As above, mine is very noisy and was smoky..seems like it has seized up/burnt out.
I can get a compressor fairly cheaply to replace it.

Is there anything particular I should be aware of or any tips for doing this job?

Cheers in advance,

Alan

well you will need to get an aircon specialist to degas the system then regas after you have changed the compressor

Cheers Mook...

What if don't want to do that part just yet (the garage bit) ? Is it ok just fit the new compressor and allow the pulley to idle, or is it more complex than that?

Alan

Sorry I'm not familiar with that particular car but I know that degassing and regassing is not a DIY job and it would be irresponsible (and possibly illegal) to let the refrigerant out into the atmosphere.

The ones I have had dealings with, you couldn't do as you suggest as you have to break into the gas circuit to change the compressor.

The degassing and regassing isn't complex it is just tied up in environmental regulations because the refrigerant gas is ozone depleting gas and also a minor green house gas it has to be recycled.

Modern cars use R134a refrigerant gas which breaks down due to action of sunlight in the upper atmosphere and causes much less damage to the ozone later than thje old style refrigerants.

If the gas had already leaked out you could change the compressor yourself and take it to Halfords or a propper AC specialist to get vacuum pumped and refilled.
Or if you can bodge a vacuum pump fill it using DIY refill cans and a pressure gauge.

http://www.carairconditioningsupplies.com/caraircon/home.php?cat=30

[Edited on 28/12/09 by britishtrident]

Thanks guys...great info. and help.

its prob only the clutch or the clutch bearing thats gone and can be done without degasing or removing the compressor,just take off the aux belt undo the eight/ten mill bolt and the clutch will start to come apart then there maybe a very small c clip and the rest will prise off.not very often the compressor fails .

Cheers Jonesier,

That's definitely worth a look....I'm all for saving a bob or two (or buck or two in my case)

Fortunately, I can strip if first and see what it needs without the pressure of it having to be back on the road at a specific time. (IOW, I'm using a different car right now..)