Have you replaced your AC Compressor? (2 Viewers)

[dovetails]

So the AC is dead on my GX. Took it to a local shop to inspect it/fill with freon to see what's up, and it's the compressor.

Rockauto sells the Denso kit (OEM) for an inexpensive price. I'll be tackling this replacement project with my uncle who has done this on other vehicles before, but I'm wondering if anyone has any words of advice. I have not replaced an AC, and want to make sure there's nothing I'll need outside of this kit that I'd want to order, or things that I "should replace while I'm in there". Any special tools? Thanks.

The kit I'm buying: Denso AC Compressor w/o rear AC

 

[Rednexus]

Replacing AC parts is not hard and is well within the capabilities of most DIY wrenchers.

In terms of your "what else" question, I would also replace the receiver/drier bag (about $15 on Rock Auto) and do a complete flush of all AC system lines. You can buy flush cans or rent pressurized flush kits from most auto parts stores. After the flush, you need to re-assemble the system, run a vacuum on it for 30 minutes to check for leaks (via a rental vacuum pump from the parts store or an air-powered vacuum pump that you can get for around $20 at Harbor Freight) and refill the system with PAG lubricant and R134A. In addition to the purchased or rented vacuum pump, you'll also need a AC manifold gauge and a can tap for R134A cans. I have a $60 Harbor Freight set that works just fine. For R134A, I'd use at least one can with green UV dye in it so you can find leak(s) in the future. The other can(s) can be normal, non-dyed R134A.

Just FYI I really don't think that GPD kid uses a true Denso compressor. I put a GPD compressor on my old Forester and it was a 100% Chinese-made, non-OE style compressor. BUT, it was cheap, bolted right in, and is still running fine around 4 years later.

If you plan on keeping the rig long-term, I'd pony up for a real Denso compressor ($223 on Rock Auto), Denso condenser ($102 from Summit Racing), expansion valve ($24 on Rock Auto), and O-ring kit of your chose (about $11 on Rock Auto). If you just want to get the rig back on the road the GPD stuff is probably fine, but I doubt it will last ~20 years like the OE Denso parts did.