Compressor Shaft Seal: Service and Repair
COMPRESSOR SHAFT SEALThe refrigerant system must be discharged and the compressor must be removed from the vehicle prior to replacing the compressor shaft seal.
DISASSEMBLY
1. Remove the clutch hub from the compressor.
2. Remove the shaft seal felt from the nose of the compressor with a pick type tool.
3. Blow any debris from inside the compressor nose with low pressure compressed air. Then, clean the inside and outside nose area of the compressor with a lint-free cloth to remove any oil and dirt.
4. Remove the shaft seal retaining snap ring from inside the compressor nose with a Snap Ring Remover as follows.
- Insert tip of the Snap Ring Remover into one of the snap ring eyes (View A).
- Rotate the Snap Ring Remover to position the tool tip and snap ring eye closest to the compressor shaft (View B).
- Pull the Snap Ring Remover tool up quickly while keeping the tool shaft against the side of the nose opening to remove the snap ring (View C).
5. Position the Shaft Seal Remover Tool (09977-33700) over the compressor shaft and push the tool into the nose of the compressor and down against the shaft seal. Engage the end of the tool with the internal diameter of the shaft seal. While holding the hex part of the tool, turn the tool handle clockwise to expand the tool tip inside the seal inner radius. Then, pull the shaft seal from the compressor with the tool.
REASSEMBLY
1. Obtain a new shaft seal kit. Carefully remove the contents from the package and locate the plastic shaft seal protector. Inspect the protector for any burrs or other damage. Do not use the protector if it is damaged. Obtain another shaft seal kit and use the protector from it.
2. Using a clean lint-free cloth, clean the shaft and the seal pocket inside the compressor nose.
3. Dip the shaft seal protector and seal in clean refrigerant oil and position the seal on the protector with the lip of the seal pointing toward the large end of the protector.
4. Place the seal protector with shaft seal over the end of the compressor shaft.
5. Place the shaft seal installer tool over the end of the shaft seal protector. Then, slowly push the shaft seal down the protector until it is seated in the compressor.
6. Remove the seal installer and seat protector from the compressor.
7. Place a new seal retaining snap ring into the compressor nose opening and seat the snap ring into the groove with the remover tool.
8. Leak test the shaft seal installation after rotating the shaft about 10 revolutions with the clutch hub.
9. Install a new felt into the compressor nose.
10. Install the clutch hub on the compressor.