'95 Lumina A/C Compressor problems

My '95 has a 3.1 and 130,000 mi. It makes a horrible grinding noise and my mech said I need a new A/C Compressor (bearings are shot) $650!! I found one at a Pick-a-Part for $40. Is it worth it to try the job myself? I'm a pretty good mech. How can the replacement part be tested? Or buy the part and have my mech install?

Used compressors rarely work. Moisture from setting do bad things to the internals. If just the pulley bearing has gone bad, you can replace just the clutch and pulley/bearing for much less and not have to open the system like changing the entire compressor, which would require re-charging w/freon also.

Wow, that's great news! From what you are describing it definitely sounds like the pulley/bearing and clutch. The sound is getting progressively louder and longer so thanks for such a quick response... A couple questions if you don't mind. At auto parts stores how much should it be? Do I need any special tools to do the repair? Do you think it is a difficult repair? (OK too many questions) I'm stoked that there is an alternative to a $650 expense.. Thanks again!

AC-Delco part numbers are as follows:
clutch= 15-4719 @ $34.83 (GM #6582085 dealer retail $69.66)
pulley/bearing= 15-20038 @ $86.95 (GM#6580037 dealer retail $173.91)

There may be aftermarket parts available through Four-Seasons also, so check your local auto parts store. I work at a Delco distrubutor in Flint, MI and I can sell you the Delco parts for the prices above + s/h. PM me with your zip code for a total including shipping if you're intersted.

I just did this on my 97 Lumi 3.1 and it was pretty easy... I used the haynes manual for it and everything went smoothly... remember to have the system evacuated 1st tho... If ya dont wanna but 1.. the library should have 1 avail.

Good Luck

MYX

You guys are great! Hey richtazz... When I called the AutoZone for a price, the guy said I couldn't buy just the pulley/bearing, that I could buy the whole compressor including clutch for $187.00 + tax and I could rent a pulley extraction tool for $20... Buying the whole compressor deal would make the job a lot harder, right. Is this guy at Autozone on the level or is he :screwy: Oh yeah, and Myxlplyxxx I DO have the Haynes manual (For the Monte Carlo sister car) So I won't have to but one! :lol: (check spelling on your message..it took me a while to figure it out.) It does look like the repair won't be that bad. Thanks for everything guys!

My '97 lumina wasn't cooling so I took it to Midas who replaced thermostat (probably a good thing as I didn't have consistent heat in winter either), then checked all the ac stuff and recharged it. It still didn't cool, took it back and then he ran diagnostic and tells me I need a new compressor (cost over $700 w/ labor). He said something about clutches in the compressor not doing their job. I think he should have run diagnostic before doing all the other stuff which cost about $450. He said the cost of new compressor alone was over $500 which as I read here isn't true.

For my husband to replace compressor...what has to be removed first? Read that it's not an easy job. If I buy compressor from autozone or checker how long should it take a qualified mechanic to put in and what should I expect to pay for labor? Many thanks, Patty