AC compressor help
 

Hi,

I have an 03 X5 3.0 that was involved in an accident. The AC compressor was damaged; the pulley where the belt rides into was broken into pieces. My question is, can I just replace the broken part without replacing the whole compressor? I've seen some e36 folks replaced theirs, but I realized it might be a different case for the E53.

And since the bumper is now out of my way, I can access the compressor from the front of the car if I could just lift the condenser and radiator a few inches. This would be a lot easier than working from the top. I can remove the fan shroud and fan clutch if necessary.

Please advise.

Thanks!

Sure it's possible to replace just the pulley.

Question is, is the rest of the compressor ok?

The body can develop cracks where refrigerant can leak out, and what happened to the compressor clutch?

Just by looking at the compressor, it looks okay. No sign of cracks. I didn't know that the pulley was made out of plastic. It wouldn't break into pieces if it's metal. The clutch, I'm not sure as I haven't taken it off from the compressor yet. I will try to make some room tomorrow to remove it from the compressor.

I just need to remove one bolt on the center of the pulley right? And it will come off?

Thanks!

Worth a try, but I can't say I've seen this done. There is a clutch in there as well and spacing is critical for engagement. If it has been tweaked at all you may have issues. Try it out well before you reassemble the whole front end again to be sure it works.

If your refrigerant level is normal you hopefully dont have any leaking cracks.

You may need a puller to get the pulley and clutch out.

Not an AC tech but I've seen a few compressors having clutches removed/replaced and it was pretty much a slap it together job from what I've seen.

Later E53 have a variable orifice compressor and not the older style with a simple clutch that engages and disengages. Look up your compressor model...

The "simple clutch" style usually has a keyed shaft and a nut. Counter hold the pulley with a strap wrench or something similar. I haven't looked for an E53, but you can usually find replacement AC clutches on eBay now.

I would be worried that the seals in the compressor were compromised. Ditto on running it and let it sit overnight before buttoning it all back up.

I looked up the 2003 3.0L (I don't know your production date, so had to guess, so don't take this as gospel), and I think it does have the variable displacement compressor from Calsonic Kansei and not the simpler Denso version. This means it won't have a classic clutch like older-technology compressors. Look for a manufacturers label on the compressor. You may still be able to replace the pulley, but the whole thing is more complicated than you are expecting.

So how does a magnetic clutch work on a plastic pulley?

Are you sure it from the ac compressor and not the power steering pump or an idler wheel?

After looking it up, I don't think it has a classic magnetic clutch. I've handled the Denso unit that does have a clutch but not this version. Dunno...

Googling an image of a compressor for his model and year it does appear it a magnetic clutch.

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NjQwWDY0MA...VExBQ/$_12.JPG

I believe it is from the AC compressor at it is connected to the AC condenser. It has a sticker on it that says "Calsonic Kansei" with a part number 918 000 5C900 45010.

To all folks who replied, I really appreciate your help. I have no experience dealing with AC compressors at all. And since the car is not drivable, the only option I have is to repair it myself or have someone to do a home service, which would then of course cost more money.

I can just buy a used compressor on eBay, but I couldn't find a thread or video on how to replace this thing. I can unscrew everything and take it out, but I'm sure there's more than than and it might require some special tools.

If it's complicated to replace just the pulley for this particular model of compressor, would it be more easier to just replace the whole thing?

I wouldn't unscrew anything as the system can still be filled with refrigerant. Letting refrigerant into the atmosphere is not only against the law, but could be dangerous. Refrigerant can freeze you skin and cause frostbite since refrigerant becomes super cold as it goes from an area of high pressure to a an area of low pressure. That is how refrigerant is able to cool the car. Look up Bernoulli principle. Saving money is one thing, but going to the emergency room will wipe out any saving.

Okay, I'm now trying to find a mobile mechanic who can replace my compressor. Do you guys know someone reputable to do the job that lives around the Bay Area?

And would this work with my vehicle?

2000 2003 BMW E53 x5 4 4 4 6 A C AC Compressor Assembly 64526909628 | eBay

Definitely thats the pulley on your AC compressor. You are getting caught in a discussion of the versions of compressors on E53 x5. They are not the same.

You should be able to replace the pulley/clutch without venting the system. That is good.

If you do need to replace the whole compressor, you need someone who can safely and legally recover the refrigerant. once the system is empty, actually replacing the compressor is just a few bolts. Then the system would have to be vacuum tested, and if it is ok, refilled with refrigerant.

I will try to get more details on that model compressor. My 2001 has the simpler Denso brand and the clutch comes off by removing the center bolt.

Sorry. I am far from there. Maybe start a new thread asking for local mechanics...

That eBay auction is for the Denso version. Not the same...

I thought someone here posted that it might be more complicated than I think since it's magnetic?

What's the difference between the Denso and mine?

The Denso is on the earlier cars, some of the V8's, too. It has the simple magnetic clutch and runs at one speed (well, on or off). The pulley turns all the time and the magnetic clutch engaged the compressor when it gets the signal. It has a steel pulley for the magnetic clutch... it cycles on and off as needed.

The one you have is a variable compressor. Probably doesn't have the simple on/off clutch. Seems to have a plastic pulley. Might be replaceable, I don't know.

I am going to throw in the towel. I don't think I can be any more help on this. I remain puzzled about how that compressor can have a plastic pulley. This ebay auction shows a used Calsonic Kansei compressor and it seems to have a steel pulley and a clutch pack on the end. If your looks like this, removing that center bolt should free the mechanism and let you swap the pulley and/or clutch. If this still doesn't make sense, I think you are better off with the mobile mechanic, or getting the rest of the car back together and driving it to an AC specialist.

Good luck!

BMW E53 x5 3 0L A C Compressor Calsonic Kansei P 6918000 | eBay

Okay, is it possible to drive the car without the belt routed to the ac compressor?

David,

Thank you for all the inputs you've given. I really appreciate them. I will now try to make some room (removing the fan shroud) to see if I can remove the pulley out of the compressor.

Yes, most cars have the AC on a separate belt. No problem driving with that removed. My (cheap) old man used to drive for years with the belt removed...

Sorry if this is obvious, but do you know there is a plastic tensioner pulley for the AC belt that is near the compressor but not on the compressor?

Guess what?! It's not the AC compressor! It's the power steering pulley! My bad, and you were right about that question. :thumbup:

When I initially looked under the hood, I thought it was the AC compressor pulley since it was under it where I found the pulley debris. And when I finally removed the fan shroud and fan clutch this afternoon, I was surprised to see that the AC compressor pulley was fine!

Now, I can go ahead and order a power steering pulley replacement on eBay and install it myself.

This is really good news!

Thanks again to all the folks who helped. You guys are amazing!

you can.. but guess what..compressor shaft is bent by now. also there is no way to get used pulley. used compressor 100$... +discharge/recharge..so why risk it..

Like someone mentioned, the shaft might be bent, better to order a pump with the pulley already installed.

Are you talking about the AC compressor or power steering pump?

Variable displacement and non-variable displacement compressors both have a magnetic clutch for the E53.

Lol late. No wonder the pulley looked weird.