B23-024

Service Bulletin
July 14, 2023
23-024
Version 2
2019-20 MDX A/C Compressor Shaft Seal Leak
Supersedes 23-024, dated June 30, 2023, to revise the information highlighted in yellow.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
Year
Model
Trim
VIN Range
2019–20
MDX
A-SPEC, ADV, BASE, TECH
ALL
REVISION SUMMARY
•
Under REPAIR PROCEDURE, step 4 has been revised.
•
Under REPAIR PROCEDURE, step 5 has been removed.
SYMPTOM
Client complaint of A/C not blowing cold air.
POSSIBLE CAUSE
Oil/Refrigerant leak from the A/C compressor shaft seal.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Do the inspection procedure and if directed, replace the compressor shaft seal.
PARTS INFORMATION
Part Name
Part Number
Quantity
Seal Set Assembly (Kit Contains: Bolt, Washer Set, Pulley
C-Ring, Felt Washer, Shaft Seal, Seal C-Ring, Suction Port
Plug, Discharge Port Plug)
38918-64A-318
1
Discharge Hose O-Ring (1/2”)
80872-SN7-003
1
Suction Hose O-Ring (5/8”)
80871-SN7-003
1
CLIENT INFORMATION:The information in this bulletin is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment, and
training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These procedures should not be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume
this bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To determine whether this information applies, contact an
authorized Acura automobile dealer.
©
2023 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. — All Rights Reserved
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REQUIRED MATERIALS
Part Name
Part Number
Quantity
POE Compressor Oil
38899-RLV-A01
1
RB100EV Oil
38899-64A-A02
1
NOTE: POE Compressor Oil will be phased out and unavailable once RB100EV arrives in domestic inventory.
TOOLS INFORMATION
Part Name
Part Number
Quantity
7CVC Seal Replacement Kit
07AAC-5J6A1Z0
1
Auto-shipped to dealers in June 2023. Contact Special Tools Hotline at (800) 346-6327 if your dealership has not
received this tool kit.
WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
Operation
Number
Description
Flat Rate
Time
Defect
Code
Symptom
Code
Template
ID
Failed Part Number
614130
Replace the A/C
compressor shaft seal
(includes inspection).
2.3 hr
07408
03217
B23024A
38810-5J6-A22
620025
Evacuate and recharge
0.7 hr
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INSPECTION PROCEDURE
1. Remove the right front tire.
2. Remove the undercover assembly.
3. Remove the drive belt.
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4. Inspect for oil on the clutch area of the compressor while in the on-car position.
NOTE: If oil is stuck to the clutch area of the compressor, then proceed to the repair procedure.
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5. If no oil is noticed, leave the compressor on the vehicle. Remove the center hub bolt while holding the armature
plate with the A/C clutch holder and remove the hub/armature plate from the compressor. Then, inspect both for oil.
NOTE:
•
If oil is present on the hub/armature plate, then proceed to the repair procedure.
•
If no oil is present, then proceed to step 7.
Examples of dry and oily clutch assemblies.
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6. Remove the felt washer from the compressor and gently place it on a clean sheet of paper.
NOTE: If oil transfers from the felt washer to the paper after 10 seconds, then proceed to the repair procedure. If
not, then proceed to step 8.
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7. Using a calibrated sniffer, check for a leak.
NOTE:
•
Use a sniffer for at least 5 minutes around the snout of the compressor.
•
An A/C compressor that has not been engaged will yield better results. The longer the A/C compressor has not
been run, the better chance you will have at detecting a leak.
•
A higher vehicle temperature produces more accurate results.
•
If a leak is detected, then proceed to the repair procedure.
8. If no oil leak is found, reassemble the hub/armature plate with the original bolt and torque to 17 N.m (13 lb-ft).
If this is a second time and no leak is found, reassemble the hub/amature plate with a new bolt and torque to 17
N.m (13 lb-ft).
NOTE:
•
Verify the clutch and pulley rotate smoothly and independently.
•
Measure the clearance between the pulley and armature plate all the way around. If clearance is not within
specified limits, remove the armature plate and add/or remove shims as needed.
•
Clearance: 0.30–0.70 mm (0.0118–0.0276 in).
•
Shims are available in three sizes: 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm.
9. Install the belt, run the vehicle for ten minutes and then do step 8 again.
NOTE: If no leak or oil are found after completing the second time, then continue with the normal leak check
procedure of other A/C components.
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REPAIR PROCEDURE
Chance for fluids to enter eyes and/or hands which can cause injury. Use safety glasses and rubber gloves.
Click here to view a video of the seal repair procedure:
1. Connect an A/C recover/recycle/recharge machine to the high-pressure service port and the low-pressure service
port following the equipment manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Recover the A/C refrigerant.
3. Remove the front bulkhead cover.
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4. Remove the air intake tube.
5. Unbolt the front bulkhead and move it aside.
6. Remove the A/C fan shroud.
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7. Remove the passenger’s side front bulkhead brace.
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8. Disconnect the discharge and suction hose.
