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.