When replacing the AC Compressor, do I need to replace both expansion valves as well or just the front
My 2005 Honda Pilot AC compressor clutch coil is no good so I've decided to replace the compressor. I also plan on replacing the expansion valve and the condenser. I learned that the condenser cannot be flushed and should be replaced and that the desiccant bag is in one side of the condenser. I also learned that there are 2 expansion valves: one for the front AC and one for the rear. Should I be replacing the rear expansion valve as well? What problems might I run into if I don't?
My car has 149500 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi there. Anytime you replace major air conditioning system components like the AC compressor, it’s recommended to purchase all supporting hardware and replace it at the same time. AC works as a series of individual components working efficiently together to create cool air that flows into your cabin. As such, if you’re replacing the front expansion valve, it’s a good idea to replace the rear at the same time. This increases overall efficiency of the system, reduces the potential of small component failure and allows the parts you replaced to last longer.
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For the compressor that is seized, you will at the very least need to replace the compressor assembly and clutch, receiver drier, expansion valve, and flush out the system. I recommend having a mechanic diagnose your vehicle to see if any other components need replaced in order to fix your air conditioner.
You are supposed to replace the expansion valve and dryer with a new compressor because in cases of the compressor itself E36 M3ting the bed, the system will be full of trash, this is not your case by the sounds of it.
In fact, most compressor warranties require that the dryer also be replaced if the AC system is worked on. As mentioned, the dryer contains desiccant, which functions to remove any moisture that may get trapped in the system.
Symptoms of a Failing Expansion Valve
If the valve fails or has an issue, it can disturb the performance of the AC system, causing it to underperform. The AC system may begin to blow noticeably less cold than before and may even begin to blow warm air, depending on the severity of the problem.
If your compressor is still under warranty, replace only the compressor. Assuming the compressor is no longer under warranty, we recommend replacing the outside unit if one or more of the circumstances also applies: Money is really short right now and you`re not sure it`ll be better anytime soon.
If you just replace your compressor, you may end up paying more in energy bills down the road. If you invest in a whole new unit, you will be getting the latest technology and a more energy efficient model. If you just replace your compressor, your AC unit may not last as long as it should.
The check valve is an important part of any air compressor. The air compressor check valve can be found on almost any compressor out there. Check valves are used for example on reciprocating piston compressors, rotary screw compressor and scroll compressors. On many compressors there is even more than one check valve.
When an air conditioner or refrigeration unit is installed a Filter Drier is needed. That Filter Drier stays in the system as long as the AC is in service. If a repair is needed to the refrigeration side, replacement of the drier should be considered.
As long as your air conditioning system is operating effectively, there is no need to replace the accumulator, and the life of an AC unit in a vehicle is usually 10-15 years.
You need to raise the temperature of the sensing bulb to determine if the expansion valve is activating. One easy way is to simply drop it in a cup of warm water. Otherwise, you can simply hold the bulb in your hand throughout the duration of the test.
The primary function of the thermostatic expansion valve is to regulate and reduce the pressure of the refrigerant from the condenser pressure to the evaporator pressure.
When dust, grime and mineral scales build up on the condenser coil, the air conditioner can`t expel enough heat from the system and it`s forced to run constantly trying to cool your space. The increased pressure and temperature can cause the compressor to overheat and fail.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
When replacing the AC Compressor, do I need to replace both expansion valves as well or just the front
ANSWER : Hi there. Anytime you replace major air conditioning system components like the AC compressor, it’s recommended to purchase all supporting hardware and replace it at the same time. AC works as a series of individual components working efficiently together to create cool air that flows into your cabin. As such, if you’re replacing the front expansion valve, it’s a good idea to replace the rear at the same time. This increases overall efficiency of the system, reduces the potential of small component failure and allows the parts you replaced to last longer.
Do i need to replace the receiver drier and/or the expansion valve when replacing the condenser assembly?
ANSWER : Replacing the system drier is absolutely essential. If the system has been open to the atmosphere (due to the leak in the condenser), the desiccant in the drier has been fully saturated with moisture. As far as the expansion valve, replacement is not normally implicated in a leak repair, in your case a leak in the condenser. To justify replacing the expansion valve, there would have to have been a diagnostic performed which proved a fault. If no diagnostic was performed, and there is no evidence of a fault, then it is pointless to replace the valve. But, again, drier replacement is absolutely essential. To add the drier to your order, you can simply add a note to the mechanic in your order and/or add it as a service (you will see a link that you can click on to "add services" or write in specific services). If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
What would cause the clutch on an ac compressor to continue to go bad after being replaced three times?
