A/C Compressors

The compressor starts by compressing, of course, the low-pressure gas from the inlet side into a high pressure/temperature gas. The temperature is achieved by taking heat out of the air. This hot gas is then expelled into the condenser on the low-pressure side. The low-pressure cools the gas and from there it goes to the evaporator and blows cold air into the car. The process then starts all over again!

The A/C compressor is the heart of the A/C system, as the refrigerant is the blood, and all the hoses and pipes are the veins. Without the heart the A/C system just cannot live. The compressor is driven by a belt attached to the vehicle’s engine which is engaged by an electromagnetic clutch so that it will only add resistance when in use. When the clutch is engaged the compressor pumps the refrigerant throughout the closed loop system.

Some signs of wear will include lack of or insufficient cooling, excessive clicking sounds or unusual noises when using the A/C system. The failure of an A/C compressor can be the result of several factors. When the compressor needs to be replaced it is imperative to diagnose the reason for failure. The replacement compressor might also rapidly fail if the problem, which caused the need for replacement, has not been diagnosed and corrected first. One of the more common failures is caused by the compressor functioning without the proper amount of lubricant.

When installing the new compressor comply with the manufacturer’s recommendation and insure that the proper amount of lubricant has been placed in the a/c system. When the compressor is operating normally, the lubricant does not stay in the compressor. The lubricant continually flows through the A/C system. If a problem develops that impedes the adequate flow of the lubricant, a rapid premature compressor failure will occur.