A/C Compressor Removal Question...

Nose

So I'm about to remove my a/c compressor and I see there's a huge cross-member support structure underneath it which appears to be some kind of subframe. It extends all the way from the left side of Spot (my car) to the right side, and it's bolted onto really important looking things. It's obviously not intended to be a readily-removable item.

I'm wondering if we're supposed to remove that and drop the compressor DOWN...or are we supposed to do all the necessary surgery to get things out of the way in order to remove it UPWARDS?

I've had multiple spinal surgeries so my back is a real issue. I need to do this as quickly and easily as possible, using any and all shortcuts. Thanks in advance for any/all replies!

bam-bam

If you have no power steering it'll come out the top easy.

If you do have power steering it's easier with it removed.

I usually pull the crossmember, it's quicker.

Nose

Thanks bam-bam. Your reputation on the board makes your advice well worth listening to.

Now, should I use the sawz-all or the plasma cutter to get that crossmember outta the way?

(that's a joke, yaknow)

Cleanpigpen

A ratcheting wrench. If you leave the lower two bolts in the compressor completely unthreaded then remove the upper two it should come right out either way. I have never had a problem PS or nonPS.

eeSWAGOVAN

there are only six bolts on my wagon I dropped that front subframe with no issue just remove the two bolts holding the bar from each front knuckle and the four bolts going through the subfame into the chassis. pretty simple stuff. if you have any more issues ill try to take pics of a step by step next time im in the garage. good luck

Nose

Cool, thanks for the info.

That is indeed the route I chose, but even after doing so I was a lil unsure that I'd done the right thing. Nice to hear that I'm on the right path.

I know other folks have mentioned removing the power steering pump and bringing the compressor up...but it kinda looks like it'd still be a Real Tight Squeeze doing it that way. Coming down looked like a much easier job.