NOTE: Use the port plugs in the seal assembly kit to immediately seal the ports after disconnection. This prevents
moisture and dust contamination from entering the A/C compressor. Installing an A/C compressor into a
contaminated system can result in premature A/C compressor failure.
9. Remove the A/C compressor.
NOTE: Be careful not to damage the radiator fins when removing the A/C compressor.
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10. If the clutch has not been removed from a previous step, remove the clutch center flange bolt while holding the
armature plate with the A/C clutch holder. (17 N·m 13lb-ft).
11. If the clutch has not been removed from a previous step, remove the clutch while being careful not to drop/lose any
shims (usually 1–2).
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12. If the felt washer has not been removed from a previous step, use a pick to remove the felt washer.
13. Remove the pulley C-ring.
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14. Remove the pulley.
15. Remove the seal C-ring.
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16. Thoroughly clean the bore and shaft with a lint free cloth.
NOTE: Do not use compressed air. The bore needs to be very clean as to prevent debris from entering the
compressor once the seal is removed. Failure to remove all debris will result in future failure.
17. Remove the side bracket.
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18. Place the press tool onto the A/C compressor and insert the holding pins (2). Make sure the press tool installs
where the press shaft should align with compressor shaft. The press tool will only align correctly in one orientation.
The pins must go all the way through.
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19. Add the press adapter tool.
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20. Add grease to the press adapter button and press threads.
y
21. Tighten the press until there is no clearance, then 3/4 turn (270°).
22. Release to remove the adapter and press.
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23. Insert the cylinder tool onto the A/C compressor.
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24. Insert the extractor tool, and make sure the 24 mm nut is positioned towards the top. Look into the cylinder window
to align the extractor tool onto the flange and press the handle fully down to grab the seal.
NOTE: The 24 mm nut will use a 36 mm wrench.
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25. Stabilize the extractor tool using a 19 mm wrench on the top. Then, turn the handle clockwise until the resistance is
felt. Make sure that the space between the 19 mm wrench and the bottom portion of the extractor tool is minimal.
NOTE: To confirm the extractor is engaged, hold the extractor tool and lift the compressor up.
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26. Apply grease between the 24 mm nut and cylinder top.
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27. With the 19 mm wrench in place, lower the 24 mm nut down until it reaches the cylinder. Slowly and carefully adjust
until the extractor tool comes out freely with the seal.
NOTE:
•
Resistance will be felt while lowering 24 mm nut and will cease once the seal is extracted.
•
If the seal does not come out on the first step, repeat the process starting at step 13.
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28. Thoroughly clean the bore and shaft with a lint free cloth.
NOTE: Do not use compressed air. The bore needs to be very clean as to prevent debris from entering the
compressor once the seal is installed. Failure to remove all debris will result in future failure.
29. Inspect the compressor shaft bore for visible damage; Inspect the seal guide for contamination or damage.
30. Lubricate the new seal outer surface, seal guide, and bore with new POE air conditioning oil.
NOTE: Avoid touching the center of the seal with hands as to prevent cross-contamination of the A/C refrigerant
system.
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31. Insert the seal guide tool onto A/C compressor shaft.
32. Insert the new seal onto the seal guide tool.
NOTE: The seal is directional and must be placed with the metal side upward.
33. Insert the press adapter tool over the seal guide.
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34. By hand, press down to seat the new seal about 5 mm below the top edge of the bore and remove the press
adapter.
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35. Insert the seal C-ring with the teeth’s rounded side pointing down into the bore.
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36. Install the press tool.
37. Tighten the press by rotating the handle clockwise until it reaches the adapter tool. Slowly and carefully continue to
rotate the handle clockwise until the seal is pressed down roughly 10 mm below the bore.
NOTE: Tighten the press until the C-Clip is installed into the clip groove. There will be a sound or vibration felt when
the C-clip is fully set.
38. Remove the press and the adapter tool when complete.
39. Clean the pulley and A/C compressor friction surfaces with contact cleaner or another non-petroleum solvent.
40. Install the pulley.
41. Install the pulley outer C-ring.
NOTE: C-ring for pulley and seal must be replaced.
42. Install the new felt washer.
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43. Measure existing shims with calipers and make sure the thickness is the same.
44. Install the clutch plate and spacers.
45. Install the new clutch center flange bolt and tighten to 17 N.m (13 lb-ft).
46. Fill compressor with the contents of one can of POE compressor oil.
47. Mount the side brackets.
48. Install the compressor.
49. Connect the suction and discharge hoses.
50. Install the drive belt.
51. Install the remaining parts.
52. Do a vacuum check. If the system is OK, fill the A/C system with the correct amount of A/C refrigerant.
53. Set the A/C system to MAX COOL, and run the vehicle for ten minutes between 1,500-2,000 RPM.
NOTE: Use the calibrated sniffer in the area of the shaft seal.
54. Use the calibrated sniffer to check around the clutch and O-ring area, without the engine running.
55. If no leak is detected, install the tire, and undercover.
END
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