommend you replace the orifice valve, which is where any metal or contaminants will accumulate. It is a sacrificial part and should be replaced.

[Q451990]

They do make an a/c flush that's a very light oily substance. I used it once on my '97 truck. I had the system open to replace the evaporator than had a fairly large hole punched in it with a screwdriver. Someone got a little too aggressive trying to clean out the evaporator drain.

I poured it in to the different components and used compressed air to blow it out. I think it was something like this.

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/inte ... 7CL3*15920

Typically, if you're not overly worried about debris in the system, you'd just do what Hitman mentioned... vacuum it down, replace the drier, and recharge.

[Q451990]

It just occurred to me that you might be thinking about cleaning the outside of the evaporator coils? If that's the case, I use a foaming cleaner available at Home Depot or Lowes that they stock for cleaning window a/c units.

[Shawn_hollen]

Thanks for replying my clutch bearing went out if I have to take the whole a/c unit. Sorry I didn't reply back sooner but I been working on it today I took out the radiator the fan and the tensioner pulley for the a/c I was trying to see if I could just take off the pulley and clutch but I'm not sure if I will be able to cause of the stabilizer bar that runs across

[Shawn_hollen]

So if u could let me know if I need to just take out the whole compressor or not would be much appreciated thanks

[Shawn_hollen]

Thanks for replying my clutch bearing went out and if I have to take out the whole a/c unit I read that I have to flush it out.Sorry I didn't reply back sooner but I been working on it today I took out the fan the radiator and the tensioner pulley I was trying to see if I could just take off the pulley and clutch but I'm not sure if I will be able to cause of the stabilizer bar that runs across

[AZhitman]

Usually, people just replace the whole compressor.

[Shawn_hollen]

Yea I seen that on a lot of forms but the compressor is over 200 and the bearing was 16 I have never done anything with air conditioning on cars and I've worked in a lot of cars so I don't mind doing a little extra work

[Shawn_hollen]

Im going to have to take the whole unit out not enough room to pull the pulley off

[AZhitman]

Pull the compressor, and replace the bearing, then put the compressor back in.

[Shawn_hollen]

Yea I'm going to get it out today thanks for the replys

[Shawn_hollen]

Well got the a/c compressor out today. I'm glad I didn't need to flush the system out there is enough to take off and to do without having to do a flush. I got the pulley off but the out side of the bearing is still inside the pulley. So I have to figure something out to get it out hopefully I can get a spot to get a lip started so maybe I can work down the bearing to pry up.

[AZhitman]

No, go get a bearing puller from your local parts store.

If you pry on it, it's going to be out of balance.

[Shawn_hollen]

I got one from autozone but the bearing was so messed up it all broke as I was pulling it out when I took the clutch plate off the old bearings were falling out it was in real bad shape. Most of the bearing is gone it's just the outer metal a thin piece to

[AZhitman]

Then you're gonna need to replace the compressor.

It's a high-end luxury car, not a Vega... if you monkey the pulley and bearing on there, it's going to shake itself to death - then you're going to have to replace the compressor anyway, AND all of your brand-new refrigerant.

[Shawn_hollen]

Do they make bypass a/c pulleys for the q45 99 I can't find anything online about it I didn't get to work on my a/c bearing today so might not need one just checking options cause at this point I can't pay over 200 close to 300 for a new compressor

[Q451990]

I'm pretty sure you have a separate belt for the compressor... if so you should be able to just leave it off. I would also remove the pulley, and make sure you note how it goes together when you're ready to put it back on.

[Shawn_hollen]

Ok cool yea it has its own belt so if it comes to that then that's cool thanks