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replacing compressor - should I replace expansion valve?

D0UG on Fri July 27, 2012 11:24 PM User is offline

Year: 1995
Make: Nissan
Model: Pathfinder
Engine Size: 3.0
Refrigerant Type: 134A
Country of Origin: United States

I have mechanical skills but am no AC expert and do not have an AC vacuum machine. I am doing this work because I am unemployed and the car owner has very limited income.

This Pathfinder has a bad AC clutch bearing on a Calsonic compressor but I could not remove the clutch without destroying it. I have ordered a new AC compressor and drier cannister. I have read that I can use denatured alcohol and shop air to flush the system. After replacing the compressor and drier, I will take it to a shop with an AC machine for vacuuming and recharging.

Should the expansion valve be replaced? I have heard that it is very difficult to get to (under dash).

I was told that the evaporator cannot be flushed with air hose if there is an expansion valve installed. Is that correct?


Thanks in advance for your help.

D0UG on Tue July 31, 2012 5:49 PM User is offline

Since I did not hear otherwise, I am going to leave the expansion valve alone and just repalce the compressor and drier cannister.

Leggie on Thu August 16, 2012 2:26 PM User is offline

Quote
Originally posted by: D0UG
I have mechanical skills but am no AC expert and do not have an AC vacuum machine.
Then you shouldn't be opening systems period if you plan on getting it working again.

Quote
I am doing this work because I am unemployed and the car owner has very limited income.
It's illegal for you to do it since it doesn't appear that you're doing it for free.
http://www.epa.gov/ozone/title6/609/technicians/609certs.html

You've admitted to not having a recovery machine. How are you going to capture the refrigerant when you open the system to replace components? As far as I know, we don't encourage shady deals or environmental crime here.


TRB on Thu August 16, 2012 4:03 PM User is offlineView users profile

Pulling the evap in this vehicle is a 10 minute job.

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ezautoac on Tue October 02, 2012 8:14 PM User is offline

Just a suggestion to you... make sure the bearing didn't fail for a reason. clutch could be slipping or belt could be slipping... causing excess heat and melting all the grease in the bearing not to mention the tensioner can be stuck causing excessive load on the bearing. Also if the expansion valve is working there should be no reason to replace it. I'm not sure what you mean by flushing with air? If your talking about shop or compressed air, that's considered a contamination, not flush procedure. You would be better off not "flushing" it.

lisamartin79 on Tue December 11, 2012 3:51 AM User is offlineView users profile

If you have a Nissan pathfinder AC compressor, and want to replace the parts, then you can find them in good quality at discount AC parts. Every one aware that pathfinder is having a clutch and engine problems. Because of that reason there's valid basis to suspect that the A/C condenser of your pathfinder is torn when there is no fresh air being discharged from the blowers. If pathfiner AC is fully charged and hot or system is full of refrigerant with no air then it is compressor problem. If high side start to climb and fully charged take the low side and c clamp on the hose part then it’s the expansion valve and not the compressor.

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