difficulty removing air compressor bolt

Came home from a trip yesterday and the engine was squeeling loud. sounded like a pulley on the serpintine belt. Took belt of and the ac compressor would not spin. I was told it should be free. Started to replace compressor and removed the cooling fans and three of the four bolts on the compressor. Just can't seem to get to the lower left bolt. I can feel it and every time I get a socket on it and attempt to get ratchet on socket it all falls off. Lost two sockets down there somewhere. anyone have suggestions on removing compressor? This is a 3.0 duratec 24 valve. My neighbor is in heating and cooling and I am having him do the refrigerant.

Ok, Got the system evacuated, removed metal cover over bottom radiator hose and used lone extension with swivel head and got lower bolt out. Now with everthing disconnected, how the "HE>>>>L" do you get the compressor out????? Saw a Y tube video and it looked easy just slid out where the fans were. Not here. Need help and suggestions

What year is your Taurus?

-Rod

2000 24v duratec

The service manual doesn't suggest that it will be too difficult, but there is a somewhat interesting Note associated with step 15.

"NOTE: Move the A/C compressor toward the rear of the engine and remove the A/C compressor through the battery junction box mounting location.


Remove the A/C compressor.

Disconnect the clutch field coil electrical connector.



Remove the four bolts.



Remove the A/C compressor."



If you'd like a PDF of this section from the service manual, send me a Private Message with the request AND an e-mail address for you.

-Rod