1. Remove the refrigerant from the air conditioning system (see Removing refrigerant from the air conditioning system). Place the vehicle on an inspection ditch.
Disconnect the wire from the negative terminal of the battery.
2. Remove the engine splash guard (see Removing and installing mudguard and engine crankcase protection).
3. Remove the accessory drive belt (see Checking and replacing the accessory drive belt).
4. Check the condition of the drive belt.
USEFUL TIP: Replace the belt if, upon inspection, you find: – signs of wear on the toothed surface, cracks, cuts, folds and separation of the fabric from the rubber; - cracks, folds, depressions or bulges on the outer surface of the belt; - fraying or delamination on the end surfaces of the belt; – traces of oil on any surface of the belt.
WARNING: A belt with traces of engine oil on any of its surfaces must be replaced, as oil quickly destroys rubber. The reason for oil getting on the belt (usually due to a leak in the seals of the engine shafts) must be eliminated immediately.
5. Squeeze the retainer and disconnect the wiring harness connector from the compressor electromagnetic clutch.
6. Loosen the fastening nut and disconnect the low and high pressure pipeline flanges from the compressor.
7. Loosen the compressor mounting bolts, remove the bolts from the mounting holes and remove the air conditioning compressor.
CAUTION: Immediately after disconnecting, plug the compressor and air conditioning lines to prevent moisture and dirt from entering the air conditioning system.
8. Install the compressor and all removed parts in the reverse order of removal.
WARNING: Open the process plugs of the flanges of the new compressor only immediately before connecting the piping.
When installing new manifold flange O-rings, be sure to lubricate them with A/C compressor oil.
9. Have the air conditioning system refilled with refrigerant at a specialist car air conditioning service centre.
HELPFUL TIP: When purchasing a new compressor, ask the seller about the amount and type of oil that is in the new compressor. This information may be useful to mechanics who will subsequently fill the system with refrigerant.