6speeddave

Gentlemen,

Looking for a AC Compressor DIY if it is out there for the E55 specifically. Mine has been whining for a while and it finally went out last night. The pulley is bent and seized. At this point I have the car in the garage all torn apart and now have to order parts.

My question with this, how can I release all of the refrigerant, is that something I can do myself? Once I get all of the fluid out and R&R the compressor, can I drive to the dealer with no fluid in the system (with climate control OFF), or do I need to bypass it entirely from the belt system to drive it? Do you recommend I also replace the drier or any other components? Looks like the DENSO compressor will work.

I am looking for any and ALL input in regards to this job.

shardul

iTrader: (1)

You need a refrigerant evacuation system to de-pressurize the system.

Yes you can manually turn the crank pulley

6speeddave

Just went out and pulled out the belt remnants from the crank pulley, so no need for turning the crank anymore. Thanks for input on that Shardul.

I was pretty sure the refrigerant system was a must. I'll probably have to tow the car to get that done. Or, put on a smaller belt, bypassing the AC entirely so I can drive it.

Again, some more input on this would be awesome. I am more than willing to do this on my own. Did the alternator in my driveway in about an hour last summer.

6speeddave

Does anyone have access to EPC and can pull up various O-Ring Part numbers?

Also was told I can drive the car with the new compressor empty, belt attached, as the compressor has an internal clutch, but looking for input with this. Just need to get the car about 10 miles away in town to get the system recharged at a trusted shop.

hayseed

iTrader: (2)

you could try to contact someone who does mobile auto AC work and have them evacuate the system then replace all your parts ,, yes replace the dryer -- then go to autozone and borrow/rent a vacuum pump and gauges or call that same person back and have them charge your AC...

turbo97se

Since you have already taken it apart and it is sitting, you really should replace the drier. If you had left it closed, you might have been able to get away with not replacing the drier if you replaced the compressor quickly and took it in right away to charge. Given the age of these cars now, it is probably wise to do it anyway.

You are not supposed to release refrigerant into the atmosphere it is an offense to do so. If it has leaked off, then you can open up the system

Once open, you need to pull vacuum using vacuum pump and best to have manifold gages (Around $100 for the set when I got my a couple of years ago) and then can put in R134. If you hardly ever do this, it is probably better to get a professional to do it for peace of mind.

Also need to add PAG oil .. some compressors come with PAG, some don't. Anyway, since you are taking it to a place to recharge, they will be able to take care of this.

Yes you can drive with belt attached, just leave the AC off to be sure. You could leave the AC compressor connector disconnected to be absolutely sure, but the pressure sensor should tell the system that there is no refrigerant and not to engage the clutch.

6speeddave

Yep, the drier and compressor was replaced. Towed the car over to a trusted shop yesterday before lunch and they called me today saying it was ready for pickup. Its amazing how much quieter the motor is now!

Appreciate all the help, I was ready to tackle it but at end of day it was much easier to just pay a shop!

Rocman8

was there black oil coming out of the lines when you disconnected them? a lot of times when they seize up the compressor sends metal shavings all throughout the ac system and the oil turns black and will end up damaging everything.

6speeddave

I didn't disconnect the hoses, the shop did, but they didn't say anything was in the lines before vacuuming.

albenjoseph

Sorry to bring up an old thread, I thought it'd be better than starting a new one.

I like to do my own work on my vehicles and my '03 E55 needs a new compressor. What exactly has to come off before I can remove it? I don't want to remove things I don't have to remove.

My school has this program called ARRC Automotive Repair Reference Center, pretty much like ALLDATA, but free. It says that all I have to remove is the coolant expansion reservoir, and the belly pan but I doubt that I can fit the AC compressor in and out of there.

I've already evacuated and vacuumed the system, all I have to do is to R&R the ac compressor and drier.

Any help is appreciated.

Thank you,
AJ

latemodel21

this might help




Cheers,
Chris

charlesb2003

Sorry to bump an old thread but I'm about to change my compressor also. It's not an E55, it's an E320 with the M112 so it should be fairly similar but with more room to work and I still can't for the life of me figure out how to get the compressor disconnected, removed, and the new one installed without at least taking out the power steering pump in addition to the instructions provided in that .PDF. For anyone who has done this job, do you have any advice? Thanks!