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AC compressor removal

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Old Jul 1, 2019 | 02:22 PM
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Default AC compressor removal

Do I really need to drop the front end cradle to remove the compressor?
doing a search on this site I have read that is the only way to remove the compressor and I have read that it is not necessary
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Old Jul 1, 2019 | 02:34 PM
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No, you do not need to lower the cradle.
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Old Jul 1, 2019 | 04:17 PM
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Here's a link to a pdf ac compressor file
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-write-up.html
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Old Jul 1, 2019 | 04:47 PM
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Microsoft Word - C5 AC Compressor Replacement.doc
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Old Jul 2, 2019 | 08:20 AM
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I don't recall lowering mine. Inner fender? Yes. But my cradle didn't get moved.

(edit)
Even if for some reason you found it easier by doing so, it's just 4 nuts and you lower it down some. You can drop it probably a full inch without moving anything else. Seriously, 5 minutes max for both down and back up. Don't use impact if you decide to move it, and use a torque wrench to put it back up. Torque specs are in the stickies and you should be using them on all sorts of stuff on the car (if you don't already). For clicker wrenches, Harbor Freight FTW.

Last edited by K-Spaz; Jul 2, 2019 at 08:23 AM.
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Old Jul 2, 2019 | 08:51 AM
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The factory service manual says to remove the water pump. I didn't remove mine. I was doing headers at the same time and was able to get it out with the exhaust manifold off.
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Old Jul 2, 2019 | 05:59 PM
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Thank you all for the reply s and the link to that artical. That was a good detailed how to. It
almost makes it sound easy. something I did notice him say was that when taking out the top
bolts , one is a stud. he said
You won’t be able to remove the bolts all of the
way – they will hit the framerail. To get to the bottom bolts we’ll need to remove the passenger
side wheel.
Then he shows the bottom bolts with the wheel off and says
With all four bolts removed, carefully manipulate your compressor toward the front of the car so
you can remove the hose/manifold from the rear of the compressor with your 13mm socket. Now
that the compressor is free, lift it over the steering rack and out toward the top.

So how or when can you get the top bolts out ?
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Old Jul 2, 2019 | 06:02 PM
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When you reach that point, it will be obvious. Trust me. Been there, done that.
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Old Jul 3, 2019 | 10:57 AM
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Originally Posted by ncali
Thank you all for the reply s and the link to that artical. That was a good detailed how to. It
almost makes it sound easy. something I did notice him say was that when taking out the top
bolts , one is a stud. he said
You won’t be able to remove the bolts all of the
way – they will hit the framerail. To get to the bottom bolts we’ll need to remove the passenger
side wheel.
Then he shows the bottom bolts with the wheel off and says
With all four bolts removed, carefully manipulate your compressor toward the front of the car so
you can remove the hose/manifold from the rear of the compressor with your 13mm socket. Now
that the compressor is free, lift it over the steering rack and out toward the top.

So how or when can you get the top bolts out ?
One other thing of note. If replacing the dryer, you will be removing the battery and its base. It is much easier to access the suction/discharge head on the back of the compressor with an extension/universal combo prior to removing the lower compressor bolts.
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