A different approach to removing the A/C compressor?

[shanegtr]

I'm going to be changing my A/C compressor soon (once the new one arrives). Having a look through LR's write up on how to remove it has me not at all that excited on doing the job. Looks bloody tight. Was having a think outside the box and was wondering if anyone has dropped the front diff out for easier access? I've seen some pics of the area with the front diff removed and access to the A/C compressor looks to be quite good that way - only issue I could see that may create an issue for removal is the trans cooler lines. Anyone got any thoughts?

[shack]

I'm going to be changing my A/C compressor soon (once the new one arrives). Having a look through LR's write up on how to remove it has me not at all that excited on doing the job. Looks bloody tight. Was having a think outside the box and was wondering if anyone has dropped the front diff out for easier access? I've seen some pics of the area with the front diff removed and access to the A/C compressor looks to be quite good that way - only issue I could see that may create an issue for removal is the trans cooler lines. Anyone got any thoughts? Please share any secret shortcuts you find.

It might save my marriage if I can provide cool air in the car!!!

[kenl]

I just got mine changed this week, cost me $800 in labour plus $100 for de-re-gas and $600 for the compressor.

I usually do most of my own spanner work but was more than happy to get this done by an Indi, SOO good to have aircon again!!

[shack]

I just got mine changed this week, cost me $800 in labour plus $100 for de-re-gas and $600 for the compressor.

I usually do most of my own spanner work but was more than happy to get this done by an Indi, SOO good to have aircon again!!That's incredibly cheap, quotes I've seen are around the $3k Mark.

Good for you!

[Eric SDV6SE]

I just got mine changed this week, cost me $800 in labour plus $100 for de-re-gas and $600 for the compressor.

I usually do most of my own spanner work but was more than happy to get this done by an Indi, SOO good to have aircon again!!

I will be checking with my indie, that sounds reasonable.

[Eric SDV6SE]

I'm going to be changing my A/C compressor soon (once the new one arrives). Having a look through LR's write up on how to remove it has me not at all that excited on doing the job. Looks bloody tight. Was having a think outside the box and was wondering if anyone has dropped the front diff out for easier access? I've seen some pics of the area with the front diff removed and access to the A/C compressor looks to be quite good that way - only issue I could see that may create an issue for removal is the trans cooler lines. Anyone got any thoughts?
I will have a look under mine when I get the chance, should be possible, the transmission cooler lines are easy to disconnect, just means we'll need to plug them and top up the fluid after. They dropped my diff down when they changed the engine mounts, not that hard, but you do need to drain and refill it

[josh.huber]

I'm not sure how different a D3 2.7 is from a D4 3.0. but I had it out very easily. Sure some bolts are a bit"exciting" to get out. But over all. Not a bad job.

From memory, belt off, wheel off, inner guard off. Few turbo hoses off, pipes off, wires off, unbolt it. Go forward then down.

I watched a couple videos you have done Shane, it's childs Play for you,

Ratchet spanners with flex heads, great 3/8 drive it with extensions and wobbles.

Fun fact. I spent hours trying to find the drier, the longest part of my job was finding and changing the drier! The paint job on it was amazing

[DiscoJeffster]

I'm not sure how different a D3 2.7 is from a D4 3.0. but I had it out very easily. Sure some bolts are a bit"exciting" to get out. But over all. Not a bad job.

From memory, belt off, wheel off, inner guard off. Few turbo hoses off, pipes off, wires off, unbolt it. Go forward then down.

I watched a couple videos you have done Shane, it's childs Play for you,

Ratchet spanners with flex heads, great 3/8 drive it with extensions and wobbles.

Fun fact. I spent hours trying to find the drier, the longest part of my job was finding and changing the drier! The paint job on it was amazing

You’re going to keep us in suspense as to where the dryer is?

[PerthDisco]

I just got mine changed this week, cost me $800 in labour plus $100 for de-re-gas and $600 for the compressor.

I usually do most of my own spanner work but was more than happy to get this done by an Indi, SOO good to have aircon again!!

Is $600 locally bought compressor price?

[shanegtr]

I will have a look under mine when I get the chance, should be possible, the transmission cooler lines are easy to disconnect, just means we'll need to plug them and top up the fluid after. They dropped my diff down when they changed the engine mounts, not that hard, but you do need to drain and refill it
Certainly looks like it could come out easier with the diff gone, however I think I would still need to remove turbo and coolant pipework down the side to access the compressor bolts so it may not be worth the effort.


I'm not sure how different a D3 2.7 is from a D4 3.0. but I had it out very easily. Sure some bolts are a bit"exciting" to get out. But over all. Not a bad job.

From memory, belt off, wheel off, inner guard off. Few turbo hoses off, pipes off, wires off, unbolt it. Go forward then down.

I watched a couple videos you have done Shane, it's childs Play for you,

Ratchet spanners with flex heads, great 3/8 drive it with extensions and wobbles.

Fun fact. I spent hours trying to find the drier, the longest part of my job was finding and changing the drier! The paint job on it was amazing
Im sure it will be fairly straight forward, just looking for possible options where access may be easier as I hate working in the tight corners of the car.

[josh.huber]

Certainly looks like it could come out easier with the diff gone, however I think I would still need to remove turbo and coolant pipework down the side to access the compressor bolts so it may not be worth the effort.


Im sure it will be fairly straight forward, just looking for possible options where access may be easier as I hate working in the tight corners of the car.

