Forester Air Con Compressor

Baliblue · Post by **Baliblue** » Mon Nov 24, 2014 9:07 am

I have a 2006 Forester and the bearing(s) in the front of the air conditioning compressor have collapsed (so I have been told by NRMA service).
Can I get the compressor repaired; do I buy a reconditioned unit; or should I buy a new Subaru unit ($1600 from local dealer, just the part not counting fitting, re-gassing etc).
Would anyone have advice to ease the financial pain of this situation?
I am located in Northern Beaches area of Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Thank you for any advice.

tambox · Post by **tambox** » Mon Nov 24, 2014 12:57 pm

You can change the bearing, on those, but it's a bit fiddly, wouldn't do it unless you have done similar before.

julian · Post by **julian** » Mon Nov 24, 2014 1:30 pm

Are you sure that the bearing is failed? Was this diagnosed by a side-of-the-road NRMA person or at a dedicated mechanic shop?

A little more detail would be useful. Is there a noise? Does it come and go with the AC compressor engaging or is it constant? A video/youtube link would do wonders here.

This is a belt driven unit, and the tensioner for the belt can be noisy if they fail so don't discount that yet.
Others will be able to confirm but it may also be a clutch.

If you are not mechanically able, taking it to a reputable Automotive electrician in your area would be the best bet, and quickest! You have a week of cool temperatures though so you can shop around for a few days.

I wouldn't be ordering a new compressor straight away, and if you have to and want a price you should contact user Frog (Andy) as he is our resident/tame Subaru parts man and will always be able to get good prices on genuine parts.

Baliblue · Post by **Baliblue** » Mon Nov 24, 2014 1:59 pm

Thanks Tambox & Julian.
Yes side of road NRMA.
There was a rather noisy rattle, louder when AC engaged.
Noise did seem to be coming from front of compressor. Used the screwdriver stethoscope method. A real clatter when doing that and vibration as well.
Will check out the belt issue but NRMA cut that off so as to drive home without doing any other big damage.
BTW, the outside temperature read 44 C. and i was stranded out Penrith way.

julian · Post by **julian** » Mon Nov 24, 2014 2:50 pm

Ooooh I heard Penrith got hot yesterday.

Okay, assuming you are not doing the work yourself I would take it to an auto electrician and see what they say.

I'll PM you shortly.

d_generate · Post by **d_generate** » Tue Nov 25, 2014 1:10 pm

2nd hand compressors are usually around $200, just make sure you get the right one, 90% sure the 06 has the smaller one.