1st Gen A/C System Replacement How-To (Seized Compressor)

I don't know if the oil mixes up with the refrigerant; I mean, the UV dye definitely does, so it would make sense that the oil does too.

The idea isn't to just remove oil - I'd evac the system, and then refill the compressor with a bit less than I put in last time.

The temps on the freeway are about 2-4F lower than just in the driveway; so different, but not by much. That could also have to do with the fact that it's 15F cooler outside than it was when I measured the other day (just due to time of day)

Fun times, lol.

 

Oh that's nothing in regards to temp differences. I wouldn't think on the fan clutch anymore, if cold air temps only got 2-4 degrees cooler.
I misunderstood. I thought I saw a post where you're cold air at vent was measuring 60+ or something. So I thought man, if you got 48 degrees on interstate, that's definitely an air flow issue. So that's what led me to that line of thinking. What's optimal vent temp? Low 40s?
I mean yeah you can evacuate all the refrigerant and do it all over, but I'd want to be more sure that's the issue before doing that. First, I think I'd try letting a bit out of the low side, while it's running so you can't suck in air, and see if you get different temps. Overfilled and/or over-oiled refrigerant mix will hinder cooling.

 

I really enjoy trying to help when folks have a good data and testing and details. Like you do
With all the solid info you provide, it's like I have a real good clear idea of what you're seeing and stuff and that helps soooooo much. Troubleshooting over the internets can be extremely difficult

 

Has anyone else had immense trouble with removing the mounting bolts from the compressor?

I’ve had no luck removing the bottom two bolts on the compressor. They’re extremely hard to get to even with plenty of extensions, joints, and blaster.

I’ve tried coming at them from below (removing the skid plate) and also through the wheel bay but with no luck.
Anyone have any tips or tricks?

 

Regular or wobble?

 

wobble

 

To remove the ac compressor do you need to remove the power steering pump?
Fan shroud?

 

PS pump yes. Fan shroud no. Details here:

https://adventuretaco.com/replacing-the-a-c-compressor-on-a-5vzfe-tacoma-tundra-4runner/

 

Gold Standard!!!

 

this is a super helpful & informative thread/post for a toyota noob!

thanks to the OP for all the work & to the member who told me to look here for my problems.

 

Glad to see this helped some people out.

As an update: 10 years and ~130k additional miles after this repair, A/C still blowing cold. Thanks