A/C Compressor/Compressor Clutch Replacement.. DIY?

[tmoorez06]

During my recent DIY brake pad/rotor replacement project, I noticed the compressor clutch was completely separated from the compressor and sitting wedged between the frame and a large bolt! The reason I noticed is, that earlier that week when I turned on the a/c, it wasn’t cooling, but since the hot Texas weather isn’t in full force yet, I just drove without it thinking I might just need charge the system (hopefully). While under the hood replacing brake fluid, I thought I’d check it out.

It looks like the bolt, for the clutch, loosened and eventually backed out. During the process the splines in the compressor clutch were completely stripped out. The splines on the shaft of the compressor look to still be intact, however; they might be somewhat deformed to the point that the pristine splines on a new clutch will not fit properly. It’s hard to tell from the attached photos too.

My dilemma is two-fold. Do I risk buying just a new clutch and hope it will fit the splines of the original compressor vs. replacing the whole assembly (compressor and clutch)? … And should I attempt this myself?

If I might be able to get away with replacing only the clutch, I’m pretty sure I can do that myself. However, by looking at the location of the compressor and the belt that drives it, that looks like a bit more than I should attempt myself with my limited experience. Even trying to access the compressor from under the car looks difficult because the frame blocks much access. Accessing from above would be difficult since it’s located so low and there are many obstacles (hoses, headers, etc..). It also looks like you have to remove the outer belts first before you can re-belt the compressor…. I bet removing those other belts would be quite an undertaking.

I don’t want to think what my local dealership would charge for replacement parts let alone the astronomical labor fee! I found a compressor (I think is good for my car) for around $327. I bet a dealership would charge $500-$600 for the compressor plus probably another $1,000 for labor. C4c5, if you get the chance, could you verify the oem part# for the compressor and clutch?

Has anyone done this procedure themselves? Has anyone had to have this done, and how much did you have to pay? Also, if anyone on this board, in the Houston area, knows of a good/honest mechanic/shop could you provide me with info?

As always, thanks for your time and consideration,

tmoorez06

P.S. Long live the Chevy Corvette and the big-displacement, high horsepower/torque American sports car!

[c4c5specialist]

Hi there,

I would say that if the clutch plate was sitting in the frame, you will have to replace the compressor.

The key with this is the issue of a front compressor shaft being damaged when the clutch hub flew off. My first thought is the comressor seized and the key stripped out to avoid you throwing the belt.

My suggestion is that I will be able to find the part number on Tuesday, if you can wait till then.

The ACDelco part number is 15-21515, I will get the GM number tuesday.

Now, the issue is that you have to evacuate the refrigerant PRIOR to removal of the compressor.

Special tools are required so I would see that as your biggest issue to doing this job yourself.

Allthebest, c4c5

[tmoorez06]

c4c5, As always, your consideration and input is greatly appreciated. I definitely can wait for the exact part info. It was definitely worth the wait for the part #'s you gave me for the brake job.

I tend to think replacing the compressor myself is a bit more than I can chew... I 'm still considring DIY, but how much, as far as you know, would the typical shop charge? To me, it looks like labor would be the biggest cost. Right?

If I can do the labor myself, it'd be worthit if the labor would be over $600 for someone els+e to do it. It looks like a real bitch to me. It looks like you need to remove other belts/parts before you can change the compressor/belt... Am I wrong?

It's almost May, and in Houston Texas, it's getting ready to be relentlessly hot and humid for the next six months. I need to fix this a/c problem very soon.

Anyone in the Houston, TX area know of a good place to have this done?

Any info/help is greatly appreciated!!!!

Thanks,

tmoorez06

[1c62nv]

DIY is not a good idea. If you dont get it serviced correctly youll be doing it again, and if youve ever pulled the rack and pinion out youd burn the car before doing that again.

[tmoorez06]

Originally Posted by 1c62nv

DIY is not a good idea. If you dont get it serviced correctly youll be doing it again, and if youve ever pulled the rack and pinion out youd burn the car before doing that again.

Wow, if you have to pull the rack and pinion out, then I won't be doing it myself. The compressor does look like it's a real pain to get to, much less remove and replace. Looks like you need to remove parts and the other belts in front ot the one the compressor uses.

That's probably a bigger bite than I could chew... I don't have all the tools either.

I guess I better prepare to shell-out a large chunk of change for someone else to do it. I really shutter at the thought of taking it to the dealership where I bought it. I know they'll over charge for the parts, and I'm afraid to find out what labor would be.

