ac compressor removal
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Cutler Bay FL
ac compressor removal
Need to swap out my compressor. I've read where you can do it without removing the crossmember by removing the water pump instead. I'm looking at it and I'm wondering if it would be more accessible by removing the passenger side exhaust mani? Anyone done the water pump method or has anyone attempted the manifold removal?
Last edited by dalynchmob; Oct 5, 2015 at 08:45 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 2,106
From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
I found the most difficult part was removing the bolt that holds the freon lines. I wasn't trying to just remove the compressor, since I was pulling the engine, but either way, you still need to get that bolt out. The service manual shows it without the frame being in the way, which is no help whatsoever unless you drop the front cradle. I took an old socket and ground it off until it would slip in the space and then ground flats on the edges to fit an open end wrench. Once you get it turned a thread or two, you can spin it out with fingers.
If you try the exhaust drop method, be sure to post pics and a short write up. At least post up the results even if it doesn't work.
If you try the exhaust drop method, be sure to post pics and a short write up. At least post up the results even if it doesn't work.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Cutler Bay FL
Well i gave it a shot and it worked. You can remove and replace your ac compressor by removing your passenger side exhaust manifold and cat. And the bolt holding the lines to the compressor was really easy to get. I'll do a write up with pics later.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 2,106
From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
I'll be looking for the write up.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,220
Likes: 16
From: Sugarhill Ga
i hope you have not done that yet. if you remove the top radiator hose ( by the tstat) you can slide the compressor out the front. the whole job can be done in less than 1 hour with hand tools.
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Cutler Bay FL
C U- I imagine headers would probably be harder? Not sure I'm running stock exhaust to the axle.
truckplay- I was just looking for a different option and didn't want antifreeze all over. She's all back together now. After I sprayed all the bolts with pb blaster and let them sit for 2 hrs while I ate dinner and put the twins down, it was rather easy. Prob didn't get it done in an hour though, but I did the condenser too.
I'll post it as another alternative to dropping the CM.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 209
Likes: 40
From: Belen New Mexico
Easy job.
Drain radiator. Remove 3 hoses and thermostat housing. Car on ramps and remove passenger tire. Remove 2 lower compressor bolts. Remove 2 upper bolts. Slide compressor forward and rotate to remove lines. Loosen motor mount bolt and jack up engine about 1 inch. Compressor comes out very easy. Make sure you replace mounting stud before you reinstall compressor. I'm 72 and took anout 3 hours to remove and replace.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,780
Likes: 332
From: New York New York
Drain radiator. Remove 3 hoses and thermostat housing. Car on ramps and remove passenger tire. Remove 2 lower compressor bolts. Remove 2 upper bolts. Slide compressor forward and rotate to remove lines. Loosen motor mount bolt and jack up engine about 1 inch. Compressor comes out very easy. Make sure you replace mounting stud before you reinstall compressor. I'm 72 and took anout 3 hours to remove and replace.
