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I need to replace the A/C compressor on my 1997 ...
Sent to Car Experts November 15 10:20 AM

I need to replace the A/C compressor on my 1997 Chevrolet Lumina. I dont think it will be worth the repairs (car has 200,000 miles) to get the AC working, but I need to replace the grinding compressor so the belt doesnt break (again). I assume I can find the part at a junkyard but what will it take to replace the compressor and/or the clutch? Thanks, -Eli-

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
November 15 10:29 AM (9 minutes and 2 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark

Eli;

If you arent concerned about the compressor being operable, all you need to replace is the clutch pulley (which contains the pulley bearing). This requires use of a special puller tool to remove the hub from the compressor in order to get the old pulley off. It's probably not worth it to invest in the puller tool for one job, but I am sure some local repair shop would be happy to swap the new pulley onto the old compressor for you.

Another option would be to go to a salvage yarsd and find a compressor that has a pulley that spins OK, and just swap the compressor. You will probably find that a junkyard compressor is cheaper than a new pulley anyway, and then you won;t need any special tools to do the repair.

If you check at your local auto store, perhaps this model was available without AC from the factory; if so, a shorter belt might be available to bypass the compressor completely; if it is, the auto store will have a routing diagram for the other belt in it's catalog.

I hope this is helpful; if so, an accept would be most appreciated! thanks!

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