2001 Grand Prix Air Conditioning Compressor

Hi,

My air conditioner compressor is acting up so I am going to replace the unit. When replacing the compressor, what else do I need to purchase to go along with the pump? I was reading that you need to buy an orifice tube, a new accumulator/drier, and oil. Are those the parts that I need in addition to the pump or is there something else I am missing?

Thx!

What year and engine size?

What is it doing? What are your symptoms? Most compressor failures are a leaky seal where refrigerant leaks out or clutch assembly. There is a control valve that goes bad on Harrison V5 compressors but the part is replaceable without replacing the whole compressor.

When the air conditioning is off a rattling noise is coming from the compressor. I think it is the bearing. But when the air conditioning is on the noise goes away. I found a brand new compressor with pulley for a real good price so I just want to replace the whole unit.

There is a procedure to adjust the A/C clutch plate gap to help get rid of the rattling sound so it doesn't necessarily mean the bearing is bad.

What was the cost?

I fond a brand new delphi compressor for $110.00 with shipping. How do you go about adjusting the A/C clutch plate gap. I would prefer not to replace the pump if necessary. It all depends on the cost.

If that is a OE Delphi compressor then it is a good deal. You will need a special tool to do the air gap adjustment. A GM J33013-B tool which is a Hub and Drive Plate installation tool. So cost wise you may be better off replacing the compressor. Do you plan on DIY or having a shop do the work since there is other technical stuff involved when you replace the compressor.

For informational purposes basically to adjust the air gap you install the J33013-B tool, then place a feeler gauge between the clutch plate and clutch rotor. Then tighten the hex nut portion of the hub and drive plate installer until the air gap between the clutch plate and clutch rotor is .015" making sure the air gap is even all around. Thats it and then remove the tool. Best to do this type work with the compressor off the car.

I ended up doing this but I also replaced the condensor out in front of the radiator...reason all the lower corner fins were folded over. My thinking was that those were from high speed driving with salt snow and sand striking those unprotected corners. Since I was doing all the work I ended up replacing this too.

I did everything but the orifice tube and things appeared to be OK. IIRC the oil came from the GM dealer "PAG" oil IIRC.

Best thing IMHO is to talk to the person who is going to evac and charge the system at the end and ask them how much oil and where. I followed their instructions and it has worked perfectly for approx 35k.

You can use any brand PAG 150 (Polyalkylene Glycol) synthetic oil preferably with dye since GM now includes that with all later model GM vehicles for inspection with a UV light if there is a leak issue. Used only with R134a refrigerant systems.

The A/C system can hold up to a total of 9 oz of PAG 150 oil after a total recovery is done, however, it should be replaced per the GM Service Manual "Refrigerant Oil Distribution Specifications" chart which can be confusing or varies but should be followed. The PAG oil can be added directly to various A/C components like the compressor, condenser, evaporator and accumulator at installation time or specifically when an individual part is replaced.

A new or used Harrison V5 variable orifice compressor should come with PAG 150 oil pre-installed but always a good idea to double check.



For informational purposes:


Refrigerant Oil Distribution Specifications

A/C Compressor - If less than 1 oz was drained add 2 oz. If more than 1 oz was drained add equal amount.

Condenser - 1 oz

Evaporator - 3 oz

Accumulator - 1 oz plus amount removed

Abrupt oil loss due to a large leak - Add 3 oz plus the required amount for the component being replaced (cause of the large leak).

Do I buy the pag oil in the air compressed can or the pag oil in the bottle? Thx