A/C Compressor Failure... 500 miles out of warranty... -.-

[Seiko]

Has anyone else rocking a 1st gen had or heard of someone who has had this happen?

I made a trip to Pittsburgh (about 250 miles) and the A/C Compressor definitely kicked the bucket on the way, starting with a loud whine, followed by a terrible grind, then finally it stopped and the cold air ceased to flow. Took it into a shop while in Pitts and they verified the compressor was clicking on but not changing pressure. Got a quote from a dealer, $1649. Pretty much said eff that.

So I'm running sans A/C. First question is whether or not that sounds okay cause I've been spooked into thinking the pulley on the compressor might seize and shred the belt, which brings me to question two - has anyone taken the A/C out of a 1st gen box and was there anything special involved?

[UV7]

Damn, that seriously sucks! ...worst time of year for it too.
You shouldn't have to worry about the AC compressor shredding the belt. More than likely, the compressor clutch isn't engaging, so the pulley is just spinning freely.
You should be able to find a new replacement AC compressor for less than $500, then find a shop that is willing to swap them for a couple hundred bucks. Swapping out AC compressors isn't all that difficult, but there are a few steps that may be beyond the average home installation, such as catching and recharging the refrigerant or pulling a vacuum through the system to get rid of any debris and/or moisture.
Having a professional do the install will save you some headaches, especially if you have some sort of guarantee on the labor that would cover any potential leaks or problems down the road.

[Seiko]

Damn, that seriously sucks! ...worst time of year for it too.
You shouldn't have to worry about the AC compressor shredding the belt. More than likely, the compressor clutch isn't engaging, so the pulley is just spinning freely.
You should be able to find a new replacement AC compressor for less than $500, then find a shop that is willing to swap them for a couple hundred bucks. Swapping out AC compressors isn't all that difficult, but there are a few steps that may be beyond the average home installation, such as catching and recharging the refrigerant or pulling a vacuum through the system to get rid of any debris and/or moisture.
Having a professional do the install will save you some headaches, especially if you have some sort of guarantee on the labor that would cover any potential leaks or problems down the road.

I've been reading up on the car's A/C system and think I could handle doing the repair myself (not too much different from swapping water pumps and whatnot), but would certainly need to take it elsewhere to recharge and drain the refrigerant and vacuum the system.

Most sources point to "If your compressor blew then replace the blower and lines too", but given how I honestly don't make much use of the A/C I'm more inclined to just remove the system. The thing blew while in Pitts because a friend whined about wanted to roll the windows up and wanting the A/C on. The thing could've been in shite condition all along and I just never knew cause I really just don't use it.

I'd like to simply remove the entire system but worry about the gaping hole it'll probably leave in my firewall, was wondering if anyone who has ever done the removal before has any tips on the process. If I ever plan on selling the thing I might replace the system, but given how the xB is my dream car (low standards?) I see myself running it into the ground before letting it go. :B

[xbgod]

That was a common problem for quite a few late 2004-2005 XB's. I went through 2 compressors with in the first 10,000 miles. It's a real cheap piece of $hit. But keep in mind look at the price of our car. I got 2 Sparco seats in my car that are worth more than a stock motor.

I took mine out all together, needed room for my monster turbo set-up.

Just pull it all out it's too easy then get your self a smaller belt to compinsate for the A/C compressor being gone.

I know next question, what size did i replace mine with and whats the number of the belt.

Unfortunately I'm still out of country and don't have it memorized. It's written down at home. But just do a measurement with some rope. I got mine at Napa.

Best of luck

XBG

[Seiko]

That was a common problem for quite a few late 2004-2005 XB's. I went through 2 compressors with in the first 10,000 miles. It's a real cheap piece of $hit. But keep in mind look at the price of our car. I got 2 Sparco seats in my car that are worth more than a stock motor.

I took mine out all together, needed room for my monster turbo set-up.

Just pull it all out it's too easy then get your self a smaller belt to compinsate for the A/C compressor being gone.

I know next question, what size did i replace mine with and whats the number of the belt.

Unfortunately I'm still out of country and don't have it memorized. It's written down at home. But just do a measurement with some rope. I got mine at Napa.

Best of luck

XBG

Wow, didn't realize they were that cheap a part... 2 in 10K miles is pretty lame. Good to know I'm not the only one who went through this, though, I was paranoid I got some lemon of a car. Definitely removing the thing, though. I'm also doing a turbo build, so the room certainly couldn't hurt. Thanks for the insight. :)

[Timindabox]

Swapping the a/c compressor is not hard at all and everything can be done at home in a garage with basic hand tools, with the exception of recovering the refrigerant and vacuuming the system. When a compressor fails the system should be flushed out, but don't replaced the lines and all that stuff, there is no need. the only other thing that needs to be replaced is the receiver/drier, but don't do that till you are ready to vacuum the system down to remove the moisture. Any debris from the compressor will be in the condenser or the receiver/drier. Have a shop vacuum the sytem down and charge it if you are uncomfortable with that part, but all the parts and refrigerant can be bought at your preffered parts store.