Almost all modern cars are equipped with climate control or at least air conditioning. And this applies even to such budget brands as Lanos and Renault Logan. Often car owners do not know how to maintain air conditioning and drive "while it works." However, this system requires due attention. Otherwise, you will need expensive repairs. In order not to bring the car to this state, he needs a replacement consumables. And today we will consider how to replace the bearing of an air conditioning compressor (including the Chery Amulet).
What is it
This element represents part of an automobile air conditioner.
It differs in its design by the presence of gaskets and thin walls. In addition, this element is of two types - angular contact and two-row. Both types are designed to operate at high speeds. This type of design is perfect for automotive air conditioners and thanks to the built-in seals it is well protected from the negative effects of external factors (salts, water and dirt).
Why does it break
Why is it necessary to replace the bearing of the clutch of the air conditioning compressor if it is well protected from the external environment and is designed for high revolutions? This element wears out due to exposure to a lubricant that dries and thickens over time. Because of this, the balls of the bearing begin to heat up and destroy the cage, which is why the mechanism simply wedges. If the car is more than 10 years old, this is an occasion to think about whether it is necessary to replace the bearing of the air conditioning compressor. Nexia equipped with such a system may require repairs much earlier if the belt tension was not observed. If it is pulled, the part will quickly fail.
Signs
How to determine if a car needs to replace an air conditioning compressor bearing? “Lanos” SE and other vehicles that are equipped with air conditioning are diagnosed without special tools. A characteristic sign of wear of any bearing is a sound, a hum. In our case, this is a loud rustle - the friction of metal parts. This bearing is located in the area of the coupling (on the right side of the engine, below). At first, a slight rustle (sometimes disappearing) will be heard, which you may not pay attention to. But over time, the situation will intensify. The bearing will hum more and more.
Do not ignore the problem.
The air conditioning compressor pulley bearing must be replaced at an early stage of failure detection. With prolonged use, a worn part may become skewed. In doing so, it will affect the electromagnetic clutch of the system. As a result, you will need more than just replacing the air conditioning compressor bearing. “Nissan Premiere”, equipped with this system, may require an additional bay of a new freon.
How to replace?
First we need to remove the compressor. This is done on a jacked car. It is better if the car will stand on a pit or overpass. If there is none, we tear off the bolts, jack in front of the car from the compressor mounting side and dismantle the wheel. Also, to prevent the car from falling, a spare tire should be placed under the spar. Next, unscrew the compressor mounting bolts - there are four of them. If the generator blocks access to it, it must also be removed (first we disconnect both battery terminals).
Then we unscrew the bolt of the clamping disk of the coupling and remove it outward. Some vehicles will require the removal of freon.
How to remove freon?
To do this, you need to unscrew the clamp of the rubber pipe of the compressor. They turn off very smoothly. Remember that freon comes out under pressure.
We continue to replace
So, after successful pulley removal, the bearing should be removed. The latter is attached with a snap ring. If it is expanded, then for dismantling we need a hammer and a chisel. Next, you need to press out the old bearing. To do this, use a special puller. If one is missing, you can use the old cage from the bearing. Remember that when pulling out, the part may be damaged if you press hard on the outside of the pulley.
After removing the old part, the bearing of the air conditioning compressor is replaced. Renault Logan and its clutch are very sensitive to mechanical shocks, so we press in the element using a screw or
hydraulic press. Further, when the part has entered its place, install the locking element back and assemble in the reverse order.
What to look for?
If the air conditioner compressor clutch bearing is replaced, special attention must be paid to the moment and sequence of tightening of all fixing bolts. Otherwise, the item may crack. As for the freon that we removed, subsequent refueling is carried out only by the type of composition indicated on the compressor. When dismantling the latter, it is necessary to ensure the tightness of all outlet and inlet openings. The slightest ingress of moisture can cause a breakdown, and then not only the bearing of the air conditioning compressor must be replaced, but the entire system must be repaired. It is important to achieve maximum tightness not only of the removed element, but also of pipelines suitable to it. The presence of moisture quickly destroys the compressor. Also, before refilling freon, experts recommend vacuumizing the system.
How to replace if there is no press?
We note right away that it is necessary to use this method as a last resort. If it is possible to use a press (at a garage neighbor, for example), do not be lazy and contact him for help.
So, we need to fix the compressor clutch. To do this, you can use your own balloon wrench (with which we unscrewed the wheel) or a puller for Bulgarian discs. Unscrewing the nut, pry it with a minus screwdriver disc. Next, remove the snap ring. After that we need a puller. They will serve as a head for 30 millimeters. We turn the clutch over and look for a bearing with a serif on the edges (this is necessary so that the mechanism does not fly out of the seat). Next, with a hammer, gently tap on the head - the part will begin to slowly go out.
In order not to bend the clutch at a time when replacing the bearing of the air conditioning compressor, it is recommended to place a flat piece of wood or thick cardboard under it. Next, we clean with a piece of rag a seat. If there is rust, we carefully clean it. For this, a rust converter is used (along with a wedge drive - a thing very necessary in the garage). In the absence thereof, fine-grained sandpaper can be used. Next, lubricate the seat and proceed to press fitting a new bearing. To do this, we need the old element - we apply it to the new one and with light blows of the hammer we press-fit.
In order not to damage the element, it is recommended to strike in a circle. Next, we make notches and collect the part in the reverse order. On this, the replacement of the bearing of the air conditioning compressor by the hands is successfully completed. After assembly, it is important to control the noise level of the element. The new part should work quietly. The slightest noise and rustling indicates improper observance of replacement technology. Or is it a factory marriage.
Bearing repair
Although this element is “disposable”, some motorists prefer to repair it. After removing the pulley, remove the plastic protective cover from the part. Next, we need any solvent (it can be medical alcohol, gasoline, anti-silicone or white spirit), as well as a brush. We wet the composition with it and remove the old women, dried grease. Next, we take any high-temperature grease intended for bearings, and press it in place of the old one. We replace the plastic casing.
The main plus of performing repairs is the absence of the need for pressing in and pressing out, which requires special tools. However, the repair will be effective only if the bearing is not very buzzing. With a characteristic rustle, this action will not save, since the development in the bearing is already beyond the norm.
Cost and Manufacturers
Today, there are several leading manufacturers:
- KOYO (Japan).
- SNR (France).
- NSK (Japan).
- NTN (Japan).
The average cost of these elements is from one to two thousand rubles, depending on the size. Used on cars of Japanese, German, American and French production.
Conclusion
So, we found out how to replace the bearing of the air conditioning compressor.
It is worth noting that many drivers prefer to use the services of service stations in this case. And there are reasons for that. Firstly, the presence of a special press. And secondly - the need to refill freon, which certainly will not work at home.