Hello all,

It has beem determined that my a/c compressor needs to be replaced. I want to tackle the task myself instead of paying my trusty mechanic. Has any done this? If so, is there a write up? Thanks in advance.

I have a 2006 Coupe.

-Dino

 

Personally, I would purchase the replacement compressor and then take to a local A/C shop. I believe that if the compressor is shot then the dryer might need to be replaced, and the system evaluated, before you put refrigerant into the system.

I have both a 1964 Corvette with Factory A/C running R12 and a 2011 GS.

Spent an entire summer 2 years ago, getting the 64 A/C running, so my experience/advice from above, might be tainted from the older A/C system.

You might want to Google replacing A/C compressor. I remember some of the HGTV/DIY series where the mechanic got the A/C running on a C4. Might be of some help.

 

Thanks for the input. Darn I thought it was a remove and replace. Seems to be quite complicated.

 

Sorry for the typo, evaluated should have been evacuated (vacuum pump)

 

From the shop manual. Probably would require replacement of accumulator/filter. Looks like you gotta drop the crossmember.


Air Conditioning Compressor Replacement


Removal Procedure




1 Recover the refrigerant from the A/C System. Refer to Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging .
2 Remove the A/C drive belt. Refer to Air Conditioning Compressor Belt Replacement for the 6.0L engine or Air Conditioning Compressor Belt Replacement for the 7.0L engine.
3 Remove the A/C compressor hose assembly from the A/C compressor. Refer to Compressor Hose Assembly Replacement .
4 Lower the front suspension crossmember. Refer to Front Suspension Crossmember Replacement .
5 Disconnect the A/C compressor electrical connector.
6 Remove the A/C compressor mounting bolts (1, 2, 4).
7 Remove the A/C compressor mounting nut (3).
8 Remove the A/C compressor from the vehicle.
Important: Replacement A/C compressors are charged with polyalkylene glycol (PAG) oil. Refer to Refrigerant System Capacities .

9 If replacing the A/C compressor, oil balance the compressor. Refer to Air Conditioning Compressor Oil Balancing .

Installation Procedure

1 Install the A/C compressor to the vehicle.
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

Important: Finger tighten the A/C compressor bolts and nuts only, do not torque at this time.

2 Position the A/C compressor onto the A/C compressor bracket and install the A/C compressor mounting bolts (1, 2, 4).
3 Install the A/C compressor mounting nut (3).
4 Tighten the A/C compressor mounting bolts and nut in sequence.

Tighten the bolts and nut to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).

5 Connect the A/C compressor electrical connector.
6 Raise and install the front suspension crossmember. Refer to Front Suspension Crossmember Replacement .
7 Install the compressor hose assembly to the A/C compressor. Refer to Compressor Hose Assembly Replacement .
8 Install the A/C drive belt. Refer to Air Conditioning Compressor Belt Replacement for the 6.0L engine or Air Conditioning Compressor Belt Replacement for the 7.0L engine.
9 Evacuate and recharge the A/C System. Refer to Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging .
10 Leak test the fittings of the A/C components using J 39400-A .

 

Air Conditioning (AC) Refrigerant Filter Replacement


Removal Procedure
1 Recover the refrigerant from the A/C system. Refer to Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging .
2 Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
Important: Immediately cap or tape the open A/C components immediately in order to prevent contamination.

3 Remove the front evaporator inlet line to A/C condenser bolt.
4 Disconnect the front evaporator inlet line from the A/C condenser.
5 Cap or tape off the A/C condenser port.
6 Remove A/C refrigerant filter from the front evaporator inlet line.
7 Remove and discard the seal washer from the front evaporator inlet line.
8 Cap or tape off the front evaporator inlet line.

Installation Procedure

1 Remove the cap or the tape from the front evaporator inlet line.
2 Install a new seal washer to the front evaporator inlet line. Refer to Sealing Washer Replacement .
3 Install the A/C refrigerant filter to the front evaporator inlet line.
4 Remove the cap or tape from the A/C condenser.
5 Connect the front evaporator inlet line to the condenser.

Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

6 Install the front evaporator inlet line to condenser bolt.
Tighten the bolt to 16 N·m (12 lb ft).
7 Lower the vehicle.
8 Evacuate and recharge the A/C system. Refer to Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging .
9 Leak test the fittings of the component using J 39400-A .

 

This does NOT look like a DIY project! No way would I even think about it.

Good Luck---->

 

R12 (old) is fairly easy to charge if you can get it. R134a (new ~1995+) is MUCH more difficult to get right. Very easy to overcharge. If I were you I would change the mechanical stuff (compressor and dryer) and have a professional charge the system.

 

first things first,,, whats wrong with the compressor? is it just a bad 1. clutch possibly? or 2. has it shelled internally and needs replaced?

if 1. then just swap the clutch off the front of the compressor (alot more difficult if you have never done but with the proper clutch tool and snap ring pliers its really pretty simple.

if 2. Then you will need to change the compressor, the TXV valve (i think thats what gm calls there idea of an exspansion valve?) the accumulator (sone call a receiver drier, or filter drier) and you must flush the system to rid it of all the old nasty oil and any lingering small particles and i believe there is a filter right at the evaporator inlet (kinda looks like a orifice tube off a ford). Then you will need to use a good vacuum pump (one that pulls at least 40 psi) for at least 45 minutes depending on your climate temp area (shorter for hotter longer for cooler) then just charge it up to the exact amount.

All that sounds alot harder then it really is,,,,,,,, good luck with it and dont let a shop skip steps,,,,,, you will pay for it down the line

 

I'm actually a licensed commercial A/C contractor a few years back, and have recovery units, jugs of refrigerant's, weigh scales in the basement. Not doing this anymore, and quite honestly would just take it to a qualified shop now. Thinking of a new home A/C system, and considering the time, truck rentals, the recent change to R-410a refrigerant, and warranty coverage, probably going to hire a contractor.

 

@Hanny the compressor is leaking freon and would not hold pressure.

@C6toGo thanks a bunch for the procedure steps.

Thank you all for your suggestions. With that being said, I've decided to take to a pro

 

that sounds like a good solution,,,,,,, and it will save you a ton of potential frustration