A/C compressor replacement tips

ChazWhiteZ28- · Apr 30, 2014

hey guys, ive never had working ac in any of my camaros, or ever since i've been driving, i figured i could just deal with it, and i always have, but im tired of getting out of my car sweating my ass off in this dry TN heat, so i'm going to be replacing my compressor (the clutch is stuck and no longer working). what is the proper way to discharge the a/c system?? is it difficult to do in a home garage or should i just take it to a local shop and have him do it, then i bring it back and do the replacement?? also a friend of mine told me to just get a kit with the compressor and dryer and expansion thing from ebay for around $160. good price?? good quality?? like i said, never delt with them. any tips on the actually process of replacement??

Thanks, Chaz

hrcslam · Apr 30, 2014

Have the shop evacuate the system. Some do it for free if they can keep the refrigerant.

The ebay stuff has good prices, but AC compressors can be finicky. Personally I would spend the extra dough for some parts from a more reputable source locally. At least if it breaks it'll be easy to get them to replace the part and you don't have to worry about shipping time or costs.

A sick ws6 · Apr 30, 2014

Plus whats nice when u have a shop do ur ac they pressure check the hole ac system and make sure there is no leaks

cocobolo95 · Apr 30, 2014

Having the shop evacuate system and recharge is the way to go. They will run a vacuum pump on the system before charging to make sure there are no leaks and get rid of any junk in system.

I'd stay away from the ebay special also.

ChazWhiteZ28- · Apr 30, 2014

ok ill let the shop evacuate it then ill replace it then they'll recharge it, i went to advance today and the compressor itself is is two hundred then i have to buy the orifice tube and dryer separate to get the warranty, then it comes out to $280

...does that seem high??

hrcslam · Apr 30, 2014

Make sure you get the correct drier. There are two styles. One had the input and output lines 90° apart. The other has them about 120° apart.

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cocobolo95 · Apr 30, 2014

Lt1 cars don't have an orifice tube. They use a valve assembly. But $280 or so sounds about right for the parts.

hrcslam · Apr 30, 2014

Yep no orfice tube. Agreed with all of this post.

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shoebox · Apr 30, 2014

I bought a genuine ACDelco compressor from Amazon last year at this time. Now, it is $60 cheaper than when I bought it then. $190, now.

ChazWhiteZ28- · Apr 30, 2014

shbox, link please!! also can you give me a link to the part of your site that shows an exploded view of the a/c stuff??

ChazWhiteZ28- · Apr 30, 2014

im seeing an AC delco pm#15-22135A, for $176
and a delphi pm#CS0123 for $190.

shoebox · Apr 30, 2014

for my 95.

I also agree about the drier. When I got the specified ACDelco part #, it had the wrong angle for the pipes for some reason. I had to go to a local a/c shop to get one that would work (even their books showed one with the wrong angle).

http://shbox.com/1/ac_system.jpg

ChazWhiteZ28- · May 1, 2014

okay thanks guys, the drier is?? is it the the silver canister?? sorry, like i said i no nothing of a/c components as far as part names.

Thanks- Chaz

shoebox · May 1, 2014

Drier is #12 in the diagram.

Racy Roadmaster · May 1, 2014

Chaz, I would go with factory stuff only, Delco or Delphi,all the rest
in my book is sub par. If you want to be once and done with this project,buy the good stuff! ed :thumbsup:

beaver50 · May 1, 2014

Has anybody tried the A/C compressor on parts geek for $145.55.Its a 4 season(brand)and was wondering if it was any good.I need the A/C compressor also.

hrcslam · May 1, 2014

I tried one in my Suburban. It lasted 6 months. Then I tried a remain unit from AutoZone, 2 years. Next is a brand spanking new unit from O'Reilly Auto.

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A/C compressor replacement tips

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