Replacing the A/C Compressor in 97 Lumina

[LikeAChampion3]

I previously had a question about changing the water pump in my 97 lumina, now it turns out that the WP was not my problem. I now have to change the A/C Compressor...so I am looking for advice from anyone who might have done this job before on this 3.1 engine. Thanks for the help

[richtazz]

It's not fun. It's on the bottom of the front of the engine, and everything is in the way. It will require a recharge of the system, and teh compressor will come without oil, and you need to turn the compressor over by hand a few turns to get oil into the piston before you install it in the car, otherwise, you'll burn it up.

[maxwedge]

If you are changing the compressor for a pulley bearing that is not necessary, I changed my bearing only, what is the problem?

[jeffcoslacker]

I've had GM compressors that rumbled for years without ever failing.

[LikeAChampion3]

Originally Posted by richtazz

It's not fun. It's on the bottom of the front of the engine, and everything is in the way. It will require a recharge of the system, and teh compressor will come without oil, and you need to turn the compressor over by hand a few turns to get oil into the piston before you install it in the car, otherwise, you'll burn it up.

Great ...I wish I could just go without this damn AC compressor because I haven't had AC for 2 years anyway. Thank though! I know i can get a compressor for $80 if that is the way i go.

[LikeAChampion3]

Originally Posted by maxwedge

If you are changing the compressor for a pulley bearing that is not necessary, I changed my bearing only, what is the problem?

If I could just do that, that would be great! How much $/time is involved with that? Also how easy is it compared to changing the water pump in that same engine? This hopefully will be the route I take

[LikeAChampion3]

Originally Posted by jeffcoslacker

I've had GM compressors that rumbled for years without ever failing.

What kind of rumbling do you mean? The sound coming out of mine is a screeching, grinding, terrible sound that is louder than hell. Also, is there a chance that if I just leave it unchanged (bearings and all), that the pully will come loose and throw the belt? By the way thanks for your help with the water pump earlier today! It was as easy as you said it would be

[cadgear]

If the bearing is bad and seizes, then you burn up the belt from friction. Not a good thing, to be certain.
You can change the whole compressor yourself, but it won't be fun..unless you're like me and see extra work a good thing when it comes to these kind of things. Could be why I don't have many customers come my way...

[jeffcoslacker]

Originally Posted by LikeAChampion3

What kind of rumbling do you mean? The sound coming out of mine is a screeching, grinding, terrible sound that is louder than hell. Also, is there a chance that if I just leave it unchanged (bearings and all), that the pully will come loose and throw the belt? By the way thanks for your help with the water pump earlier today! It was as easy as you said it would be

Eek! Yeah, better get rid of it. Does sound like it's just the pulley bearing though, you wouldn't hear the compressor itself if it doesn't work. Yes, it's going to sieze and pop the belt, most likely.