GU ZD30 A/C compressor noise

[BundyRumandCoke]

So, about 3 years ago, a horrible grinding noise was coming from the engine bay. It turned out to be the AC compressor, which I got replaced on my lease. Cost was over $1000 for the new compressor, regassing, and fitting.

After coming back from our trip over the Simpson a couple of months ago, over the last few weeks, I have had that same bearing grumble coming from under the bonnet. Not really wanting to shell out mega bucks for another compressor, I decided to do a bit of hunting on the net.

I found that, in spite of what Nissan says, replacing the pulley bearing is a relatively easy job. A little bit of research, and some simple hand tools, had the pulley off in less than an hour. A phone call to the bearing supplier in the major town less than an hour away, and a quick squirt on the bike, saw the bearing in my hands for less than $25. The light failed me this afternoon, but I expect to have it all back together in less than an hour tomorrow.

Just a little bit peeved that I was, essentially, ripped off last time.

If you want the procedure to do the job, just ask. The bearing is O/D 55mm, I/D 35mm, width 20mm.

[mkpatrol]

Quite often, with a little ingenuity, the irreparable can be repaired. I take it the pulley doesn't seal the compressor?

[BundyRumandCoke]

Nope, no need to degas the system, or move the compressor from its mounts. About the only specialist tool required is a pair of circlip pliers.

[mkpatrol]

Nope, no need to degas the system, or move the compressor from its mounts. About the only specialist tool required is a pair of circlip pliers.

[BundyRumandCoke]

Here is the step by step guide. Remember, this MAY NOT be a genuine compressor as fitted new, as this compressor has been fitted as a replacement to the original. But I would expect the procedure is pretty much the same.

Tools required, socket set with 10 and 12mm sockets
circlip pliers,
Hammer
Block of timber
3 x M5 (or M6, I cant remember which they are) and appropriate spanner
Large socket or press for removing and replacing bearing into pulley
19mm socket and breaker bar to suit
Screwdriver
Proceedure--

Remove plastic under body splash guard
Remove fan shroud
Screw the 3 M5/M6 bolts into the clutch plate of the compressor.

Use a screwdriver to hold the pulley still, while undoing the centre bolt with 10mm socket

Screw the bolts in to act like a puller, and pull the clutch plate off the front of the compressor. Be mindful that 3 small thrust washers will fall out of the centre of the spline of the clutch plate. Don't lose them.


This is what is revealed,


Remove the fan belt.
Remove the circlip.

Use the hammer and block of timber to carefully drive the pulley assembly off the compressor.

Remove the stuffed bearing from the pulley.

Fit new bearing to pulley, and pein the pulley over a little bit to retain the bearing.
Clean the circlip slot.
Reassemble in the reverse order, using some locktite on the centrebolt thread. Don't forget the 3 thrust washers.

[BundyRumandCoke]

I forgot to mention. The offending bearing PN is NSK 35BD219DUM1. The replacement supplied to me is FBJ 83A694CS30.

[A.J.]

Excellent! Thanks for this write-up! Just in time as my bearing also packed it in after my Cape York trip