how to replace A/C Compressor?

[Nehmaiz]

03 C4S 6sp Manual 117,000 KM

Anyone have a DYI guide or step by step instructions on how to replace the A/C compressor on a 996?

i've tried searching the site and the internet, didn't have much luck...

Thanks,

Nehme

:thankyou:

[David Clarke]

I have found that there are 3 bolts, and the one at the back is a ***** to get to, beyond that nothing, So very interested as well as my compressor sounds like a concrete mixer when I turn the AC on

[logray]

First suck out as much power steering fluid as you can.

To get to the rear bolt, remove the throttle body and t plenum behind it. Then remove the power steering fluid reservior. Then reach around with your left hand while you guide a socket extension from the top with your right hand between the intake plenum. Then it's not so bad. The two front bolts are dead simple to remove. Disconnect the one wire going to the compressor. Then the unit slides out and towards you.

But then you have the gas to deal with, which should be evacuated and captured by a professional.

Then once you've disconnected/reconnected the hoses, they need to be recertified, tested for leaks, and the system charged again.

[JFP in PA]

You should also note that Porsche lists the specific amount of system oil to expect to have to replace when working on these systems; each compomponent has an amount of lubricant retained that needs to be accounted for during the recharge.

[David Clarke]

Thanks, pulling the starter motor this weekend, will get some practice in pulling the throttle body, and will locate the bolt.

[Dharn55]

There is a heat sensor located between the front two intakes on that side. If you takes this out, it as a rubber grommet and slides in between the two intakes, you can get a straight sht at the bolt. Also, on some cars there are two fuel lines that run to the compressor that have to be removed. My 2000 C4 has these.

[logray]

For me, to work around the compressor lines and engine temp sensor, a wobble or flex socket adapter does the trick. Coupled with the right size socket (can't be too deep or too fat).

What has worked well on that rear bolt is a small 1/4" drive 13mm socket (not too fat or too deep, but fits snugly onto the bolt and pretty much butts up right against the A/C lines), plugged into a 1/4" flex socket, plugged into a 3/8" adapter, plugged into a 3/8" extension and finnally into the wrench poking out just above the intake.

[Chicagospeed996]

Great advice logray! Worked like a charm

[F-Lambda]

Yes, this is an old old thread, and I don't see that logray has been on in a couple of years, still.

 

In case someone hits this in a search while trying to get that 3rd bolt off -- logray's suggestion of a small, 1/4in 13mm with a flex or wobble adapter, then scaling up from there works like magic.

 

Thank you logray, wherever you are!