BlueRidgeMark

Well, the A//C compressor on my 2002 WJ is singing its death song. I need to do something before it locks up and destroys my serpentine belt and puts me at the side of the road.

I just got a quote today for $1000 to replace it. Ouch. The 'kit' is half of that, and it includes the compressor, the dryer and... something else I forget.

That's pretty steep, and I don't think I want to do it. Certainly not right now, anyway. I have never done A/C work, and that's specialized knowledge and tools that I don't have, so I don't think a DIY is going to happen.

So... I'm thinking of just removing it and I'm hoping it's just a matter of getting a different belt and putting that in place. I'd really like to leave the system intact for now. That way I can resurrect it later, if I decide to.

Have any of you done this? Can you tell me what's involved?

EDIT: After more searching, I just found a video that says it's just a belt replacement on the ZJ. Do any of you know if it's the same for the WJ?

Ralph77

AC work is not really that bad. And for a one time deal you can get by pretty cheap on tools.
Anyway not sure if this is possible on a WJ but is on an XJ.
One of the reasons I got my '00 XJ cheaper, also part of why it was a kind of running not really driveable project, was
cause the AC Compressor had seized and took the belt with it. The guy just did not want to fix it.
So I bought the bypass pulley. Was a straight bolt on made for the XJ and uses the original belt.
So I found this:

https://www.autozone.com/cooling-hea...275/597789_0_0

Not sure what engine you are running so went with a 4.0 4WD.
I am betting you can do better on the price to if you poke around.

Hunter_

Need a little more information, what engine? not really sure on a delete, the compressor is in a different location in the engine bay from the ZJ to the WJ as well, the ZJ it was in the top passenger side, but the alternator takes its place in the WJ and the compressor is moved to the divers side at least on the 4.0. I will say though, its a lot of time consuming work, but a DIY project to replace the compressor and recharge your A/C isn't difficult. I had to replace the pressure line I think it was on mine, but because its a good idea to replace the dryer any time you open up the system I ended up replacing 2 of the three lines, I wasn't about to drive 2,000 miles with no A/C. It's suggested that you have a professional recharge it for you, but if you have even harbor freight tools or rentals, than its really not difficult after the repairs are done, just make sure you know what you are doing. I can do into more detail if you'd like but do know that it's only time consuming not difficult.

BlueRidgeMark

Yes, it's the 4.0.

I'm open to doing it before warm weather, but right now I just want bypass it to avoid trouble. The high today was 34. I'm thinking I can live without AC for a few months!

Ralph77

Normally I would agree with you. We are close to single digits with the wind chill but going to get up to almost 50 degrees in a couple days around here.
Might need the AC. LOL.

So assuming that is the one Advance sells it too. And might not be to bad with one of their 25% off Promo Codes.

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...275/11577904-P

BlueRidgeMark

Well, it says it's an exact fit for my 2002 Grand Cherokee Laredo. Thank you!

There's a very slow leak in the system, so I probably already have no refrigerant. I can test that. If so, I just need to remove the compressor, plug the lines somehow to keep critters and moisture out, and I'm good!

If there's still refrigerant in the system, I'll have my shop evacuate it. They charge $100 for that.

Ralph77

Ziploc bag and duct tape is how I did mine.
Hopefully it is empty. Would suck to pay $100 just to remove it.
Thinking just give the shrader valve a quick press to see if there is any in there.
I want to say the low side. You are going to have to figure out which is which but double check me on that too.

BlueRidgeMark

Whoa! You went high tech!

I'll probably do the same, or maybe cut a finger from a disposable nitrile glove. Those are handy things.


I have a refill kit with a gauge, so I"ll probably do that.

Yeah, I'll look it up.

Ralph77

That is a good idea. I say double or triple up on finger tips though.

My bypass pulley was just temporary. Wanted to get the Jeep on the road to see if I had made a mistake in buying her.
Like I said kind of running not really driveable when purchased.
The more she behaved herself the more I fixed.
Then after everything was all set and done I set my sights on fixing the AC.
Been about 5 years now and she is still not right though.
But I only try one thing once a year. LOL.
Everything has been replaced except the condenser and evap core.
I am pretty sure I still have a small leak somewhere. Dye was not helping me find it.
Leaning towards the evap core and I really don't want to go in there.
Especially since at the moment the heater core is fine.
Funny thing is I really don't care about AC. And rarely use it.
But it is the "I want things to work like they should" mindset in me that wants it fixed.