ANSWER : The compressor clutch relay on these vehicles are a known cause of sticking on the compressor clutch and overheating the A/C compressor clutch coil. Replace the A/C relay to see if it cures the clutch going bad the next time you do a compressor clutch replacement, or replace it now if you have just replaced the clutch.
Need to replace front left CV axle, do I need to replace the CV boot as well?
ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. The damage done to the unit will dictate what exactly needs to be done. If the entire CV axle on one side or the other needs to be replaced, then the entire shaft is typically replaced at once, including the boots. If you need to replace part of the assembly, the boots are serviceable separately on a need be basis. In that case, you would need to know if you were replacing the inner (closest to the middle of the vehicle) or outer (closer to the tire) boot. Once you have made those determinations, corrective action can be taken. For more help with diagnostics or the repair, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.
If an AC compressor is bad, what else should be replaced?
ANSWER : This all depends on if the compressor came apart and sent debris throughout the entire system. If so, either the system will need to be flushed out or all of the components will need to be replaced. The next issue is your car has R12 refrigerant in it and this has to be retrofit to the replacement R134. This is a special kit to retrofit the fittings, O-rings, and other components of your vehicle.
For the compressor that is seized, you will at the very least need to replace the compressor assembly and clutch, receiver drier, expansion valve, and flush out the system. I recommend having a mechanic diagnose your vehicle to see if any other components need replaced in order to fix your air conditioner.
AC noisy, intermittent blows hot, not cold. If needed, what is parts and labor cost range to replace compressor?
ANSWER : It sounds like you may have a damaged AC compressor clutch. As you may know the AC Clutch is the pulley that spins with the Belt. There are two ports on the rear of the Compressor. One is a Suction Port and the other is the Discharge Port. The Suction port is going to be your larger port and the Discharge port is going to be the smaller port. Refrigerant is sucked into the Suction port, compressed and then it exits out the Discharge Port, then entering the A/C Condenser. Your vehicle’s AC Clutch consists of the Hub, the Pulley, and the coil. The front part of the A/C Clutch is the Hub. Next is the pulley, which is where the belt rides. Finally, under the pulley is the coil, also called a field coil. The Coil is a copper would wire, that functions like a magnetic coil. If the AC Compressor is powered up, electricity engages the coil, and when this happens, it also engages the pulley. The large magnet forces the hub to pull against the pulley. Since the Shaft of the AC Compressor is mated with the A/C Hub, once engaged, it begins to pump refrigerant in the system. Turning whenever the engine is cranked, the A/C Compressor Clutch Pulley will spin even if the AC Compressor is off. If the A/C System is turned on, power is sent to your A/C Compressor Clutch and it will then engage. However, if the pressure in the system (or the refrigerant level) is either too low or high, switches will kill power to the Compressor to keep from damaging it. I would suggest having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to take a look at your vehicle.
Do you have to replace the ac compressor and surpentine belt when replace the harmonic balancer on a 2012 dodge journey
ANSWER : If all these components are the cause of the issue and need to be replaced, it makes more sense to replace them all at the same time to save on labor costs. There can be some overlap in labor. If for example, the a/c compressor has to be removed to replace the harmonic balancer, then there is not additional labor to install a new compressor when putting things back together. Evacuating and recharging the a/c system will be required whether replaced at the same time or separately. The serpentine belt has to be removed to replace either component so again, there should not be any additional labor to install the belt. A new belt is simply being installed instead of the old one being reinstalled. I cannot say that their diagnosis is correct or incorrect. However, I have never seen both the a/c compressor and harmonic balancer fail at the same time. Odds are either one or the other is the cause of your issue. If you are not comfortable with their answer, it wouldn’t hurt to get a second opinion. You can have the engine vibration looked at by another repair facility, or set an appointment with yourmechanic.com. One of our mobile technicians can come to your home or office to inspect the vehicle and give you an estimate for the necessary repairs.
2008 VW Jetta AC not cold
ANSWER : Hi Allen. By far the best way to have your AC system correctly diagnosed is by having an AC inspection completed first. By having one of our professional mobile mechanics come to your location to diagnose the issue correctly, it significantly minimizes the mistakes in completing the wrong service. In your case, the issue could be as simple as needing to have the AC system recharged, or there is an existing leak that needs to be repaired before refilling the refrigerant. Best economic bet is to have the AC inspection completed first.
