A/C compressor replacement

STEVE DYESS

MEMBER
2010 MAZDA 3
2.5L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
140,000 MILES

The AC in my car started blowing hot air. I took it to a local shop and had them check it out. After inspection they informed me that the compressor was bad and needed to be replaced at the cost of over $1,700.00.
I have mechanical experience but have never changed out a compressor before I found a compressor for a little over $200.00 I'm considering replacing it myself then taking it in to be evacuated and recharged with Freon. Is there anything else I need to replace or be concerned with? I'm working on a budget here the temperature in my area is slowly going above a hundred I need the AC fixed.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Welcome to 2CarPros.

Here are the directions for replacing the compressor specific to your vehicle. The attached pics correlate with the directions. As far as other things, you should fine.

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REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT
A/C COMPRESSOR REMOVAL/INSTALLATION

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.

2. Discharge the refrigerant. See: Heating and Air Conditioning > Procedures > Refrigerant Charging

3. Remove the front under cover.

4. Remove the drive belt. See: Drive Belt > Removal and Replacement See: Drive Belt > Removal and Replacement

5. Remove the water hose bracket.

Pic 1

CAUTION:
- If moisture or foreign material enters the refrigeration cycle, cooling ability will be lowered and abnormal noise or other malfunction could occur. Always plug open fittings immediately after removing any refrigeration cycle parts.

6. Remove the clip.

Pic 2

7. Disconnect the connector.

8. Remove the bolt A.
L5, L3 WITH TC

pic 3

LF

pic 4

9. Remove the cooler hose (LO). See: Hose/Line HVAC > Removal and Replacement

10. Remove the cooler hose (HI). See: Hose/Line HVAC > Removal and Replacement

11. Remove the bolt B.

12. Remove the A/C compressor. Do not allow compressor oil to spill.

13. Install in the reverse order of removal.

14. Perform the refrigerant system performance test. See: Heating and Air Conditioning > Component Tests and General Diagnostics > Refrigerant System Performance Test

A/C Compressor Installation Note

CAUTION:
- Due to the high moisture-absorption characteristics of the compressor oil, it may absorb moisture if left over a long period of time thereby negatively affecting A/C operation. Drain the compressor oil and refill within 10 min. Of each other.

1. Rotate new A/C compressor shaft six to eight revolutions while collecting refrigerant oil in a clean measuring device. Use this refrigerant oil to refill new compressor. Do not allow refrigerant oil to become contaminated.

2. Rotate old A/C compressor shaft six to eight revolutions while collecting refrigerant oil in a separate, clean measuring device.

3. Compare those oil amounts. The amount of the oil drained from the new A/C compressor should be greater than the old one.

4. Pour the same amount oil of drained from the old A/C compressor back into the new A/C compressor.

Pic 5

A/C compressor oil type
- FD46XG

A/C compressor oil sealed volume (approx. Quantity)
- 120 ml [120 cc, 4.06 fl oz]

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Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe

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