If anyone out there is in the Houston area, and knows of a good shop for this type of work, I'd appreciate it if you'd let me know. Is there a place that'd install the parts, if I provide them?

Thanks,

tmoorez06

[tmoorez06]

Ok, I called the dealership to get a quote. I was told labor would be around $680, the compressor around $682. I didn't bother to him that I can get the compressor for $335 for an ACDelco, and $305 for one made by Delphi. He also said that didn't include the refrigerant or the "orifice"? What is that? Sounded to me like a ram-rod in the orifice. Does anyone know what that's about?

Actually I don't mind paying $680 for the labor if they didn't try to screw me so much for parts. I know it's not an easy job, but trying to charge so much for the parts, really ticks me off! I wouldn't mind so much if they charged $50 more on a $335 part, but to charge more than double is outrageous!

Does anyone know about Delphi? They (Delphi's website) say they're stuff is better than oem parts, but I don't know about that.. especially if it cost less.

Anyway, I'm going to get some more quotes...

Thanks,

tmoorez06

[TRose88]

The orifice tube is an expansion device that separates the high and low side of the system. It is inside the tubing that the refrigerant flows through and meters the refrigerant flow into the evaporator. With compressor failure, there can be small metal particles that enter the system and get trapped in the screen in the orifice tube. This will block more refrigerant from leaving the high pressure side causing excessive high side pressure.

[LLC5]

Originally Posted by tmoorez06

Ok, I called the dealership to get a quote. I was told labor would be around $680, the compressor around $682. I didn't bother to him that I can get the compressor for $335 for an ACDelco, and $305 for one made by Delphi. He also said that didn't include the refrigerant or the "orifice"? What is that? Sounded to me like a ram-rod in the orifice. Does anyone know what that's about?

Actually I don't mind paying $680 for the labor if they didn't try to screw me so much for parts. I know it's not an easy job, but trying to charge so much for the parts, really ticks me off! I wouldn't mind so much if they charged $50 more on a $335 part, but to charge more than double is outrageous!

Does anyone know about Delphi? They (Delphi's website) say they're stuff is better than oem parts, but I don't know about that.. especially if it cost less.

Anyway, I'm going to get some more quotes...

Thanks,

tmoorez06

Check and see if there is an automotive a/c specialist repair shop your area, meaning that air conditioning repair and install is all they do. We have a few in my area and they are very good at diagnosis and repairs. Good luck with it.

[tmoorez06]

Originally Posted by LLC5

Check and see if there is an automotive a/c specialist repair shop your area, meaning that air conditioning repair and install is all they do. We have a few in my area and they are very good at diagnosis and repairs. Good luck with it.

Thanks, for the advice. Been talking to some mechanics in the area and have come up with a couple of possible candidates for the job.

When it rains it pours, I developed a leak in my water pump yesterday.... noticed the destinct smell of coolant in the garage when I got home from work.

It was hard to find the source of the leak, but after some probing, it turns out it's the water pump! I was hoping it was just a hose... oh well.

I'm getting a new water pump tomorrow, and I'm considering a DIY for the pump. The only thing is, I was thinking that while I'm replacing the water pump, A/C compressor (or clutch). I might as well replace all the belts and hoses while I'm at it. Can anyone provide me the part #'s to all the hoses and belts for a 2006 Z06?

Thanks,

tmoorez06

[1c62nv]

Originally Posted by tmoorez06

Thanks, for the advice. Been talking to some mechanics in the area and have come up with a couple of possible candidates for the job.

When it rains it pours, I developed a leak in my water pump yesterday.... noticed the destinct smell of coolant in the garage when I got home from work.

It was hard to find the source of the leak, but after some probing, it turns out it's the water pump! I was hoping it was just a hose... oh well.

I'm getting a new water pump tomorrow, and I'm considering a DIY for the pump. The only thing is, I was thinking that while I'm replacing the water pump, A/C compressor (or clutch). I might as well replace all the belts and hoses while I'm at it. Can anyone provide me the part #'s to all the hoses and belts for a 2006 Z06?

Thanks,

tmoorez06

Well howd it go? I should have looked here earlier. I could have helped out if you wanted to drive to Victoria. My shop is full of Vettes. I didnt realize you were in Houston. BTW, I can get you a hell of a deal on Silicone hose kit.