A/C Compressor Removal and Replacement - Page 3

Jun 10, 2019 | 09:03 AM

#51

alecmascot

Super Member

Joined: Jul 2016

Posts: 502

Likes: 81

From: Newcastle Upon Tyne

W204 C220CDI 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ricardo2128

The main reason is the diesel sound my petrol engine is emitting.

The usual reason for a noise like that is the failure of the alternator pulley clutch.
Check that it is free in one direction and locked in the other.

Jun 10, 2019 | 11:04 AM

#52

jkowtko

Super Member

Joined: Mar 2012

Posts: 968

Likes: 62

From: San Francisco, CA

2005 c230SS

To answer your question specifically, yes should you be able to replace just the pulley/bearing assembly ... I see those offered as MB Genuine and aftermarket. I even think you can replace just the bearing, although it looks like it may require more "surgical" work to remove and replace the bearaing on the pulley wheel. However this is only relevant if your pulley is wobbly indicating the bearing has play in it. Otherwise I would look to alecmascot's suggestion ...

Jun 13, 2019 | 03:32 PM

#53

Ricardo2128

Newbie

Joined: Jun 2019

Posts: 3

Likes: 0

2004 C180K

Quote:

Originally Posted by alecmascot

The usual reason for a noise like that is the failure of the alternator pulley clutch.
Check that it is free in one direction and locked in the other.

Thank you so much. After looking to replace the Compressor unit, the cost from a local MB dealer in Sydney is $1800. The cost for the clutch and pulley is $500. These guys are out of control! The cost of a new compressor from Denso is $900, now I am determined to just replace the clutch to be safe and pulley.

The other cause of anxiety in this DIY scenario, the full commitment it will take to remove the entire compressor. For a pro 3 hrs for me maybe 2 days. Reason for removing the entire unit is not enough room in the front to access the pulley with a wheel removal clamp.

Last edited by Ricardo2128; Jun 17, 2019 at 04:52 PM.

Jun 13, 2019 | 05:48 PM

#54

jkowtko

Super Member

Joined: Mar 2012

Posts: 968

Likes: 62

From: San Francisco, CA

2005 c230SS

Note, if you have the Denso 471-1580 compressor like they do here on the M271, then there is no external clutch ... that front plate just has some rubber bumpers on it that fit into the holes in the pulley ... I believe the "clutch" on this unit is internal. The only thing you can replace on this unit externally is the front plate with the bumpers, or the pulley/bearing.

Jun 17, 2019 | 04:49 PM

#55

Ricardo2128

Newbie

Joined: Jun 2019

Posts: 3

Likes: 0

2004 C180K

Quote:

Originally Posted by jkowtko

Thank you jkowtko for your help. I will need to verify if indeed this is the correct unit for my VIN. I have indeed checked the pulley on my u it and I can confirm the DIESEL noise emanating from the car is the pulley. The unit you mentioned though seems to have an external clutch though. Again I will need to verify and study the front attachment ahead of the pulley itself but It does look like the clutch engagement.

Jun 17, 2019 | 07:43 PM

#56

jkowtko

Super Member

Joined: Mar 2012

Posts: 968

Likes: 62

From: San Francisco, CA

2005 c230SS

Here is mine:

... you'll have to figure out if you have this unit or one with the external clutch.

Jun 24, 2019 | 04:36 PM

#57

02C240

Junior Member

Joined: Jul 2012

Posts: 68

Likes: 1

c240

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1st lite

I would do what tjts1 said. I replace my AC compressor 4 years ago with a Denso unit (#471-1474). I also replaced my expansion Valve, Receiver drier, 8 oz. bottle of PAG 46 oil and new O-rings.
Reason for replacing my AC compressor was that a seal (front) had gone on my AC compressor unit and started leaking the "PAG 46" oil out. Over time the compressor motor eventually failed (seized).
When the oil slowly leaked out, my serpentine belt had this very light oily coating on it and the surrounding areas. I always thought it was my PS pump that had the small leak, but PS fluid level was never low and never had to be topped off.

1st Lite,

Did you just open the receiver/drier to replace the drier cartridge or did you replace the whole the whole unit? It seems difficult to open the nut on the reciiver/dryer even with the special tool (external hex socket)...

BTW I have the oily belt issue you had for the last two years. I also narrowed it down to leaky compressor front seal.

Jun 24, 2019 | 08:03 PM

#58

1st lite

Member

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 102

Likes: 3

From: Vancouver, BC

2002 C240

02C240,
I opened the receiver/drier unit and replace only the cartridge. I thought I might round off the internal hex fitting, but managed loosen it. You might want to spray some penetrating fluid and attempt to loosen after a day or so.
Yeah. I could never figure out where that light film of oil was coming from until one night I heard something kinda lightly snap somewhere in the engine compartment. That's when my HVAC went kind of weird. No cold air and the system could not get rid of condensation inside the car when it rained. Replaced the AC compressor and all the recommended parts when doing this job. Everything is still functioning 100%!
Good luck with your AC repair.