Replace ac compressor bearings
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Replace ac compressor bearings
I have a 2001 DRV 3500 and would like to know if it is possible to replace the AC compressor bearings w/out detaching the refrigerant lines from the compressor. The bearings are "whining" and about to go. After replacing the AC clutch coil awhile back I know I can unbolt the compressor and get good access to it with lines still attached. Just wondering if it's possible at this point and not looking for DIY instructions. Thanks in advance.
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From: Clayton MI
Clutch bearings? Or the bearings for the compressor itself? You can replace the entire clutch assembly, without too much trouble, but, if you are going after the internal bearings, no, you have to depressurize the system. I would be far more tempted to replace the entire compressor. If the bearings are shot, you can bet the rest of the compressor isn't far behind.
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The whining is only when the compressor is cooling and not the rest of the time. I guess that would be the internal bearings. If that's the case would you have a ruff idea of the shop cost for compressor replacement? I know other parts must also be replaced but plan to buy my own rebuilt compressor. Lastly I know Autozone lends stuff I need to do replacement myself- is the job like reasonable for an "average" doit yourselfer or do you advise a shop do it? And thanks for your response.
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It is not a DIY job if you invest in compressor why not have a professional do it. I believe you had thread "DIY lowside AC charge" and I told you that you were going to destroy the compressor. But the advice was ignored. I don't contribute much to this forum because I'm not a mechanic but I am a HVAC-R tech been one for over 25 years. I have worked on autos to chillers, so I might know what I'm talking about on this subject.
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It is not a DIY job if you invest in compressor why not have a professional do it. I believe you had thread "DIY lowside AC charge" and I told you that you were going to destroy the compressor. But the advice was ignored. I don't contribute much to this forum because I'm not a mechanic but I am a HVAC-R tech been one for over 25 years. I have worked on autos to chillers, so I might know what I'm talking about on this subject.
As for your "advise ignored" claim you are wrong. I took yours and a lot of other advise into consideration and got through last summer and a 6,000 mi. road trip with an AC that worked fine fixed for $12.
Lastly if you do "know what your talking about" then why aren't you aware this does have the possibility of being a DYI job- certainly many others have done it with tools you can now barrow from auto stores?
Im sorry you had to do 25 as an HVAC-R tech but I'm after less whining not more- I'm already married.
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So your fix was temporary, good for you. So you did not take my advice to fix it properly, good for you.....but here are you again asking for advice. Gee is there pattern developing here? You need not feel sorry me about my career choice. My AC works and if it needs a repair I can repair it. One last thing, I feel sorry for you because you are not astute enough to find a repair shop that will not "rip you off." Have a nice day Arty and you will be back.
Last edited by jkeaton; Feb 5, 2019 at 11:08 AM.
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I'm sure what ramvan61 was trying to express is that most who come here to ask the questions you asked have limited experience with AC compressor rebuilding and thus, taking it to a professional rebuild shop would save you some headache. There's also the option of replacing the compressor yourself, but be aware that if the bearings are indeed worn there is likely metal particles suspended in the refrigerant oil. These metal particles will destroy a new or rebuilt compressor if the entire system is not first flushed out.
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So your fix was temporary, good for you. So you did not take my advice to fix it properly, good for you.....but here are you again asking for advice. Gee is there pattern developing here? You need not feel sorry me about my career choice. My AC works and if it needs a repair I can repair it. One last thing, I feel sorry for you because you are not astute enough to find a repair shop that will not "rip you off." Have a nice day Arty and you will be back.
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Thank you Alloro that exactly what I wanted to say and did not say....smiling. The last time I did a in depth explanation of the problems that might occur it was ignored. Funny what I said could happen with a patch job did occur the compressor gave out. I will not with a respond childish come backs, people here act too professional with their questions and answers. I will not sully the rep of this forum with a tit for tat. This response is to you Alloro. Again thank you
Last edited by ramvan61; Feb 5, 2019 at 04:32 PM.
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I'm sure what ramvan61 was trying to express is that most who come here to ask the questions you asked have limited experience with AC compressor rebuilding and thus, taking it to a professional rebuild shop would save you some headache. There's also the option of replacing the compressor yourself, but be aware that if the bearings are indeed worn there is likely metal particles suspended in the refrigerant oil. These metal particles will destroy a new or rebuilt compressor if the entire system is not first flushed out.