Subaru Forester AC Compressor how to

Join me as I change this Subaru Forester AC compressor.

[@lindsaynelson3275]

Thank you this was just what I needed to confirm what was wrong with my vehicle!

[@carboydino]

@@lindsaynelson3275 get it!

[@Tony_tones]

Do you have to put oil in the new compressor?

[@ralphdoid]

Do you have to create a vacuum in the system first before introducing the refrigerant?

[@carboydino]

@@ralphdoid Yes I just suck at making videos and I left out a few parts but after you assemble the lines you pull a vacuum and then you induce the refrigerant. This helps eliminate contaminations like humidity and air. It can also help you test for leaks during that vacuum. I have seen many mechanics do jobs and not pull it vacuum and everything is fine but I believe down the line the contaminants catch up with you.

[@ralphdoid]

@@carboydino Thanks for the reply. Yes, I was certain a vacuum is pulled during the process but wasn't sure at what step.

[@carboydino]

@@ralphdoid yeah basically right after you put everything back together you pull a vacuum to verify there are no leaks and to decontaminate the system. At that point you charge the freon and turn on the car.

[@Mini-Driver]

What were your symptoms to make you replace the entire compressor? Ours would blow hot air every now & then, but gets back cold at times too. Our Clutch Faceplate gap was out of spec. It should be between 3mm - 6mm, and ours was 8mm. I removed the clutch, removed 1 of the 3 shims and replaced the faceplate. It has been working perfectly ever since. I also made a video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJ_Wg35ufb6Fr7c

[@carboydino]

This particular clutch was fine but the compressor had a broken seal inside making a bad clack noise when activating leading to no compression or flow.