Another AC Problem...Compressor

[Silver 99 Camaro]

I finally got my AC checked and they said that the noise coming from the compressor is the compressor falling apart inside. So I need a new compressor, which with a system flush and labor is $819!!! OUCH! So I have 2 questions...

1. It can't be that hard to change myself. Would it be worth it just to pick one up at a junk yard and install it myself?

2. The AC still works for now. They told me the compressor could lock up, shred my belt and leave me stranded. I have to take a long trip next week, is that true? It seems rare that something like that could happen. Anybody have any experience with that?

Thanks....

[saved1]

Yes, the belt could break if the compressor locks up, leaving you stranded. I would not get one from a junk yard; go to auto zone and buy a new one, plus a accumlator. Should run you around $600 to do it your self.

[jmihalchik98]

u can get a remanufactored for bout 300-350 and replace drier/expansion valve, and fill with pag 150, evac system to 29.9 for 30 minutes let sit and charge. i can get exact pressures if u are goin at it yourself. and if the compressor fails it will not lock up the pulley, the pulley is engaged by the clutch.

[jmihalchik98]

220 for compressor at autozone that is with a clutch installed, then drier will run bout 40, and o tube bout 2, oil bout 5 and 15-20 in freon. renting the tools will run bout 300 but u get that back when u return them.

[Silver 99 Camaro]

Ok, I'll start getting ready to do it myself, although I don't have time before my trip next week. Thanks for the info. I thought the same thing, that the clutch will disengage when you shut the AC down. I think it may shred at first, but after shut down the pulley will spin free. If I'll toss a spare belt in the back just in case.

[Brian_D]

If the compressor locks up it's not likely that the clutch will disengage. Pressure does not drop very quickly in that system, and there's no failsafe for that kind of failure. If the compressor dies in such a way that the pulley is rendered stationary you WILL shred your belt.

You could always carry some tools with you (along with a spare, non A/C length belt) and change it if (when) it does go!

Good luck and have a safe (and cool) trip!

-Brian

[ka50]

Just don't use AC on your trip and you should be aight

[Silver 99 Camaro]

Thanks for the replies. Eventually it's going to go because the compressor kicks on with the defroster which I use a lot in the winter. So I went and got a shorter belt that bypasses the AC altogether just in case it decides to shred.