Hello all - the ac compressor bearings in my 2008 C6 (6sp if it matters) are shot. Got the replacement part, but have never replaced an ac compressor on any vehicle. After quite a bit of searching, I found a bunch of DIY info for this procedure on C5's, but not the C6's.

Does anyone know where I can find a good write up? If not, any pointers would be appreciated (e.g. easiest removal path, typical pitfalls, anything else that needs to be checked/replaced beyond just swapping out the compressors, etc).

Thanks in advance!
- Will

 

I'll be doing the same here soon. Had a heck of a time finding oe compressor. It's not available from anyone that I know of right now. I've ordered an ac delco on Amazon.
You're right about a write. There isn't a good one that I've found either. I've read one that says to drop the front crossmember to remove the compressor. I'm not buying that and will try a different route this weekend. I'll update this posting.
I'm also replacing the expansion valve ( $22) and condenser ($54). The filter is a part of the condenser is why I'm replacing it.
HVAC is my profession so I have the tools and know how.
I may try to do a write up with pics.

 

^ Please do! Would be very helpful for many!

 

somethings should be done by a expert, you just don't bolt on a compressor and get a can of Freon from the auto parts store, if your bearings went chances are some of that crap is in the system and needs to be flushed out and the other parts the gentleman speaks of are a good idea in an aged system, then comes filling it and getting the air out with nitrogen
, and filling with the right type and amount of lubricant, buy your parts and install them if you will but leave the belt off and take it to a good ac shop

 

Good advice for those not mechanically inclined. Like I said, if you have access to the correct tools, this project is doable. Some of us like the challenge of working on our own vehicles. I've seen many case where the so called " experts " screw the job up costing their customers money and headaches.
My hats off to anyone that's not afraid to give a semi complicated project a try. With the right tools, access to correct advice, instructions etc most anyone can do anything.
By the way, the air in the a/c system isn't removed with nitrogen. It's called evacuation.
I've now been inspired to do a write up including pictures on changing the compressor etc. in my 2006 vert.

 

i have found that the easiest way is to pull the upper radiator hose off at the thermostat and slide the compressor out that way. it took me 1 hour in and out. pulling a vacuum and refilling the freon and topping off the coolant took just as long.

 

Thanks for all advice guys. After 15 years of wrenchin on cars, I'm trying to decide whether it's frustrating, exciting, or some combo thereof coming across a job I've never done before. Most of my experience is with very old/track-purposed AC-less vehicles, and I've never lost a compressor in a DD.

My car only has 53k miles on it, so I'm wondering if doing the valve and condenser as well constitutes good preventative maintenance or a waste of time/money...?

I also have access to a buddy of mine's shop that has the equipment to do the evac/flush (if he wasn't trying to close on a new house and tending to his wife [who's due to give birth to their first in 2 weeks] he'd be guiding this process and I'd be posting the write up, but for now all he can do is toss me the keys)...the rising temp in eastern PA and black on black car is making it a priority too - i don't mind losing a little weight, but I'd rather not do it in my vette ;-)

Thanks for doin that write-up MRK - can't wait to see it.

 

I got all the components out Sunday and now waiting on a new compressor. Seems they're few and far between. OE compressor is not available at this time, unless you want to pay a small fortune. I'll probably end up at Autozone.
I took out the water pump to get the compressor out, not sure about just removing upper hose. Don't think that'll work on my 06. The water pump is semi easy to remove.
I think replacing the condenser and expansion valve is a good idea, cheap insurance. Keep your receipts, in case you have to warranty the compressor. Not sure of Autozone yet, but the Carquest guy said I would need them and they'd honor another vendors parts.
There is a bullet shaped screen, which is a filter. It's located in the end of the liquid line at the condenser connection. Don't forget this! Mine was completely stop up with a fine grey sludge. I cleaned mine, but news ones are available and cheap.
Hopefully this Saturday I'll reinstall everything and I'll have more tips to add.
I probably won't do an official write up anytime soon. I'd like to do a good job with it and just don't have time.

 

I hear ya on the time piece. Still trying to carve out a weekend to get this done.

Good point on the valve and condenser - will do them too. No worries on the write up. Once I get into it I'll try to take some pix.

BTW, I started at autozone - they wanted $400+ for the compressor. Eventually I found Jensen Auto Inc on Ebay and got a refurbed compressor for $189 w/1 year warranty. Says they have one more and it should fit your '06. If you're interested:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/380639577716

 

did a cam job in the driveway, but AC is another world

 

I got my compressor late night from Autozone, 2 year warranty,so hopefully it'll last. I flushed the system with an r11 flush and ready to go back together.