I just picked up a 98 Bonneville which I was told the A/C unit didn't work. When you initially start the car, there is a loud sound of metal scraping from the A/C compressor. After a few minutes, it quiets down. I see metal shavings around the compressor.

Looking at what A/C components that are available on-line, how do I determine if the A/C bearing needs to be replaced ($22) or the clutch ($100) or the entire compressor ($210)?

Also, if I open up the system to replace the hoses, is there a simple way to evacuate the system prior to adding R134a?

Thank you.

From what I remember being told to me when I had the same problem with mine, it's probably a better idea to get a whole new compressor since it needs to come out to change the clutch.

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-Car Guy Carl
"Penelope" - 2003 SLE - 247k Miles
"Sydney" - 2000 Honda S2000 - 98k miles

It's illegal for a private citizen to evacuate r134 refrigerant in to the air. An A/C shop has evacuation and fill tanks designed for that purpose so the refrigerant is not lost. It's not cheap Like $65-$75 to evacuate and pressure up your system. To have them do the whole job w/ new compressor is near $1000.

You can bypass the ac pulley and use a shorter serpentine belt as I have done on mine. You have to do trial and error for the belt if you have a nice shop. Otherwise use string to measure the needed ac delete belt length and ask the clerk for that length belt in the needed style, ( the belt shape/type for your 98.)

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2001 Bonneville SSEi. 1598xx mi.
great car. Wrecked


Burnt Bonny.

Note if you pull the injectors to obserbe fuel delivery...make sure you leave the plugs in and disconnect the ign. Believe me

You can not run a bypass belt on any series II 3800 In a 95-99 Bonneville......... You would have to run an AC bypass pulley..

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Bye Bye:

RIP sandrock

it was just an idea :-)

Does the bypass pulley go on the compressor?

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2001 Bonneville SSEi. 1598xx mi.
great car. Wrecked


Burnt Bonny.

Note if you pull the injectors to obserbe fuel delivery...make sure you leave the plugs in and disconnect the ign. Believe me

No, it simply takes the place of the A/C compressor. It's a 45$ cheap fix if you don't ever plan on having A/C again. ZZP performance sells them, if thats the route you want to go.

Here's what I did, and what it looks like.
viewtopic.php?f=19&t=26994

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1999 Bonneville SE with the heart of a 07 Grand Prix

If you want to save on shipping, Napa carries them for the same price:

http://napaonline.com/Catalog/CatalogItemDetail.aspx?A=BK_6601842_0146322708&An=599001+101996+50060+2060004+30492&Ar=AND(P_RecType%3aA)

Sounds like the clutch needs adjusting out. They migrate inward over time, and scrape. Get the tool at NAPA for $20 and adjust it out. Easy DIY fix.

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2012 Chevrolet Cruze Eco - Current car

1999 Buick LeSabre Custom - Former car

Learn from the mistakes of others, that way when you mess up you can do so in new and interesting ways.

Thank you for the replies....

The hose for the A/C unit were identified has the source for the freon leak. Since the system is already empty of r134a, I was hoping to replace all the components had charge it myself. I don't have the evaluation tool so I was wondering if there is an alternate method for evaluating the system. The auto parts stores (Advanced Auto, Pepboys, etc) rent tools but don't for A/C.

Is it still illegal to replace the components? or do you have a DIY fix?

Thanks

I researched this in the past but ended up at a AC shop didn't have the equip needed
http://epa.gov/Ozone/title6/609/index.html

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1998 Bonneville SLE 32 mpg
1965 Falcon Futura HT 325hp
1989 Bonnevile SSE
1995 LeSabre LTD
1998 GMC Sierra 4x4
others

It's not illegal for you to replace A/C components themselves once the system is emptied of R134a. It may be illegal to DIY the vacuuming/filling of the system, depending on where you live.

There's no way around pumping the system down to check it for leaks, and boil out the moisture that will find its way in there when it's apart.

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2012 Chevrolet Cruze Eco - Current car

1999 Buick LeSabre Custom - Former car

Learn from the mistakes of others, that way when you mess up you can do so in new and interesting ways.

[quote="LeSabre in Buffalo"] It may be illegal to DIY the vacuuming/filling of the system, depending on where you live.

Harbor freight sells the vacuuming pumps and also sells the gauges/manifold sets.

Easier might be if you find someone in your friends or coworkers who does AC work on the side and has the equipment to evacuate and fill.

I honestly would not buy a vacuum/pressure anything from Harbor Freight.

At the AC shop where I worked we used one of those setups. It was nice because the customer only had to pay for what R134a was missing from the car to start. It was still $80 just to fill the system. It takes a dozen cans to fill a big system.

_________________
2001 Bonneville SSEi. 1598xx mi.
great car. Wrecked


Burnt Bonny.

Note if you pull the injectors to obserbe fuel delivery...make sure you leave the plugs in and disconnect the ign. Believe me