A/C compressor replacement

ELVISJCRUZ

MEMBER
2005 KIA SORENTO
3.5L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
148,000 MILES

I am replacing the air compressor and the condenser. The system still have freon. I have this 4CFM 1/3HP Air Vacuum Pump HVAC A/C Refrigeration Tool Kit AC with Leak Detector, Auto Repair Equipment, Manifold Gauge Set(R134A R22), 3 Hoses, Ideal for Food Packaging, Milking, Medical et kit from Amazon.

I have been reading and it seems that I can't use the vacuum pump to evacuate all the Freon.
This is my understanding of what I have to do.
1. Get the car to a mechanical shop to evacuate the system.
2. Remove and replace condenser and A/C compressor.
3. Vacuum the system with the vacuum pump to make remove all moisture at least for 30 minute then wait thirty minute to check that there is no leak in the system, then vacuum for 30 more minutes.
4. Put oil in the system throughout the yellow hose (qty. Per car specification).
5. Recharge the system with freon and a little bit of dye (qty. Per car specification).

Those are the main steps, there are some details in everyone of those steps that I am skipping. But my 2 questions are:

1. Can I do the first step with the vacuum?

2. Am I missing something?

3. What happens if after everything is done there is a leak, do I have to evacuate everything again?

8 Replies

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

Good afternoon,

No, you cannot use the vacuum pump to remove the Freon. You will damage it. It is only for evacuation prior to charging. Here is a guide to help you step by step with instructions in the diagrams below to show you how on your car.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-air-conditioner-compressor

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/re-charge-an-air-conditioner-system

You need to either have a shop recover the Freon or rent a recovery machine for the Freon.

Then you can continue on your repairs.

Roy

REMOVAL

1. If the compressor is marginally operable, run the engine at idle speed, and let the air conditioning work for a few minutes, then shut the engine off.
2. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
3. Recover the refrigerant with a recovery/charging station.
4. Loosen the drive belt.
5. Remove the discharge and suction hoses.

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6. Disconnect the compressor clutch connector (A), and then remove 4 mounting bolts and the compressor.
Tightening torque :
20 - 25 Nm (2.0 - 2.5 kg-m, 14 - 18 lb-ft)

7. Install in the reverse order of removal, and note these items.

A. If you're installing a new compressor, drain all the refrigerant oil from the removed compressor, and measure its volume, Subtract the volume of drained oil from 200cc the result is the amount of oil you should drain from the new compressor (through the suction fitting).
B. Replace the O-rings with new ones at each fitting, and apply a thin coat of refrigerant oil before installing them. Be sure to use the right O-rings for R-134a to avoid leakage.
C. To avoid contamination, do not return the oil to the container once dispensed, and never mix it with other refrigerant oils.
D. Immediately after using the oil, replace the cap on the container and seal it to avoid moisture absorption.
E. Do not spill the refrigerant oil on the vehicle; it may damage the paint; if the refrigerant oil contacts the paint, wash it off immediately.
F. Adjust the drive belt.
G. Charge the system and test its performance.

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