🔧 Explorer - A/C Compressor Replacement

The A/C compressor is the main pump for the air conditioning system. On your Explorer, this job requires refrigerant recovery before removal and a proper vacuum recharge afterward, so the system is not opened to air any longer than necessary.

Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 4-6 hours

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Have the refrigerant professionally recovered before opening the A/C system. Refrigerant can cause serious frostbite and eye injury.
• Wear safety glasses and gloves any time you handle A/C lines or the compressor.
• Do not run the engine with the A/C system open.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable before starting work.
• Keep dirt and moisture out of the open A/C lines.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Ratchet
• Metric socket set
• 10mm socket
• 13mm socket
• 15mm socket
• Serpentine belt tool
• Torque wrench
• Trim panel tool
• Drain pan
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• A/C manifold gauge set (specialty)
• Vacuum pump (specialty)
• Refrigerant recovery machine (specialty)

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• A/C compressor - Qty: 1
• A/C compressor clutch and pulley assembly - Qty: 1
• A/C compressor oil - Qty: 1 bottle
• New O-rings for A/C line fittings - Qty: 1 set
• Serpentine belt - Qty: 1

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Have the refrigerant recovered before loosening any A/C lines.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable.
• Label every connector and bolt.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Recover refrigerant and disconnect battery

• Have the refrigerant professionally recovered from the system.
• Use a 10mm socket to disconnect the negative battery cable.

Step 2: Remove the engine cover and access the belt

• Remove the engine cover by hand.
• If needed for access, remove any intake ducting using the ratchet and metric socket set.

Step 3: Remove the serpentine belt

• Use the serpentine belt tool to rotate the tensioner.
• Slip the belt off the compressor pulley and remove it from the engine.
• Take a quick belt routing photo first.

Step 4: Disconnect the A/C compressor lines

• Use the metric socket set and ratchet to remove the compressor line fasteners.
• Carefully separate the lines and cap both openings right away.
• Remove and replace the old O-rings with the new ones.

Step 5: Remove the compressor

• Use the 13mm socket or 15mm socket to remove the compressor mounting bolts.
• Support the compressor as you remove the last bolt.
• Lower it out of the engine bay.
• Watch for spilled oil.

Step 6: Prepare and install the new compressor

• Compare the new compressor with the old one before installing.
• Add the correct amount of A/C compressor oil if the new part is shipped dry.
• Install the compressor and hand-start all bolts.
• Use the torque wrench to tighten compressor mounting bolts to 25-35 Nm (18-26 ft-lbs).

Step 7: Reconnect the lines and reinstall the belt

• Reconnect the A/C lines with new O-rings.
• Use the torque wrench to tighten the line fasteners to 10-15 Nm (7-11 ft-lbs).
• Reinstall the serpentine belt using the serpentine belt tool.

Step 8: Evacuate and recharge the system

• Use the A/C manifold gauge set (specialty) and vacuum pump (specialty) to evacuate the system.
• Pull vacuum for at least 30 minutes.
• Recharge the system with the exact refrigerant amount listed on the underhood label.

---

✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and turn the A/C on max.
• Check for cold air from the vents.
• Inspect all compressor fittings for leaks.
• Listen for unusual noises from the belt area.
• If the compressor failed internally, replace the receiver/drier or accumulator and consider a system flush.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $1,100-$1,800 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $450-$900 (parts only)

You Save: $650-$900 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 4-6 hours.

---

🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.