Removal & Installation (3.8L)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Pontiac Firebird and 2002 Chevrolet Camaro. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Compressor related noise is generally A/C system related and not always caused by the compressor itself. Prior to replacing compressor, refer to A/C SYSTEM PERFORMANCE TEST .

Recover the refrigerant. See RECOVERY, EVACUATION & RECHARGING in GENERAL SERVICING PROCEDURES article in GENERAL SERVICING. Remove the A/C compressor hose assembly bolt from the accumulator. Discard the O-ring.
Remove the negative battery cable nut and cable from the engine block. Raise and support the vehicle. Remove the A/C compressor hose assembly bolt from the A/C compressor. Discard the sealing washers.
Remove the A/C compressor hose assembly nut from the condenser. Discard the O-ring. Lower the vehicle. Remove the A/C compressor hose assembly from the vehicle.
To install, lightly coat the O-rings with a mineral base 525 viscosity refrigerant oil. Install the A/C compressor hose assembly to the vehicle. Raise and support the vehicle. Install a new O-ring.
Install the A/C compressor hose nut to the condenser. Tighten the A/C compressor hose assembly nut to the condenser to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Install the new sealing washers. Install the A/C compressor hose assembly bolt. Tighten the A/C compressor hose assembly bolt to specification.
Lower the vehicle. Install the negative battery cable and nut to the engine block. Tighten the negative battery cable nut to specification. Install a new O-ring. Install the A/C compressor hose assembly bolt to the accumulator. Tighten the A/C compressor hose assembly bolt at the accumulator to specification. Evacuate and charge the refrigerant system.