A/C Repair ... stubborn Compressor bolts.

2005 4X4 Double Cab Tacoma

So I was replacing my seized compressor and decided to buy an entire kit to replace the expansion valve, compressor, condenser, and drier. I left the compressor for last and replaced all others and flushed and cleaned all lines. When I got to the compressor, the mounting bolts were rusted and seemed to be infused with the compressor.

Needless to say the tip of a mounting bolt broke and is left in the bracket. So that's beyond my skill and I just put the belt back on and left the lines disconnected from the compressor and secured them. I took the truck to a shop to have them remove and drill out the bolts that are broken.

What was going to be a $400 repair for me is now about $900. Hopefully all goes well at the shop today and it doesn't cost me more.

Anyone had problems with any components being infused to the engine due to the infamous rust issues on our trucks? How do you tackle the rust concerns not just on the frame but the engine block as well?

Thanks for all of the information on these forums as well. I couldn't have done the work with out you all (minus the broken bolt ... I could have definitely done that on my own).

 

How were you going about removing the bolts?

 

Well I didn't have a torch to heat them up and I wouldn't want to attempt that in the location that they're in. So I tried using some liquid wrench and elbow grease but it didn't work out so well. The issue seemed to be with the mounting bracket and bolts being stubborn, not the compressor and bolts.

 

Direct leverage with a cheater bar for example will surely shear off those bolts.

And impact, with a releasing agent, would have suited you better.

The hammer function of the gun will "shake" the bolt loose.

Granted both need to be done in moderation. You can't just run a impact on the bolts; otherwise the same thing happens with the bolt.

 

I thought that too but there isn't much room there to get an impact gun. It was tough just to get a good position. Thanks for the reply.

 

So the shop was able to remove all of the mounting bolts and there were 2 broken bolts that they were able to back out. So then I asked the shop to drain the pre-filled oil from the new compressor before they install it and then refill it with at least 3 oz of the new PAG oil that came with the kit. Well they said when they tried to drain the compressor that only a few drops came out and that they would have to drain the compressor overnight so they went ahead and installed it. I'm going to have the system vacuumed and charged tomorrow but I still have the full bottle of PAG oil. Should I remove the compressor and still try to drain the manufacturer installed oil or just add the bottle of new PAG oil?

 

I agree with Hondah I use my impact gun, start at a low setting let it tap tap tap for a few minutes slowly raise the air pressure. I got a bolt out of my corvette engine pulley that was torqued to 240 lbs like that....good luck

 

So far, spraying liquid wrench and being patient for days (3-4 days spraying each day) has done the trick. it worked with my truck bed bolts, and currently giving it a try with the last AC compressor bolt.

 

I have found that a product called Kroil is the best penetrating lubricant. Way better than liquid wrench, pb blaster, etc.
No affiliation, .........etc http://www.kanolabs.com/

 

LoL 3 year old thread. Did the OP add oil to the compressor or not?

 

Wonder if the OP is still alive?