Does anyone have a DIY for replacing the AC compressor and components? My AC is kaput, after replacing the AC clutch coil did not fix my problem.

Specifically, what all needs to be changed, how to do the flush, and any tips and tricks.
Thanks!

 

Wow those compressors are built like a Sherman Tank...still on my original with 244K miles...just the clutch and coil replacement...

If you don't posess a "recovery machine" then you can't do a AC compressor swap.

At that point it requires the removal of the lines....so at the mercy of an inde or dealership repair.

 

Military auto skills centers usually have the equipment to empty the system.

I would then put it together and let someone else pull the vacuum and fill. The major cost is labor for install, which I am happy to do. Just need to see how people are doing it.

 

Easy peasy. In addition to the compressor, you'll also want to replace the condenser and drier, as well as the o-rings on the hose fittings. You can buy a remanufactured A/C compressor on eBay for ~$100 (12-mo. guarantee which is all you get on a new one). Condenser and drier will run you ~$60 on the same sale site. Cost of o-rings is practically nothing. Installation is easy, particularly if you have your MINI in front-end service mode. You will need a serpentine belt removal tool. An evacuation and freon refill will run ~$100. So, for less than $300 and a couple hours labor you'll have a practically new system. I did this on my '04 and it will freeze you out of the car even in the summer.

 

ah yes it’s all easy until you can’t find the leak and think you might need to replace the evaporator...that happened to a friend of mine

 

I agree that you should also go ahead and replace the condenser. My original condenser started slowly leaking when mine was 11 years old. The compressor or expansion valve failed a few years later when it was 13 years old and I decided to overhaul the system. It's been fine for 4 years now. You might also consider putting in a new expansion valve. It's a little tricky to get to though - buried in the dash. Not as bad as the evaporator though!

 

any tips or links to diy’s that you could send someone who is thinking of replacing the evaporator?

 

I haven't had to do it thankfully. The Bentley starts by saying "remove complete dashboard"!

It's a big and complicated job, and I'm not sure there is any way around it. While you have the dash apart, I'd recommend going ahead and replacing the blower motor too. Removing the dash is not something you're going to want to do again for a long time!

 

The first thing I’d check is to see if all the refrigerant leaked out.

Do have access to a set of refrigerant gauges?

There is a low pressure switch that prevents the compressor from running if there’s no refrigerant in the system.

What leads you to believe the compressor has failed?

If you buy individual o-rings, make sure they’re intended for use on A/C systems. These are often green. Standard o-ring materials will fail.

In my case, I got a quote from a shop, and used this to justify getting some really neat tools to my wife! 😁