#4. Remove the bottom two allen bolts mating the compressor to the bracket. These bolts are far easier to access than the top allen bolt.
Step 2a.jpg Step 2b.jpg I removed the front bolt first and then the rear bolt last. When removing the last bolt, be sure to support the compressor (I found it easiest to hold it with my hands at first). If the compressor is not properly supported, damage can occur to the refrigerant lines.
Removed.jpg Use a ratchet strap to support the compressor. I threaded my ratchet strap through the engine bay (hood open, naturally), around the left side (perspective from the rear) of the compressor between the compressor and the bracket, under the right wheel, and around the front right fender. Take care to not strain or pull the compressor too much with the strap, as this can also damage the refrigerant lines.
#5. Remove the five 13mm bolts holding the bracket to the block. I was able to use a 3/8 inch torque wrench to remove all of these, albeit with an extension for the innermost bottom mounting bolt.
Three of these bolts can be accessed from the rear.
Step 2c.jpg The top rear bolt is recessed somewhat in the bracket and requires the use of a socket (a crescent wrench will not work here!). I was able to fit my torque wrench with the socket attached into this recessed area, but needed to separate the wrench and socket once I broke the bolt loose (there's not enough clearance otherwise). Be mindful of the two wires coming out of the compressor when fitting the torque wrench into the recessed area.
The innermost bottom bolt requires the use of an extension and socket, but is otherwise straightforward. The outermost bottom bolt is straightforward.
The front two bolts are similarly straightforward, although it should be noted that the bottom front bolt is longer than the other bracket-to-block bolts. I removed the top front bolt last.
#6. Snake the bracket out of the crevice where the compressor is located. On my M44 with an electric fan, I found I did not have to remove any other hardware to remove the bracket, but YMMV.
Here's my old bracket, with the broken pulley mount point in full view:
Old bracket.jpg #7. Installation is the reverse of removal with one exception.
When reinstalling the compressor, release the ratchet strap and move it out of the way (i.e. not trapped between the compressor and the bracket). Support the compressor with your hand but DO NOT move it into place yet.
Thread the top allen bolt through the bracket (but not completely) BEFORE positioning the compressor and attaching the bottom two bolts. Otherwise, the rear refrigerant line will block the entrance of the allen bolt.
Once the bolt is in place in the bracket, thread one of the bottom bolts. Then tighten the top allen bolt. Finally, thread and tighten both bottom bolts completely.
I decided to replace my bracket-to-block mounting bolts, but it's not required.
Hopefully, this guide will shed some light on the M42/M44 compressor bracket removal and installation and help an E36 owner get their air conditioning back!!