Air Con
Up to speed with Nissens air con
Most modern vehicles are equipped with air conditioning systems and knowledge and expertise of the components are gradually turning into a competitive advantage that generates good profits for the motor factor. With 95 years of experience, Nissens is recognised as a leading expert in engine cooling solutions and air conditioning (AC). As a leading manufacturer of essential climate system components, Nissens offers a comprehensive range of high-quality air conditioning spare parts, covering more than 9,600 OE numbers, while simultaneously offering technical support for climate systems. With its focus on added features, such as quality, ‘First Fit’ and ‘First to Market’. TAKING THE LEAD ON AC COMPRESSORS Servicing the compressor correctly is crucial to the efficiency of the AC system. During an AC cycle, the compressor enables the refrigerant to change its state from gas to liquid and flow through the different components of the system as well as through the high and low pressure sides. To ensure that everything performs to the highest standards, Nissens conducts advanced life and performance tests as well as back-to-back tests against OE units, so that every single product in Nissens’ 400+ compressor range, covering more than 2,000 OE numbers, fully matches the OE equivalent. Furthermore, critical components, such as the pulley, clutch hub, bearing and wobble plate, are improved to withstand higher stress, tensions and temperatures than expected of OE units. In spite of this, motor factors need to be aware of the most critical aspect of compressor service and installation – correct lubrication. CHECK THE ADDITIVE As all moving parts are fitted with millimetre precision, every aspect of the setup is expected to perform within the boundaries of an exceptionally narrow margin. Part of this setup is the lubrication, essential for all movements of the compressor. Factors must be careful when dealing with additives, as incorrect use can make them extremely harmful to compressor lubrication. When working with additives, there are three particular problems that are prone to occur:
SYSTEM LUBRICATION Another important factor is the oil. PAG oil is the most common lubricant used in modern automotive air conditioning systems running on R134a and R1234yf. It is a fully synthetic oil that offers efficient and universal lubricating parameters. It is conductive, highlyhygroscopic and is available in several viscosity versions (46/100/150). PAO68, on the other hand, is a non-hygroscopic formula that acts as an alternative to all the PAG versions. Although the characteristics of PAO and PAG seem similar, their viscosity parameters are different. A common reason for AC compressor failure is the use of the wrong oil type and viscosity. Since the wrong oil mixture will not penetrate parts precisely, friction will cause the compressors to overheat and seize. To ensure easy installation, Nissens compressors are always pre-filled with PAG oil of the right quantity and viscosity. The double end-capped, chemically inactive and stable PAG oil offers exceptionally good lubrication characteristics, high moisture tolerance at high temperatures and does not react chemically to form harmful acids or compounds. THE HIDDEN CONDENSER ISSUES As one of the AC components closest to the external environment, condensers experience extensive wear and tear during their lifetime. Since roads are covered in salt during the colder months of the year, saltwater will spray onto the exposed condenser and increase the risk of corrosion in the system; thus reducing the efficiency of the AC system and increasing the workload, affecting other AC system components. The main effects of condenser corrosion are: · Deterioration of condenser fins: resulting in condenser leakage, causing a reduced working surface area and thus a significant reduction in the heat exchange capacity. · Lack of fins: resulting in a significantly less effective condensation process and causing the compressor to overload. · Leaking condenser: as a result of the destabilised condenser structure caused by a lack of fins. As the refrigerant disappears, the condenser will lose its cooling capacity, causing the compressor to overheat. It is advisable to always mount a corrosion-protected condenser as saltwater tests show that they offer up to eight times longer lifespan than non-protected condensers – 500+ of Nissens condensers offer corrosion protection. DON’T FORGET THE RECEIVER DRIER It is very important to remember a crucial key point about another AC product – the receiver drier. Replacing this part is essential when servicing the system and a must when replacing key AC components such as the compressor and condenser. The Nissens receiver drier range covers more than 800 OE numbers. SUMMARY · Nissens AC range covers more than 9,600 OE numbers · O-rings and pre-filled PAG oil available on all compressors · Nissens offers corrosion protection on 500+ of its condensers · All parts are manufactured to match OE specifications. · Products are ISO9001/TS16949 and ISO 14001 certified and Ford Q1 approved. |
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