Replacing A/C Compressor

[eclipse]

My A/C does not work so today I took my 97 Camaro RS to a A/C specialist shop. I knew my car had a leek because I filled it up with freon, which did not make the a/c any cooler, and a month later it was gone when I checked it. When I took it down they said the compressor and accumulator(only if dirty) had to be replaced, it needed a system flush, a recharge and some other stuff. The total would be $950:cry: . Ouch.... not what I wanted to hear. I asked them if I replaced the Compressor myself how much it would be, they said it would be $250 for all the other stuff. I know on ebay I can get a compressor for around $150, but I do not know how to replace it. My question is, how hard would it be to replace it, and how do I replace it? Thanks for the help.

[D_Fisher]

Re: Replacing A/C Compressor

Dont mess around with an Ebay compressor. Buy a new one from a local auto parts store. You want one with a full year or more warranty. Change the accumulator and orifice tube when you replace the compressor. This is based on advise from my local A/C shop.

I replaced the compressor, accumulator, and orifice tube myself and it wasn't too bad. Cost about $200 + system recharge from the shop and a few hours. Hardest part is reaching the bolts on the compressor.

[PalmHarborBlkv6]

Re: Replacing A/C Compressor

Well, I have a 2000 Camaro and my compressor went out.
I found a GM distributor in Florida on ebay and bought a
GM new sealed box compressor for about $250 and had
a shop install it for me.

[BLLDOGG]

Re: Replacing A/C Compressor

I'll give you some advise, do not buy anything other than a new GM compressor. aftermarket compressors are extremely prone to failure in a short amount of time. you risk having to use that warrenty. you don't really need the flush. Do what fisher did besides the aftermarket compressor ;)

[BLLDOGG]

Re: Replacing A/C Compressor

Well, I have a 2000 Camaro and my compressor went out.
I found a GM distributor in Florida on ebay and bought a
GM new sealed box compressor for about $250 and had
a shop install it for me.

you can do this^^^^ or find a local distributor

[eclipse]

Re: Replacing A/C Compressor

What is the orifice tube? and where can I get a GM compressor and accumulator? The A/C shop said there was a leak in the compressor, so if i did all the above it should fix my problem?

[FireShadow]

Re: Replacing A/C Compressor

I seem to be the only one to ever say this but I am a big fan of www.gmpartsdirect.com
Direct parts from gm as it says. Good prices, excellent customer service in my experience.

[Scott90]

Re: Replacing A/C Compressor

i just replaced my entire a/c system 2 months ago.... got it for a huge deal though, but i would suggest doing it yourself, its not really too hard, just a PITA

[eclipse]

Re: Replacing A/C Compressor

does anyone have a diagram or anything for taking the A/C system apart.

[bah]

Re: Replacing A/C Compressor

you take out the bolts and everything comes off, just follow hoses

[Vanquish]

Re: Replacing A/C Compressor

Want some a/c stuff? I will sell you everything that goes to the A/C accept for the heater core, since it's busted and leaks.

[eclipse]

Re: Replacing A/C Compressor

How much? would it work in my 97 camaro RS? and Whats included? thanks

[Vanquish]

Re: Replacing A/C Compressor

It's off of a 97 Firebird.....and all is included accept the heater core.

condensor and compressor, with the pulley, accumulator and everything. And the price is........ummmm $15 a piece +shipping.

[eclipse]

Re: Replacing A/C Compressor

Out of curiosity, why are you selling the entire A/C system and which of those parts do I need to fix my system? Also, how do you know that all of it works and is not leaking? It sounds like a pretty good deal though.

[Vanquish]

Re: Replacing A/C Compressor

It all worked when I took uninstalled it, save the heater core.

I removed it because I never used the darn thing unless I was sitting in traffic jams (cruise with the windows down). And secondly, I removed it for a nice amount of weight reduction. I didn't read the posts about what happened to your a/c. But, the compressor or the heater core are usually the two main problems, that go out on the A/C system. The compressor will loose oil and lock up, or not work properly, or the heater core will break and cause a leak and you will have a nice puddle of antifreeze in your passenger side floorboard.

Also, another problem is a line cracking and freon leaking out that way, or not circulating properly. All of the items I removed for the A/C are in fine condition, I will get pictures up as soon as possible. And the reason I'm selling for so cheap is because, I don't really need all that much money, and I'm not in it to make a buck, just to help out a fellow f-body owner.