03 A/C Compressor change help !

[ejt71]

I have an 03 Eddie B expedition. I am having an A/C shop discharge the system tomorrow. I should have the new A/C compressor in 4 days. My question is what is the best way to remove the old one ? I don't have a lift, but I do have ramps. I have heard too that going thru the wheel well is an easy way too. Will that work ? Will I need to remove tire ? I just want to make the job as easy as possible.
Oh, yes, I know about the serpentine belt removal ..
Many Thanks !

 

[ejt71]

I have an 03 Eddie B expedition. I am having an A/C shop discharge the system tomorrow. I should have the new A/C compressor in 4 days. My question is what is the best way to remove the old one ? I don't have a lift, but I do have ramps. I have heard too that going thru the wheel well is an easy way too. Will that work ? Will I need to remove tire ? I just want to make the job as easy as possible.
Oh, yes, I know about the serpentine belt removal ..
Many Thanks !

Well I did it...it wasn't easy as I had zero instructions. You must remove the fan shroud (topside) and the cooling fan itself. This is the only way to remove the compressor from the location. It wont fit from the bottom. You must also remove the pressure lines last as they are not accessible from the bottom. remove the 3 bolts from under the truck and then pull out from the front to remove the pressure lines (one bolt). I hope this saved many from a ton of extra work.....

 

[ejt71]

Well I did it...it wasn't easy as I had zero instructions. You must remove the fan shroud (topside) and the cooling fan itself. This is the only way to remove the compressor from the location. It wont fit from the bottom. You must also remove the pressure lines last as they are not accessible from the bottom. remove the 3 bolts from under the truck and then pull out from the front to remove the pressure lines (one bolt). I hope this saved many from a ton of extra work.....

If anyone has any questions about how to do it please let me know. I could have cut my time in half knowing I had to remove it topside rather than lowside

 

[bnovak]

you didn't take any pictures did you?

ASsuming with the fan & shroud off, you remove the serpentine

then remove the bolts from below

pull the unit out slightly, remove the AC hard lines (after venting!)

remove the unit.

Wondering how you got the new one to stay in while you were putting the bolts in? Do the hard lines keep it in the (close to) correct spot?