I am about to replace the PAS pump on the wifes truck (an '01 with 102k miles) and the Rave manual states that I have to unbolt the A/C compressor and position aside. My question is, do I need to drain the refrigerant and disconnect the pipes meaning I have to recharge the system afterwards. Is there a way to move the compressor enough to get at the bolts to release the auxiliary housing. The rave manual makes the pump removal seem quite simple until delving into the background of removing the compressor.
Thanks in advance for any tips

 

You just move the compressor to the side keeping all the lines connected.

 

ok, help is much appreciated. Like i said, it seemed straight forward from the Rave manual but I didn't I want to have everything unbolted and be stuck with pulling the auxiliary housing off.

 

It is really straight forward, getting the clutch fan off is hard though without a fan tool (ford tool from aap rental). FYI I took my pump apart and resealed it with RTV.

 

I've already replaced the water pump and timing cover gaskets and can now have the fan off in a couple of minutes. One wrench from british atlantic and a long screw driver have saved me hours of frustration and I'm sure it's not the last time I'll have the fan off.
Just need to replace the ignition leads now and the cracked headlight.