Changing a 2.4 A/C compressor?

[Mark Finley]

I have a major leak, and I need to change my compressor in my 97 2.4. (It's still 87 degrees here in texas)

The Haynes book makes it sound easy, almost too easy, but I was hoping there waas somebody here who had done the job who could give me tips on how easy or hard the job is. Looks like It's helpful to remove the alternator, but how much other junk needs to come off?

thanks,
Mark

[Matt95GT]

It's rather easy to get to on the 2.4. Yes, removing the alternator is a big help. You'll need to remove (or just move out of way) the EVAP purge solenoid that is mounted just above it. I'm not sure what's involved with disconnecting/reconnecting the lines to it, might want to look into that first, but otherwise it's a fairly easy change.

[Mark Finley]

Thanks! Now I'm not dreading changing it shure beat the heck out of getting the jack out once a week to put a pound of freon in!

[Mark Finley]

well, I did the job yesterday, and I must say it was much easier than I thought it would be. (after I got the proper tools.)

For anybody else thinking of doing this, here are some things I learned...

1. To remove the serpentine belt, get the serpentine belt removal tool from Autozone or O'Reilly's. The auto zone one does not come with Crow's feet, the o'relly's one does. you will NEED a 13mm crowsfoot for this.

2. There is one bolt on the alternator that is nasty to get to. I found the best way to get ot is is come from the top with a 15mm socket, but adapted to a 1/4" drive long extension. this will allow you to get right on top of the thing, and not at an angle. How ever you do it, it's good to know that you do not have to remove it completly, just lossen it a few turns. Once the other bolts are removed, it will slip right out. Huge time saver.

3. It's helpful to remove the connector on the high side pressure that is right in front of you. If the system is empty anyway, break loose the big nut and swing it away for the time being.

4. you will need to remove the splash shield under the compressor, it's easy.

5. break loose the bolt that holds the coolant lines on the back of the compressor before you remove the compressor from the mount.

I bet if I had to do it all over again, I could do the whole job in an hour.