A few days ago my 89 A/C compressor spit a glob of grease out of the front by the pulley and clutches. It still is cooling fine when I turn it on isn't making noise (yet) and seem to be working fine. Is there a replaceable seal that can be changed? If the compressor does go is there a reputable company that rebuilds them?
DMC

 

Seal kit is available at www.ackits.com or NAPA. It's about $50. You can buy the installation tool or seat the new one with a socket of the same diameter. Follow the procedure in the service manual and get some new seals for the compressor hose. There are two types - a sealing washer and an o-ring. Most take the o-ring, but you won't know which ones it's got until you take the hose off.

You'll need to get the old charge out first. You might be able to arrange for an a/c shop to suck it out and then give you a break on the recharge after you've rebuilt it or replace it. It is illegal to purposely discharge it into the atmosphere (though it's not illegal to have a system that leaks!).

You should replace the seal as soon as possible. Otherwise it will wear a groove in the shaft and ruin the compressor. Get the oil off of the hood too. Some have posted that's it leeched through and ruined the paint. Replace the accumulator and the orifice. A leaking shaft seal puts even more metal in it and it's pretty frustrating to have inadequate cooling with a new seal and a fresh charge (don't ask me how I know this). Finally, put 4 ozs of fresh a/c oil in the new accumulator and flush the compressor by adding 3 - 4 ozs. and spinning the shaft a dozen or so times in one direction and then in the other. Drain and repeat and then fill with the same amount before you reinstall it.

If you choose to replace the compressor, The Last Detail - www.tld-corvette.com has the best price. Stay away from the Factory Air brand sold at the Discounters. With a new compressor, you will still want to swap out the accumulator and orifice.