AC Pump Bracket Removal Question

[Chad989of2000]

I've got all the AC components removed from the car, save for the AC pump bracket. The bracket is actually bolted on to the intermediate driveshaft bracket, and takes up a good amount of space. I know I have to fill that space after removal with washers, but I was just wondering how many washers I should use and if anyone has done this recently?

 

[Barnes]

If you aren't planning on doing anything with your old AC bracket I recommend cutting off the ear that the stud passes through. Voila, exactly correct washer. I would becareful if you decide to use actual washers. Try to match the thickness of the bracket very carefully. The alignment is very important (IMO).

 

[Terry Posten]

I found that the intake/exhaust "spreader" washers from a 258 in-line 6 1980 AMC Eagle are exactly the same thickness as the AC bracket and work perfectly align the drivers side shaft. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

That was a fun little tank, err, I mean car.

 

[Chad989of2000]

I was able to locate enough washers to match the thickness of the bracket. Without a micrometer, it's as close as I could get it. I totally agree with the alignment concern...that's why I got it as close as humanly possible. Thanks fellas.

 

[Chad989of2000]

*Also that was one beefcake bracket.

 

If your not very happy with the washers you can always buy this part number from your local dealer mb297732 its an actual spacer Mitsubishi made for such a case

 

[Chad989of2000]

^Nice find. Depending on price I may get this, you know what with keeping it up to spec and all. It's easy enough to swap in with all that AC junk out of the way.

 

[Adorsey]

Using multiple washers in that spot is one of the most PITA things to do. imo. Although it works fine, they always fall off the bolt before it gets started.. Just a warning lol

 

[FlyingEagle]

I have heard that using non-hardened washers can cause issues with permanent retention of the intermediate shaft mounting bolts.
This was anecdotal evidence from members on various sites, but could stand to reason that proper parts = proper function - permanently.

 

[iceman69510]

Quoting Adorsey:
Using multiple washers in that spot is one of the most PITA things to do. imo. Although it works fine, they always fall off the bolt before it gets started.. Just a warning lol



JB Weld them together.

 

[gramkrakr89]

How heavy would you say the bracket is? - When I deleted my AC, I just left it in, telling myself that it wasn't worth the trouble trying to find a replacement spacer, and that leaving it helped with block strength (which is bull, but I convinced myself, heh)

 

[Terry Posten]

Added block strength? No. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Weight, I would say it is 2-3 pounds.

 

[gramkrakr89]

hmm - I'd say bear the extra 3 pounds and keep the spacing correct, rather than risk stacked washers

 

[Chad989of2000]

Just ordered the spacer from Mitsu for right around $5.00. Also the bracket and bolts weighs 3.8 lbs. So removing that = race car. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[gramkrakr89]

proper factory spacer = win /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif