GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 39400-A Halogen Leak Detector

Removal Procedure

    Important: The A/C compressor is removed through the RH front wheel house opening. It is necessary to lower the engine cradle assembly to allow adequate clearance during removal.

  1. Recover the refrigerant from the A/C system. Refer to Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging .
  2. Remove the A/C compressor hose assembly. Refer to Compressor Hose Assembly Replacement .
  3. Remove the stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement .
  4. Remove the RH lower shock absorber mounting bolts. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement .
  5. Separate the RH upper ball joint from the RH upper control arm. Refer to Upper Control Arm Replacement .
  6. Remove the LH wheel and tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  7. Remove the LH lower shock absorber mounting bolts. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement .

  8. Object Number: 925350  Size: SH
  9. Disconnect the RH ESC position sensor harness connector.

  10. Object Number: 925355  Size: SH
  11. Disconnect the RH ESC sensor link from the control arm link stud.
  12. Remove the RH ESC position sensor mounting bolt.
  13. Remove the RH ESC position sensor from the vehicle.
  14. Remove the RH brake pipe to front suspension crossmember mounting bolt.

  15. Object Number: 581372  Size: SH
  16. Support the LH side of the front crossmember.
  17. Support the RH side of the front crossmember with a transmission jack.
  18. Remove the front crossmember mounting nuts.
  19. Lower the LH side of the front crossmember approximately 0.375 in (10.0 mm).
  20. Lower the RH side of the front crossmember approximately 2.00 in (51.0 mm).
  21. Disconnect the A/C compressor electrical connector.

  22. Object Number: 1252848  Size: SH
  23. Remove the A/C compressor mounting bolts (1, 2, 3).
  24. Remove the A/C compressor from the vehicle.
  25. Important: Replacement A/C compressors are charged with PAG oil. Refer to Refrigerant System Capacities .

  26. If replacing the A/C compressor, balance the compressor. Refer to Air Conditioning Compressor Oil Balancing .

Installation Procedure

  1. Install the A/C compressor to the vehicle.
  2. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1252848  Size: SH

    Important: Finger tighten all the A/C compressor mounting bolts.

  3. Position the A/C compressor onto the A/C compressor bracket and install the A/C compressor mounting bolts (1, 2, 3) and torque in sequence.
  4. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).

  5. Connect the A/C compressor electrical connector.

  6. Object Number: 581372  Size: SH
  7. Raise the front crossmember into the proper position.
  8. Install the front crossmember mounting nuts.
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the nuts to 110 N·m (81 lb ft).

  10. Remove the transmission jack from under the vehicle
  11. Install the RH brake pipe to front crossmember mounting bolt.
  12. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 3 N·m (26 lb in).

  13. Install the ESC position sensor to the vehicle.
  14. Install the ESC position sensor mounting bolt.
  15. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 3 N·m (26 lb in).


    Object Number: 925355  Size: SH
  16. Connect the ESC sensor link to the control arm link stud.

  17. Object Number: 925350  Size: SH
  18. Connect the RH ESC position sensor harness connector.
  19. Install the LH lower shock absorber mounting bolts. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement .
  20. Install the LH wheel and tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  21. Install the RH upper ball joint to the RH upper control arm. Refer to Upper Control Arm Replacement .
  22. Install the RH lower shock absorber mounting bolts. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement .
  23. Install the stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement .
  24. Install the compressor hose assembly. Refer to Compressor Hose Assembly Replacement .
  25. Evacuate and recharge the A/C system. Refer to Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging .
  26. Leak test the fittings of the A/C components using J 39400-A .