AC compressor removal and re-installation - Can't get my hands in there!

This is a shot in the dark but does anyone have any tips on physically removing my old a/c compressor and then after that getting the new one back in there?

I've searched every possible search term on youtube for a video but can't find one that specifically shows how to get the rear two bolts out.

I've tried getting my hands in there down through the top, up from underneath and sideways through the wheel well and can't reach it. Also tried every combination of extensions, wobble extensions and u-joints in through the wheel wells and can't find any way to get them to reach the bolts.

K-flos video is the best and most comprehensive but it also doesn't show how he got a socket on the back two bolts.

Thanks Fam!

 

-J

 

Man I appreciate that video but my truck has more immovable stuff in the way than what he's depicting in this video. There's a pretty wide plastic conduit box that runs right beside the compressor that's blocking access to everything. Actually it prevents me from squeezing my hand in there with a socket or wrench. The conduit is carrying the starter cable and a heavy ground wire from the top of the battery down to the starter. I can't see where it's attached to the frame to remove it. Also a couple of stiff hoses of some kind running through there along with the steering linkage.

 

Remove the battery, remove the belt, remove the alternator and then the ac compressor will go out through the top.

 

I farted around with it long enough that I was finally able to get it out through the bottom. Had to contort my arms like pretzels and get a 1/4 inch drive socket with no extension directly on to the bolts. Nearly threw my shoulders and wrists out of socket doing it. Also discovered a leak on a power steering line that had coated everything under there

 

In your picture that wire holder is bolted to the alt just above your finger and to the right of that with 2 10 mm bolts.

 

Hope you have better luck with the UAC compressor than me! Lasted less than a year. Ended up getting a new pulley and clutch and putting the old one back in.

 

Oh man! That ain't what I wanted to hear

This is the one that K-Flo on YouTube had linked up on his video for this job. It was dirt cheap so I won't be crazy disappointed if it doesn't last long. Now that I know how to get it in and out it's not such an intimidating job to have to do it again.