Does anyone have experience with changing the A/C compressor? Are there any specialty tools, DIY tips/steps, or things I need to know? I'm pretty handy and have access to a lift.

Thanks

 

This link might be helpful. Good luck.

 

At minimum put car in service mode, or just make life easy, remove the whole core support, it's not much harder than service mode.

After that it's all right there super easy.

No special tools.

 

Best link evar!

 

*bump* is there an updated link as this link is dead :(

 

looking for the same... any tip of getting the top compressor bolt out?

 

That one was a pain in the ***!!!
I took the idler pulley, that made it much easier to see.
I ended up using my small torque wrench (in-lb), for handle length and a deep 13mm socket. It was a perfect fit and cleared the alternator.

Hope that helps!

 

When I removed mine (A/C delete), I just removed the bumper and unhooked the upper rad hose to pull it away. Did the same to replace the alternator as I wasn't willing to waste my time struggling to remove a 4 bolts or get the alt/compressor out in a limited space.

 

I just went at it blind from below. I think I used a 13mm deep, and maybe a short extension.

 

I ended up taking the bumper off, but it wouldn't give me a lot of room. No need for the radiator hose.

If you remove the drier, you'll be able to get the upper bolt between the radiator and the left vertical plastic piece.

 

Keep in mind it is illegal and immoral to improperly dispose of A/C refrigerant if you are not both ASE certified and using a proper evacuation machine.