How to remove AC compressor and install a AC bypass pulley

[danthurs]

So, your AC compressor has gone bad, or you just want it gone to free up a few more ponies and a few more MPG. Removing it is a easy job, and you only need a few tools. Nothing special. This job should take under 2 hours. Be sure to remove all pressure from the AC lines.

Here is what you will need. This is a AC bypass pulley and you can get these and most any auto parts shops.


You will want to jack up the passenger side and remove the tire

Be sure to use your jack stands.


Now remove the splash guard to get to the compressor.


Here is the compressor.


Now you will want to remove your supercharger belt, skip this step if your engine is n/a


Push the tensioner counter clockwise.


Now you can remove the acc belt, again push the tensioner counter cockwise.



Now that your belts are loose you go back to the wheel well and disconnect the plug on the harmonic balancer.


Remove the nut from the stud on the motor mount, then with a 5/16 socket you remove the stud


Remove the stud and spacer, here is what they look like. You may have to tap the spacer to get it out.


Now you can remove all your belts. Supercharger belt first. Then your acc belt. You will need to work it threw a tight area next to a idler. Here I'm pointing at the space from above.


There are 3 bolts holding the compressor on the outside. Get the top one from above, and the rear and lower ones from the wheel well.


Now you need to remove the studs.


You will want to unplug the wires to the compressor, this is clearly visible near the front of the compressor.


You will now need to disconnect the hoses from the rear end of the compressor. There is no easy way to do this. Just work both arms in and feel with one hand and work the socket with the other.


Once your hoses are out of the way you can now get to the hidden bolt way in the back. Again, no easy way to do this.


Now you can wiggle the compressor out threw the wheel well.


If you wish to remove all your AC hoses, you will want to do this before moving on. There are several wire ties that need to be disconnected. You will have to work it back and forth working it out threw the space where the compressor was.

Now threw the wheel well put your bypass pulley in place.


Here it is all installed.


Now check your owners manual for proper routing of your belt and install it.


Now install your supercharger belt.


Make sure both belts are in the proper place with all ribs in the correct groves. as well as routed correctly.


Go back to the wheel well and install the spacer and stud back in the motor mount. once that's in place plug the wires back in to the harmonic balancer.


Put your splash guard back in place.


Put your wheel back on.


And now you have a happy engine with a few more horses.


With a lot less stuff to haul around.

[BillBoost37]

I admit I'm bad about checking this section.

Why did you pull the belts when doing this?
Yanking the studs may have made it easier..but might not be necessary. I've never removed them, was it pretty easy?
If I can make a suggestion, next time you are at a yard..grab the tensioner bolt from an L36 and swap that torx tensioner bolt for the normal 15mm one you stole off the L36. Gives a much better grip than the torx.
Dude..your engine is nasty below the valve covers

ps.. your plastic pulleys (tensioners) look well worn. You might want to replace them before winter. and don't forget our favorite #9

(Can anyone else say "more good writeups by Dan"?

[danthurs]

I remoed the belts because i was changing them. The SC belt needs to be out of the way to change the acc belt. The studs came out with no problem at all. Having these out of the way seemed easier to pull the compressor. I'm sure I'll be doing more cleaning when I get the chance. I'll have to look at replacing those other pulleys when I can.

[BillBoost37]

I thought I saw a fresh gatorback belt. Looks good and great write up.

[danthurs]

I needed a new belt for a long time. just needed an excuse to do it. And thanks. I'll do a write up on anything I can.