How hard is it to replace the A/C compressor
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 57
From: Kensington MD
How hard is it to replace the A/C compressor
My A/C compressor is kinda noisy; wondering how hard it is to replace it, and if anyone knows of any videos or how-to docs/threads. Unless noisy compressors are just a feature of the C5 Corvette.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
LOL! It not difficult at all!! 
Its ALL the IMPORTANT STUFF that MUST be done in conjunction with replacing it that is difficult.
You CANT just replace the compressor and be done with it. There are a WHOLE HOST of other parts that are MANDITORY replacement items and procedures for adding oil and the R-134 charge. Let alone the special tools that you need to vacuum and charge the system.
Here's a very recent post on this very subject:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ew-issues.html
If you don't have the GM Service Manuals for this job, you are seriously starting off in the wrong direction.
Don't get me wrong. It can be done but you may end up doing it several times to get it right if you don't know of all the things that you need to do to get the job 100% correct.
This repair is LOADED with pitfalls if you don't arm yourself with knowledge and be familiar with the steps in the service manual.
Bill
Its ALL the IMPORTANT STUFF that MUST be done in conjunction with replacing it that is difficult.You CANT just replace the compressor and be done with it. There are a WHOLE HOST of other parts that are MANDITORY replacement items and procedures for adding oil and the R-134 charge. Let alone the special tools that you need to vacuum and charge the system.
Here's a very recent post on this very subject:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ew-issues.html
If you don't have the GM Service Manuals for this job, you are seriously starting off in the wrong direction.
Don't get me wrong. It can be done but you may end up doing it several times to get it right if you don't know of all the things that you need to do to get the job 100% correct.
This repair is LOADED with pitfalls if you don't arm yourself with knowledge and be familiar with the steps in the service manual.
Bill
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Drifting
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,649
Likes: 50
From: Goldsboro NC
Best to replace it to eliminate any possibility of future problems. Found this for replacement parts. This kit was great!
This is how it all showed up on my door step. The parts looked as good as the price
Last edited by ZZ06; Mar 17, 2016 at 10:27 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,152
Likes: 890
From: South Western Ontario
The accumulator contains a desiccant which removes any moisture in the coolant. You should replace it any time the system is opened. You should also ensure you ONLY pull the plugs and attach the lines to it right before you seal-up the system. You don't want it left open and absorbing moisture from the air.
On another note, you can replace the compressor without pulling the water pump, but you have to remove the exhaust manifold. I did it that way because my starter did a click-click before it started working in the spring so I pulled the passenger side header and got access to both.
On another note, you can replace the compressor without pulling the water pump, but you have to remove the exhaust manifold. I did it that way because my starter did a click-click before it started working in the spring so I pulled the passenger side header and got access to both.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,649
Likes: 50
From: Goldsboro NC
The accumulator contains a desiccant which removes any moisture in the coolant. You should replace it any time the system is opened. You should also ensure you ONLY pull the plugs and attach the lines to it right before you seal-up the system. You don't want it left open and absorbing moisture from the air.
On another note, you can replace the compressor without pulling the water pump, but you have to remove the exhaust manifold. I did it that way because my starter did a click-click before it started working in the spring so I pulled the passenger side header and got access to both.
On another note, you can replace the compressor without pulling the water pump, but you have to remove the exhaust manifold. I did it that way because my starter did a click-click before it started working in the spring so I pulled the passenger side header and got access to both.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 57
From: Kensington MD
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
YES! Those are the seal plugs that keep moisture/dirt out of the receiver/drier.
NOTE! Make SURE that you add the required OIL for the components replaced. Some COMPRESSORS come with oil some don't. MAKE SURE that you know what condition your compressor comes in OIL or NO OIL.
I usually add a little extra oil. What ever the system doesn't use, will be deposited in the receiver dryer.
NOTE! Make SURE that you add the required OIL for the components replaced. Some COMPRESSORS come with oil some don't. MAKE SURE that you know what condition your compressor comes in OIL or NO OIL.
I usually add a little extra oil. What ever the system doesn't use, will be deposited in the receiver dryer.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 57
From: Kensington MD
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,649
Likes: 50
From: Goldsboro NC
.....
. Be sure to add the 2oz to the accumulator. I believe the total in the system is 9oz? Don't directly quote me on that.
Last edited by ZZ06; Mar 18, 2016 at 12:48 PM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 57
From: Kensington MD
Water pump?
Planning to do this job sometime towards the end of summer (have other projects ahead in line). Is the water pump one of those things that should be replaced "while you're in there", or if it's otherwise in OK shape, better off just putting the same one back on?