5th Generation Maxima (2000-2003)Learn more about the 5th Generation Maxima, including the VQ30DE-K and VQ35DE engines.
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Any advise on air conditioner compressor replacement? (2000)
My air conditioner compressor is making a very loud noise on startup, that dies down when the AC kicks in (within 5 seconds)
Apparently this is the compressor about to fail.. I was wondering if anyone had replaced their own, or how much it should cost to get this replaced. Judging by the Nissan repair manual there are a ton of precautions that have to be taken, I don't think it's a job an amateur should attempt --
first of all, make sure it is the a/c compressor thats faulty and not the a/c belt tensioner. Once, you are sure that it is in fact a bad compressor, have your A/C discharged at a garage, from here on its very simple:
1. Remove the A/C belt by loosening the tensioner bolt 14mm and lowering the tensioner via 14mm on top.
2. Remove the low pressure and high pressure hoses: 12 mm.
3. Remove the four 14 mm bolts that bolt the compressor to the engine.
4. Remove the compressor and install a new one.
5. follow above procedures in reverse.
6. Have a/c charged again at a shop.
You will need to remove the splash shields on the right side (2 of them) to access the A/C compressor.
The whole job should take you less than an hour, just make sure you discharge and charge the a/c at a quilified shop and that there is absolutely no pressure in the system before removing the low and high pressure hoses.
You are probebly looking at $80 - 200 in labor charge plus a/c charge and the a/c compressor if you bring it to a shop to do it. And 3-4 times that if you bring it to Nissan to do this.
Well I think it just blew out, I took the car out and after a few miles it started blowing tepid, warm air. I messed with the settings for about 20 minutes but it doesn't respond.
Thanks for the info, but how can I tell whether it's the tensioner and not the compressor? Btw if it just died, it probably wasn't the tensioner eh.
Ok I searched and this was the closest thread I could find. Here's my situation, also a 2000 SE. About a week ago I got the battery/brake lights, drove it straight home, charged the battery, drove it straight the next morning to my guy. Had alternator rebuilt by my very good mechanic. Shortly after, got a consistent whine, changed pitch with rpm and when A/C kicked on. Had my mechanic check it out, he believes it's ac compressor clutch bearing. A/C blows cold fine.
You guessed it , clutch bearing, or even clutch, apparently n/a. Looks like $300 for a reman compressor/clutch assy, another $200 for install, he says leave in the filter/dryer.
I saw some notation on make sure voltages/grounds are good, but this really sounds like bearings going out. Suggestions?
As winter is coming on, I'm tempted to just let it go for now and deal with it with a tax refund or lottery win next spring. Consequences?
Ok I searched and this was the closest thread I could find. Here's my situation, also a 2000 SE. About a week ago I got the battery/brake lights, drove it straight home, charged the battery, drove it straight the next morning to my guy. Had alternator rebuilt by my very good mechanic. Shortly after, got a consistent whine, changed pitch with rpm and when A/C kicked on. Had my mechanic check it out, he believes it's ac compressor clutch bearing. A/C blows cold fine.
You guessed it , clutch bearing, or even clutch, apparently n/a. Looks like $300 for a reman compressor/clutch assy, another $200 for install, he says leave in the filter/dryer.
I saw some notation on make sure voltages/grounds are good, but this really sounds like bearings going out. Suggestions?
As winter is coming on, I'm tempted to just let it go for now and deal with it with a tax refund or lottery win next spring. Consequences?
I had the same problem and had the A/C compressor changed out at the dealer...got reamed on the cost. I should have done it myself and have an shop discharge and recharge for me, but I didn't have time to mess with it.
The dealer stated there is no replacement for the A/C clutch bearing, but some people on here have stated you can get it as a separate part. Do a search and check around...it would save you a ton of money if you can get just the bearing.
Well I think it just blew out, I took the car out and after a few miles it started blowing tepid, warm air. I messed with the settings for about 20 minutes but it doesn't respond.
Thanks for the info, but how can I tell whether it's the tensioner and not the compressor? Btw if it just died, it probably wasn't the tensioner eh.
It could also be a leak. Have you checked to see if the compressor wheel turning when the A/C is on? I had a leak in my system a couple weeks back and it was a hole in the condensor. The shop said it was fairly common on Maximas because of the location, or something like that.
If the compressor wheel is turning fine and you don't have a squeal or whine with it on then have the system checked for leaks.
it sounds like the problem is the AC clutch, that that costs $400+ dollars...about the same as a new or refurbished complete compressor. I bought a USED complete compressor from KRAGEN and it was $230, then installed it myself. It's totally doable yourself. Make sure to purshase NEW O-Rings or it will leak.
Thanks! Any idea what the bearing is for 2000? or if it's like the '99 and has multiple options, would the bearing typically be readily available from a local source (Motion Industries or some other industrial supply) ? Trying to limit downtime although buying a bypass belt is certainly a good option.
Well I had my guy do this for my situation, it was an NSK bearing that turned out to be a pita to locate, I had him check some industrial bearing houses, he had box of good, reusable parts in a corner and found a Nippondenso a/c with same bearing so used it. Sounds good now, $15 for the bearing, $200 for labor and R134a.
Also did transmission service, drop old trailer hitch, and of course,
machine rotors (the ban of a Maxima in the mountains)
Linear Mode
