2003 Ford Taurus changing out a/c compressor

2003 FORD TAURUS
140,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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FAH0003A
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do i have to take out the power steering pump to change out my a/c compressor or is there an easier way of doing it? Anything else I should know before tackling this job?
Sep 16, 2010 at 3:47 PM
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WRENCHTECH
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What is the 8th digit of your VIN#?
Sep 16, 2010 at 4:12 PM
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FAH0003A
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it is the letter ...U....
Sep 16, 2010 at 7:48 PM
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FAH0003A
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you're awesome...thanx!!!
Sep 16, 2010 at 9:42 PM
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WRENCHTECH
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Your welcome.

Leaving feedback is appreciated.
Sep 17, 2010 at 4:13 AM
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YOUKNOWMYNAME67
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the easiest way if you want to bypass the instructions.... unbolt the fan from the housing and that will give you enough room to reach in and take the compressor out without removing anything other then the lines off the compressor and the belt i just did 1 a few weeks ago and thats the easiest way i know of.
Sep 17, 2010 at 5:57 PM
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WRENCHTECH
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[quote:c8fc46f090="youknowmyname67"]the easiest way if you want to bypass the instructions.... unbolt the fan from the housing and that will give you enough room to reach in and take the compressor out without removing anything other then the lines off the compressor and the belt i just did 1 a few weeks ago and thats the easiest way i know of.[/quote:c8fc46f090]

And after you punch a hole in the radiator with the compressor, you may go back to following the instructions. Those steps are there for a reason.
Sep 17, 2010 at 6:02 PM
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YOUKNOWMYNAME67
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obviously if you punch a hole in the radiator you shouldnt be doing the job yourself skipping the steps and doing it the way that is quickest and easiest are for people who know how to work on a vehicle. that should go without having to mention it.
Sep 17, 2010 at 6:19 PM
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WRENCHTECH
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No, people that know how to work on a vehicle that are giving advice to people that do not know how to work on a vehicle should know that having to pry that compressor out past that radiator with no clearance is very risky and the sharp edges on the compressor will very easily punch a hole in the radiator so my advice is to stay with the instructions.
Sep 17, 2010 at 6:30 PM
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YOUKNOWMYNAME67
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it will work if you pay attention....and the guy asked for advice... up to them what they want to follow. your posted instructions are correct and are exact but he asked the easiest and fastest way i provided instructions on how i replace them. if he can do it this way (check it out before you start) without any problems great its a huge time saver in these compact engine compartments with very little room to work. if you dont feel comfortable doing it this way i say be preparred to be patient and set aside a little extra time for hard to reach spots and if you dont have tools that would make it easiest.
Sep 17, 2010 at 6:35 PM