Compressors. How to maintain your compressor and keep it reliable (Edit)

By Steven Rowlandson
Published 15-Oct-05 05:00 PM

We have chosen the ARB compressor to use for this article, though most aftermarket compressors have similar parts, and can be serviced in a similar manner. The first page of this write up will detail the basic requirements of servicing your compressor to keep it in tip top shape, and provide years of good service. Page 2 will detail further working of the compressor itself and the spare parts available for the compressor we have used, most of which can be serviced by anyone with with mechanical aptitude.

The most important part of any mechanical unit which ingests air as part of its operation, is for that air to be free of contaminants that may cause wear to the moving parts within the unit. The black cover on top of the compressor should be removed periodically and the element cleaned and checked to ensure it is preventing ingress of dirt/dust into the compressor, and isn't 'choked' preventing the compressor from drawing maximum air on every stroke. This brass filter just lifts out and can be cleaned by using compressed air to blow dust etc off it. NEVER OIL THE BRASS FILTER. This will cause clogging of the element itself, and may even restrict the air flow by the oil blocking the small pores that are the make up of the filter.

The other key area is the storage tank on an ARB ,this should be removed periodically, to drain any moisture that can accumulate as it drops from suspension in the air when pushed into the tank itself, after it is drawn into the compressor as moisture in the air. The tank is held in place by one 13mm bolt in the end of the tank, and is sealed by an 'O' ring onto the head unit of the compressor. These key features, as well as mounting in a dust free user friendly environment, and ensuring the electrical leads and the fuse are kept in good order, and moisture free should see years of trouble free use. Please follow any user guide or operating instructions that come with your specific unit.

Storage tank bolt 13mm	Pressure Switch	Tank 'o' ring seal	inlet / outlet valve under filter

Air Filter Assebly and Filter Cap	Compressor Barrel 12v Motor	Conrod, Piston and Bottom ring
Air cleaner Mount	Piston / Barrel Mount	12v Power Lead / Air Hose (Relay above air hose)

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Parts for compressor are

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