G'day all, I know, I know, yet another AC post but at least I've more or less got the problem down (after much scouring on the forums). My Z32's AC system stopped working approximately a few weeks ago. Found out that the compressor was busted ( due to shoddy work at the Z Shop , I am NEVER going back there again) and one of the AC belts seized up and snapped while driving, causing the entire pulley to jam up as well. The housing (mounting bracket) was also cracked; parts of it broke off and I had to remove the entire thing. I have been trying to contact various AC repairers around Victoria; most of them either have no appetite for working on the car (it's way too complex blah blah) or insist on me sourcing for used parts (clearly, a new compressor will cost an arm and a leg and one I purchased recently from a used OEM supplier did not fit, wasting precious labour hours) . I am at wit's end trying seeking a solution to this issue (plus I lack sufficient mechanical experience) and was wondering if anyone could advise on how to proceed from this point. Your help is very much appreciated! Oh and its a non-turbo Zed. Have been told previously a TT compressor would cause issues (for whatever reasons..)
Solution: new compressor or rebuild your current compressor. Did you also check the fuses for the A/C system when it stopped working? It will have a lot of $$$ involved as it is located in such a small working area to remove / re-install
OK, the belts broke bECAUSE the front pulley bearing OR the compressor seized. If the compressor is turning then its s simple matter of replacing the front pulley bearing. If the compressor is seized then there is nobody this side of Nirvarna who will "rebuild" and AC compressor. The only rebuilding of compressors is a replacement of the compressor shaft seal in event of it leaking and a replacement of the pulley bearing. THAT is where it ends no matter what you are told. Now, the broken bracket can be either repaired by welding or just replaced with a SH bracket off another engine. If your compressor isnt munted but the pulley bearing is seized, then its worthwhile to have it replaced and off you go. Your still going to be up for a system service/regas including a new receiver/dryer tho. If the compressor IS munted, then they sell for 80 to 100 bucks S/H but youll need to spring for an entire system flush as often parts of the fuggered compressor can make their way around the system and result in blocking of the TX (Thermal Expansion) valve. As a matter of course, a TX valve will usually be replaced in event of a compressor failure by any reputable AC repairer. Now, turbo or non turbo comp. will make no difference operationally, as far as compression is concerned, apart from the actual hose connections, so ignore any claims that the turbo compressor had ANYTHING to do with the failure. front bearings fail... compressors fail... shit happens. I cant say for certain if the brackets are any different tho between TT and NA. Dozens of guys remove AC (why the fark Ill never know but......) and there must be plenty of compressors/brackets floating around. IIRC, the hose connections and hose runs are different between the two compressors so youll have to determine which is which. I cannot remember what the difference is. Look up the manual which will have diagrammes and descriptions. Its not difficult, just might cost you a few bucks is all. E
Thanks for responding, i) My compressor is indeed munted (it has been removed as well, and god knows where it is now); and you're right about the "rebuilding", there is no one to my knowledge who will do so. I have been repeatedly advised to head to wreckers to find a replacement but there's aren't that many this side of Victoria. ii) The actual bearings on the pulley were severely worn out on its own, and part of the pulley was caved/bent into the belt mount. (if I can find pictures I'll post em soon) I guess where I stand right now is needing to find SH parts (mainly the bracket and compressor, seeing as how I can still get the 3 belts from Nissan). I was considering grabbing one off eBay, but out of concern that it wouldn't fit / run (especially having to drain/fit/regas the system) I am rather apprehensive.
answer my own question from http://z32.wikispaces.com/Expansion+Valve Use & Location All Z32s with air conditioning use a thermal expansion valve. It is mounted with the evaporator housing behind the glove box. It can be replaced separately from the evaporator (and after market replacements are cheaply and readily available as well as OEM parts). makes it sound easy to get too (still requires engine out though)
