A/c compressor

thething · Dec 1, 2008

My a/c compressor is pretty much shot. (1998 jeep grand cherokee) I bought a new one and it just got here in the mail. I was wondering how hard it was to change it out or if i HAVE to have a mechanic shop do it. Thanks any help would be great.

JayH · Dec 1, 2008

Not hard at all but you will need to recharge the system with a kit you can get at any Schucks/Napa, etc. Just do it.

thething · Dec 1, 2008

Do I have to get it recharged right away? I dont want air conditioning only defrost.

JayH · Dec 1, 2008

If I remember correctly you run the risk of rust in the system if you don't charge it. I'm no HVAC guy though

pokey · Dec 1, 2008

Take it to a shop and have it evacuated then drive it home with the heater and ac off change the pump (took me about 1/2 an hour) then either fill it yourself with one of the kits or take it back to the shop and get it charged. In your grand the heater uses the ac as well as the heater for the climate control so yes you need it charged up to work or you will fry the new pump.

thething · Dec 1, 2008

any idea how much it will cost for me to have them put it in and do everything. Also how much if i put it in and they do everything else??

orangecrush1 · Dec 1, 2008

The a/c comp is also used for faster worm ups in winter ,pulls heat off the coils .If you install and dont charge the sys. you may smoke it .

nevada · Dec 1, 2008

i def recommend having a shop evacuate the system, and also refilling it.

it needs to have the proper oil, and the correct amount. get either wrong, and the compressor will live a very short life. and possible eat up the o-rings, causing leaks. and no, im not talking about the refrigerant.

pay to have it done right.

Kat · Dec 2, 2008

The mechanical part is easy to change out but the refrigant part is the pain in the ass, It HAS to be done properly and your defroster uses the A/c.

junkyard jim · Dec 6, 2008

If you want to ignore it till springtime, there is a dummy pulley for @$40 to take the place of your compressor. Just shut off the valves and take the lines off the old compressor if the system is already empty. That, or if the bearing is still good, just pull the power wire on the compressor. It'll take longer to defog, but it'll still work.