2004 compressor repair difficulty level? | Ford Thunderbird forum club group 1955-2005 models

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2004 compressor repair difficulty level?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Tsam
  • Start date Start date
Tsam

Tsam

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Thunderbird Year
2004
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Hello all, I have noticed that my 2004 Thunderbird's air conditioning compressor is making a lot of noise. Has anyone changed theirs? I know I would need to get the freon out before removal. Is the removal difficult? I work on most of my vehicles, but these Thunderbirds are touchy. Any thoughts or info would be helpful.

I assume this must be removed from the bottom. I will work on it and provide details later.

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Why did you title your post "2004"? Please follow the posting prompts in the future. Your title has been revised.
model-year.jpg
 
I have changed the compressor on a 2005 Thunderbird. It does come out from the bottom on the driver's side and is not easy to remove and replace, but certainly not impossible.

If the compressor is making noise, it may be coming apart inside and that is not good because metal debris will get in the system.

I had a compressor come apart internally in a truck. It dumped all sorts of metal fragments in the system. The truck had a screen to serve as the restriction (like a capillary tube or expansion valve) and it was plugged with metal fragments. I had to change it also. I don't recall how Thunderbird restricts the refrigerant, but metal debris in the system is not good. The longer you run the compressor, the more your system will be contaminated.

You will have to evacuate the system before removal. Once your compressor is installed, you will need to vacuum the system and recharge it.

Good luck.

Bill.
 
Bill, Thank you for your input. I am going to get the system vacuumed and proceed in the removal. If I by chance learn anything from the removal and installation, I will for sure post on this thread.
Again, I appreciate your response.
 
Tsam said:
Bill, Thank you for your input. I am going to get the system vacuumed and proceed in the removal. If I by chance learn anything from the removal and installation, I will for sure post on this thread.
Again, I appreciate your response.
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Good luck, I just had the one in our 03 done by a local shop. Cost was nearly $1000
 
I probably should do the same, but I now have some time on my hands.
 
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