4 Key Car Air Conditioner Compressor Parts and Their Replacement

Your car’s air conditioner compressor is a complex piece of machinery. It’s made up of smaller intricate systems and components which give you the final end result. These parts make sure that you get the cool air you need during the summer. There are many components that make your car’s AC function. None more so than the four we will discuss in the following passages.

Drier

The drier or filter is the key component in keeping things clean and functioning well inside the air compressor. It filters out the debris, moisture, and other substances from the air within the AC system. Some systems have accumulators and some consist of a receiver-drier but both have almost the same functions. One thing you should keep in mind is that you need to change the drier every time you change the compressor.

The drier has special material inside it. It is filled with a desiccant material that is used to absorb moisture from within the system. Moisture is deadly for an AC compressor as it can change the viscosity of the oil. This can eventually lead to system failure in the long run. This is why you need to change the drier whenever you are thinking about changing the air compressor. You really don’t want the old drier to pump your compressor full of debris and moisture.

O-Rings

Almost all the new AC systems in cars have O-rings connecting things. These simple rings are used in places where parts are connected. It’s been observed that half or more AC leaks that happen are because of improperly installed O-rings. My recommendation, always change the O-rings every time you are changing the car’s air compressor.

Make sure to make a note which O-ring you remove and where it was and when it was. This will help you remember re-configure it properly. This will make sure that if you find that there is a problem you know where to check. Although you can do this on your own I suggest you contact your mechanic during doing O-rings related fixes.

Expansion Device

The expansion device is a general term that’s used to define the orifice tube, expansion valve or an expansion block. This depends on what has been used in the AC system. You should be careful with the expansion device. It should always be checked during regular maintenance. If you see that there is a problem with the valve or block, then you should either replace or fix the issues immediately.

If you ignore the problems on the expansion device, then it can lead up to a build-up of pressure which can lead to blowing off the compressor head. A general rule of thumb is if you are replacing your car’s compressor because of a leak or because it doesn’t provide cold air enough then you can just clean the expansion device.

You should definitely change if you see any other type of failure within the system. If you are confused about what the problem is then it doesn’t really hurt, you to get a new expansion device to be honest.

AC Compressor Switch

The AC compressor switch has a vital role within the AC system. This component prevents the compressor from freezing. When the pressure falls to a certain PSI the switch turns the process off so that the compressor doesn’t freeze itself and damage the system. If you see that the AC system freezes frequently or the air becomes too cold, then there may be a problem with the compressor switch and you should consider having it replaced.

Being Mindful

Being mindful of the problems above and its symptoms will allow you to save a lot of money. If the actions are taken early enough then you wouldn’t even need major repairs. You can try to do the fixes yourself but I wouldn’t suggest it. The car’s AC air compressor is a highly complicated part of a complicated electronic system. It is best if you let your mechanic handle this part.