Rebuild hitachi compressor or buy new aftermarket compressor?

Mozambique · Jul 9, 2022

Hi,
Getting intermittant code indicating compressor is on its way out.
$CAD 110 for rebuild kit, or $CAD 300 for generic new pump.
Has anyone experience of rebuilding them re. Ease and continuing fault codes after seals and desiccant replaced?

ftillier · Jul 9, 2022

I rebuilt mine, but I wasn't getting faults - I broke the bracket so it was out of the car, and I inspected it. There was fine desiccant powder in there, so I decided to rebuild it. The rebuild was easy, and it still works. Depending on the codes you're getting you might want to check to see if you got desiccant powder in your valve blocks.

Mozambique · Jul 10, 2022

I'm getting a C1A20-64 code and 'normal ride height only available' message. I at 100k miles, 2010 LR4, so it probably time it cramped out.
Dessicant powder in the valve blocks? Is that readily apparent? Blow out with air?

Mozambique · Jul 10, 2022

So had a quick look at it on the vehicle. Confirmed its still got a hitachi type compressor.
The bolt on the underside holding the lower cover in place immediately snapped. Not a good start. Other two torx screws ironically came out okay.
Did you remove the mounting bracket itself, or unscrew the compressor from the bracket?
The two lower bracket bolts are accessible. Gave them an extra good squirt of WD40 as now paranoid at snapping them too

The upper bolt hard to access. Would need an extra long 10mm wrench. Refitting the bolt would seem problematic

Checked out a few videos on this. The Arnott one conveniently glosses over removing that third upper bracket bolt

Your thoughts appreciated!

Cthehentz · Jul 10, 2022

I used a long ratchet wrench to remove the upper bolt, with the lower hex removed you will be able to move the compressor. When you install the upper bolt I found that using electrical tape to hold the bolt in place and use a long screw driver to add pressure on the head of the bolt will help it stay in place until it is snug.

Mozambique · Jul 10, 2022

Hey, thanks.
But if you are removing the three bracket mounting bolts, no need to renove the hex bolts while the compressor is on the vehicle? You can remove them to take the compressor off the bracket after the units is off the vehicle. Or am I misunderstanding you?

Cthehentz · Jul 10, 2022

I would remove the bottom hex, that will allow you to move the compressor away from the frame to give you a little more room.

Mozambique · Jul 10, 2022

Got it.
Thanks!

ftillier · Jul 10, 2022

Yeah, it's a super tight fit for that top bolt. I snapped the bracket by trying to jack by it, so I had to remove the whole thing. I can't recall if I used a socket or the 10mm ratcheting box end wrench, I think the latter.

Mozambique · Jul 10, 2022

ftillier said:
Yeah, it's a super tight fit for that top bolt. I snapped the bracket by trying to jack by it, so I had to remove the whole thing. I can't recall if I used a socket or the 10mm ratcheting box end wrench, I think the latter.

I can't see there's any way to get a socket on it. Ordered a long 10mm ratchet wrench today......fingers crossed!

Rebuild hitachi compressor or buy new aftermarket compressor?

Mozambique

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