So my jeep's PO rearended someone and then had the front end fixed up, but decided to leave the AC in a state of disarray. I'm far too thorough a person to just leave it as is, so I thought i'd at least get an idea of what's involved to piece it back together. I'm going to assume the evap core is still fine, and assume that the compressor is most likely dead, as i was told the ac didn't work before he hit anyone.

I have an idea of what i may need, but i guess i have no idea the specifics of putting it back together. I don't think there are even any hoses going to the condenser at this point.

What parts are worth replacing regardless, and what hoses/gaskets/etc will i need?

I know this seems like an all encompassing question, and i'm starting to inch my way through the fsm for a 95 as i couldn't find one for a 96. but just thought i may get a more digestible answer here.

 

Go through the syestem and replace what is missing. Then you can get to work on seeing what works and what doesnt.

 

www.rockauto.com will have everything you need to rebuild the system. I would do all of the hoses and lines, along with a new reciever/dryer. The evaporator should be fine.

 

Presuming the system is all disconnected, might want to try pulling a vacuum on the evap 1st (leak check) to see if that could be why the a/c didn't work before the wreck (leaking evap). If the evap checks ok, I'd presume (worst case scenario) that the internals of the compressor turned to shrapnel. The compressor needs to be removed, turned upside down to drain any remaining oil. What does the compressor oil look like?.......any metallic particles or crud in the compressor oil? Shrapnel can be flushed/blown out of the evap using a/c flush liquid/solution and compressed air. Shrapnel CAN NOT be removed/flushed from the accumulator/dryer and the orifice tube/liquid line so those 2 must be replaced. Is the rubber hose/manifold assembly in good shape?.....who knows, u gotta make that call, but the old rubber hose assembly should be flushed/blown with compressed air if not replaced with new.

Everything I've read says r134a systems are very finicky about having a precise measurement of compressor oil......too much oil, poor cooling performance......too little oil, compressor destructs. Presuming evap is not leaking, minimum number of new parts would be 3.....new dryer, liquid line and condenser (presuming it was destroyed in the wreck). I'd include a new compressor and hose manifold also, but that's just MHO. If u DIY, poor 1/2 of the correct amount of oil into the compressor and the other 1/2 into the accumulator/dryer, button it all up, take it to a pro to have a vacuum pulled and refrigerant added. Good luck.