Freemananana

iTrader: (3)

Quick story:

I was on my way home from work yesterday afternoon and I could feel the car getting sluggish. It was slowing down a little bit for no reason. Then I heard something that sounded like a splash guard hitting the tire. Then I smelt smoke. I pulled over immediately. I popped the hood, saw smoke coming from the passenger side of the engine. I was HOPING it was the alternator. I know when they pop, they usually smoke. No such luck. I turned the car off, inspected the source of the smoke and it was too low to be the alternator. It looked like it was coming out of the clutch/bearing area of the A/C compressor. I turned the AC off, turned the car back on, and no issues. There was no more smoke.

My diagnosis, the A/C compressor is shot. The clutch disengages ( I think?), so I doubt that is the issue. Maybe the bearing on the compressor itself seized up? The car was blowing cold air before and during the time this happened. After turning the A/C off, I was able to drive home without issue. So the pulley is spinning on the outside of the compressor.

Would I be correct in thinking I need to replace the compressor? I don't think WD40 is going to fix this one.

Freemananana

iTrader: (3)

Well, since no one chimed in. Anyone have a suggestion on an aftermarket compressor? Rockauto? Amazon? Autozone? Does it matter?

tamboo

denso, rockauto should have it. it's likely what's in there now though.
4 seasons makes one too, i dig their blower motors.

Freemananana

iTrader: (3)

I saw the 4 seasons and was considering it. Denso is OE replacement, correct? I feel like I've heard denso all over the place. If 4 seasons is decent, I'll go with that.

manxman

Replacing the compressor is fairly easy. Remove your serpentine belt, and the compressor is held in place by four bolts that fasten to the front side of the oil pan (no, not the engine block as with most cars). When you re-attach the serpentine belt, remember that the grooved side of the belt rests on the grooved pulleys, and the smooth belt side rests on the smooth pulley. You need a 19mm socket wrench to move the belt tensioner pulley from the TOP side of the engine. An assistant will be helpful in this procedure. You move the tensioner pulley from the top, and your assistant positions the belt on the respective pulleys. Of course, to begin with, you have to remove the lower engine bay underliner and the wheel well liner.

However, you will need a service shop to refill the entire AC system with refrigerant. There is no accurate way to refill the refrigerant yourself unless you want to buy expensive gauges that you may never use again.

Freemananana

iTrader: (3)

If I remember correctly, I have a set of AC manifold gauges. Is that what you are talking about? I used them a few times in the past. If it is truly that straight forward, I may just allocated a day off for the project.

EDIT:

Anyone have a suggestion on what compressor to go with? Brand wise? I'm looking at a new one, not a reman one.

EDIT: 8/14/15

I went with a Four Seasons compressor and the air has never been this cold! It is doing a fantastic job. The car doesn't feel as sluggish when the ac compressor is on. This is likely due to the bearing slowly going bad before it completely seized. Anyway, Rock Auto and Four Seasons are recommended by me so far. I cannot speak to the longevity though.