SL/R230: AC compressor replacement
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 537
Likes: 116
From: Ann Arbor, MI
2004 SL600
I assume you know that after replacing the A/C compressor you will have to take it to a shop to get it charged back up. Be SURE to tell them you replaced the compressor to ensure they add some lubrication oil to the charge.
You cannot simply just charge it up with a can or two of Freon because the system has to first be brought down to an extreme vacuum to get all air and water out. The vacuum process also test for leaks, i.e. a good shop will make sure the system can hold a (near) total vacuum for 10 minutes.
You cannot simply just charge it up with a can or two of Freon because the system has to first be brought down to an extreme vacuum to get all air and water out. The vacuum process also test for leaks, i.e. a good shop will make sure the system can hold a (near) total vacuum for 10 minutes.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 96
Likes: 18
From: Norfolk Va
2003 SL500 1991 190E 2.3 2011 ML350 1998 SL500
Great info
I was not sure if I needed to have it flushed before it being opened up
Instructions call for 4 ozs in the compressor 3 more ounces added with the refrigerant
Once I’m finished with replacement I’ll be going directly to the shop for pro refrigerant and oil install
will drive there 7 miles w/o electrical connection plugged in
Saw a utube that showed a small hole being drilled in the bottom frame that allows access to the rear bolt on the compressor then it slides out the front
I have replaced the hydraulic/power steering pump
This should be pretty straightforward
I’ll let you know how it goes
Thank You !!
I was not sure if I needed to have it flushed before it being opened up
Instructions call for 4 ozs in the compressor 3 more ounces added with the refrigerant
Once I’m finished with replacement I’ll be going directly to the shop for pro refrigerant and oil install
will drive there 7 miles w/o electrical connection plugged in
Saw a utube that showed a small hole being drilled in the bottom frame that allows access to the rear bolt on the compressor then it slides out the front
I have replaced the hydraulic/power steering pump
This should be pretty straightforward
I’ll let you know how it goes
Thank You !!
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 320
Likes: 87
From: Tampa
'01 CLK 430 cab, '04 SL500 (230K miles)
While you have the system apart, you may want to consider changing the low suction hose (rearmost hose connected to the compressor)
There is a TSB on the hose, it can internally collapse and cause poor or intermittent cooling and you wouldn't know it by looking at the hose.
He has a printout and it shows "SL 230" at the bottom of the page. I don't know what years it affects but I changed mine anyway when I replaced the compressor just in case.
There is a TSB on the hose, it can internally collapse and cause poor or intermittent cooling and you wouldn't know it by looking at the hose.
He has a printout and it shows "SL 230" at the bottom of the page. I don't know what years it affects but I changed mine anyway when I replaced the compressor just in case.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 96
Likes: 18
From: Norfolk Va
2003 SL500 1991 190E 2.3 2011 ML350 1998 SL500
Great information. I would have no idea hose could collapse internally
I believe in preventative maintenance
Especially while working there anyway
Thank You!!
I believe in preventative maintenance
Especially while working there anyway
Thank You!!
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 537
Likes: 116
From: Ann Arbor, MI
2004 SL600
While you have the system apart, you may want to consider changing the low suction hose (rearmost hose connected to the compressor)
There is a TSB on the hose, it can internally collapse and cause poor or intermittent cooling and you wouldn't know it by looking at the hose.
He has a printout and it shows "SL 230" at the bottom of the page. I don't know what years it affects but I changed mine anyway when I replaced the compressor just in case.
There is a TSB on the hose, it can internally collapse and cause poor or intermittent cooling and you wouldn't know it by looking at the hose.
He has a printout and it shows "SL 230" at the bottom of the page. I don't know what years it affects but I changed mine anyway when I replaced the compressor just in case.
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Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 320
Likes: 87
From: Tampa
'01 CLK 430 cab, '04 SL500 (230K miles)
Here is the one I bought but it doesn't look like they have it anymore. p/n 230-830-38-15
https://www.partsgeek.com/review-pro...6481-08044361/
https://www.partsgeek.com/review-pro...6481-08044361/
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