'95 Lumina A/C Compressor problems

[TestingTesting123]

My '95 has a 3.1 and 130,000 mi. It makes a horrible grinding noise and my mech said I need a new A/C Compressor (bearings are shot) $650!! I found one at a Pick-a-Part for $40. Is it worth it to try the job myself? I'm a pretty good mech. How can the replacement part be tested? Or buy the part and have my mech install?

[richtazz]

Used compressors rarely work. Moisture from setting do bad things to the internals. If just the pulley bearing has gone bad, you can replace just the clutch and pulley/bearing for much less and not have to open the system like changing the entire compressor, which would require re-charging w/freon also.

[TestingTesting123]

Wow, that's great news! From what you are describing it definitely sounds like the pulley/bearing and clutch. The sound is getting progressively louder and longer so thanks for such a quick response... A couple questions if you don't mind. At auto parts stores how much should it be? Do I need any special tools to do the repair? Do you think it is a difficult repair? (OK too many questions) I'm stoked that there is an alternative to a $650 expense.. Thanks again!

[richtazz]

AC-Delco part numbers are as follows:
clutch= 15-4719 @ $34.83 (GM #6582085 dealer retail $69.66)
pulley/bearing= 15-20038 @ $86.95 (GM#6580037 dealer retail $173.91)

There may be aftermarket parts available through Four-Seasons also, so check your local auto parts store. I work at a Delco distrubutor in Flint, MI and I can sell you the Delco parts for the prices above + s/h. PM me with your zip code for a total including shipping if you're intersted.

[Myxlplyxxx]

I just did this on my 97 Lumi 3.1 and it was pretty easy... I used the haynes manual for it and everything went smoothly... remember to have the system evacuated 1st tho... If ya dont wanna but 1.. the library should have 1 avail.

Good Luck

MYX

[TestingTesting123]

You guys are great! Hey richtazz... When I called the AutoZone for a price, the guy said I couldn't buy just the pulley/bearing, that I could buy the whole compressor including clutch for $187.00 + tax and I could rent a pulley extraction tool for $20... Buying the whole compressor deal would make the job a lot harder, right. Is this guy at Autozone on the level or is he Oh yeah, and Myxlplyxxx I DO have the Haynes manual (For the Monte Carlo sister car) So I won't have to but one! (check spelling on your message..it took me a while to figure it out.) It does look like the repair won't be that bad. Thanks for everything guys!

[Pattymac07]

My '97 lumina wasn't cooling so I took it to Midas who replaced thermostat (probably a good thing as I didn't have consistent heat in winter either), then checked all the ac stuff and recharged it. It still didn't cool, took it back and then he ran diagnostic and tells me I need a new compressor (cost over $700 w/ labor). He said something about clutches in the compressor not doing their job. I think he should have run diagnostic before doing all the other stuff which cost about $450. He said the cost of new compressor alone was over $500 which as I read here isn't true.

For my husband to replace compressor...what has to be removed first? Read that it's not an easy job. If I buy compressor from autozone or checker how long should it take a qualified mechanic to put in and what should I expect to pay for labor? Many thanks, Patty