I've never even looked at a diff out or drop before. Might be the greatest idea since cold beer

[josh.huber]

You’re going to keep us in suspense as to where the dryer is?

Sorry mate, looking at the car, front left on the side of the condenser. Save yourself the effort and get genuine orings. I always do for changing driers. The funny thing is I'm pretty sure it's right where LR put it in the manual. But I still couldn't find it. Ha ha

[350RRC]

No one has mentioned the redheads solution ([bigwhistle][biggrin][bigwhistle]) which could also solve some of those pesky 'pending faults' as well.

Certainly not advocating it. DL

[kenl]

Is $600 locally bought compressor price?

Yes, I got it from Voltaic Auto elec on Welshpool rd, many thanks to a AULRO member for giving me the contact!!

[shanegtr]

I've never even looked at a diff out or drop before. Might be the greatest idea since cold beer
Like I said, access to drop the compressor out should be ok, but still may need to get pipework on the outside of the compressor removed anyway for access to the mounting bolts. Could be a lot of extra work for no particular gain
177790

[josh.huber]

Like I said, access to drop the compressor out should be ok, but still may need to get pipework on the outside of the compressor removed anyway for access to the mounting bolts. Could be a lot of extra work for no particular gain
177790

How did you get on?

[shanegtr]

How did you get on?
Havent looked at it yet. Ordered a compressor from LR direct, but something went a miss (IT) with the order and I need do it again. Just waiting for the refund to go through before I put the order through again.

[Eric SDV6SE]

Havent looked at it yet. Ordered a compressor from LR direct, but something went a miss (IT) with the order and I need do it again. Just waiting for the refund to go through before I put the order through again.

Have you tried AF? They list the Nissens compressor :

LR058017 NISSENS 890124 COMPRESSOR LR019133 LR013934 6 RIB BELT (https://www.advancedfactors.co.uk/lr058017-nissens-890124-compressor-lr019133-lr013934-6-rib-belt-707660-p.asp)

Add 100 bucks for delivery.

[DiscoJeffster]

Have you tried AF? They list the Nissens compressor :

LR058017 NISSENS 890124 COMPRESSOR LR019133 LR013934 6 RIB BELT (https://www.advancedfactors.co.uk/lr058017-nissens-890124-compressor-lr019133-lr013934-6-rib-belt-707660-p.asp)

Add 100 bucks for delivery.

Other than Shane doesn’t have a D4 but a D3, hence

LR014064 Mahle Behr AC Compressor ACP143000S (https://www.advancedfactors.co.uk/lr014064-mahle-behr-ac-compressor-acp143000s-1114018-p.asp)

Rockauto out of the US are really well priced for AC components, but as I don’t believe they got the diesel, probably can’t help here unless the AC is the same.

[Eric SDV6SE]

Other than Shane doesn’t have a D4 but a D3, hence

LR014064 Mahle Behr AC Compressor ACP143000S (https://www.advancedfactors.co.uk/lr014064-mahle-behr-ac-compressor-acp143000s-1114018-p.asp)

Rockauto out of the US are really well priced for AC components, but as I don’t believe they got the diesel, probably can’t help here unless the AC is the same.
Oops sorry....my bad

[Eric SDV6SE]

Rockauto out of the US are really well priced for AC components, but as I don’t believe they got the diesel, probably can’t help here unless the AC is the same.[/QUOTE]

Can't see why it would be different, perhaps only pulley size to change compressor speed to suit a higher rpm. Should be able to check with a part number cross reference

[DiscoJeffster]

Rockauto out of the US are really well priced for AC components, but as I don’t believe they got the diesel, probably can’t help here unless the AC is the same.

Can't see why it would be different, perhaps only pulley size to change compressor speed to suit a higher rpm. Should be able to check with a part number cross reference[/QUOTE]

I’m looking to do an order for both my cars (Golf and the Disco) for a near complete replacement of compressor, condenser, TX, etc. Really good value.

[Eric SDV6SE]

[/QUOTE]I’m looking to do an order for both my cars (Golf and the Disco) for a near complete replacement of compressor, condenser, TX, etc. Really good value.[/QUOTE]

Agree, getting up there with kms travelled and age. It's on my list too.

[Falcon500]

I ordered my AC compressor from Island 4x4 for $490 plus postage with a few other bits. They were the cheapest I could find at the time for a new Denso unit.

[PerthDisco]

Replacing A/C Compressor: Do It Right the First Time (Automotive A/C) - YouTube (https://youtu.be/iQVpRZhrrYA)

[shanegtr]

I ordered my AC compressor from Island 4x4 for $490 plus postage with a few other bits. They were the cheapest I could find at the time for a new Denso unit.
I agree with Island 4x4 often having good prices, but I stopped buying from them a while ago as I seemed to have regular issues with credit car payment system with them. Was just easier and quicker to purchase elsewhere.
I would happily purchase from Rockauto, but I am not 100% sure if the compressors are the same between petrol and diesel so didnt want to risk it

[josh.huber]

I agree with Island 4x4 often having good prices, but I stopped buying from them a while ago as I seemed to have regular issues with credit car payment system with them. Was just easier and quicker to purchase elsewhere.
I would happily purchase from Rockauto, but I am not 100% sure if the compressors are the same between petrol and diesel so didnt want to risk it

Smart, without checking, I would put big cash down to say they are different