GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Air Compressor Replacement RPO L18

Tools Required

J 42971 Quick Disconnect Tool

Removal Procedure

  1. Apply the parking brake.
  2. Block the wheels.
  3. Drain all of the air reservoirs. Refer to Air Brake Reservoir Draining .
  4. Drain the engine coolant to below the level of the air compressor. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .

  5. Object Number: 1486175  Size: SH
  6. Remove the power steering line and bracket as needed.
  7. Remove the air compressor belt.

  8. Object Number: 1486168  Size: SH
  9. Remove the air compressor discharge pipe at the air compressor, using a J 42971 .
  10. Remove the air compressor governor line at the air compressor.
  11. Remove the air compressor water inlet hose at the air compressor using a J 42971 .
  12. Remove the air compressor water outlet hose at the air compressor using a J 42971 .
  13. Remove the air compressor oil inlet hose at the air compressor, using a J 42971 .
  14. Remove the air compressor oil outlet hose at the air compressor, using a J 42971 .

  15. Object Number: 1486178  Size: SH
  16. Remove the air compressor front bracket.

  17. Object Number: 795527  Size: SH
  18. Remove the air compressor using the following procedure:
  19. 14.1. Support the air compressor.
    14.2. Remove the air compressor nuts and washers.
    14.3. Lift the air compressor from the air compressor support bracket.
  20. Clean the exterior of the air compressor with the engine degreaser GM P/N 1050436 (Canadian P/N  992878) or the equivalent.
  21. Dry the air compressor immediately with compressed air.
  22. Inspect the air compressor belt. Replace the air compressor belt, if needed.
  23. Inspect all of the brackets for wear or damage. Replace the brackets, if needed.
  24. Inspect all of the hoses for damage or leaking. Replace the hoses, if damaged or leaking.
  25. Inspect the air compressor pulley for damage. Replace the air compressor pulley if damage is detected.
  26. Inspect the air compressor for cracks or damage. Replace the air compressor, if needed.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 795527  Size: SH
  1. Install a new air compressor gasket.
  2. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  3. Install the air compressor by loosely installing the air compressor to the air compressor bracket with the air compressor bracket nuts and washers.
  4. Tighten
    Tighten the nuts to 60 N·m (44 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1486178  Size: SH
  5. Install the air compressor front bracket.
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).

  7. Install the air compressor water outlet hose at the air compressor.
  8. Install the air compressor water inlet hose at the air compressor.
  9. Install the governor air line at the air compressor.
  10. Install the air compressor belt.

  11. Object Number: 1486168  Size: SH
  12. Install the air compressor discharge front pipe at the air compressor.
  13. Install the air compressor oil outlet hose at the air compressor.
  14. Install the air compressor oil inlet hose at the air compressor.

  15. Object Number: 1486175  Size: SH
  16. Install the power steering lines and brackets as needed.
  17. Fill the engine cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .
  18. Check the engine oil level fill as necessary.
  19. Inspect for air leaks. Refer to Air Brake System Testing .
  20. Inspect for the proper brake operation.
  21. Remove the wheel blocks.

Air Compressor Replacement RPO LG4, LF8

Tools Required

J 42971 Quick Disconnect Tool

Removal Procedure

  1. Apply the parking brake.
  2. Block the wheels.
  3. Drain all of the air reservoirs. Refer to Air Brake Reservoir Draining .
  4. Drain the engine coolant to below the level of the air compressor. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .

  5. Object Number: 1486165  Size: SH
  6. Remove the air compressor discharge pipe at the air compressor, using a J 42971 .
  7. Remove the air compressor governor line at the air compressor.
  8. Remove the power steering pump. Refer to Power Steering Pump Replacement .
  9. Remove the air compressor inlet hose at the air compressor using a J 42971 .
  10. Remove the air compressor water inlet hose at the air compressor using a J 42971 .
  11. Remove the air compressor water outlet hose at the air compressor using a J 42971 .
  12. Remove the air compressor oil inlet hose at the air compressor.

  13. Object Number: 804499  Size: SH
  14. Remove the air compressor using the following procedure:
  15. 12.1. Support the air compressor.
    12.2. Remove the air compressor bolts.
    12.3. Remove the air compressor.
  16. Remove and discard the used air compressor gasket.
  17. Clean the exterior of the air compressor with the engine degreaser GM P/N 1050436 (Canadian P/N 992878) or the equivalent.
  18. Dry the air compressor immediately with compressed air.
  19. Inspect all of the hoses for damage or leaking. Replace the hoses, if damaged or leaking.
  20. Inspect the air compressor for cracks or damage. Replace the air compressor, if needed.

Installation Procedure

  1. Install a new compressor O-ring at the front of the compressor. Apply lubricant to the O-ring using GM P/N 9985007 or equivalent.
  2. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 804499  Size: SH
  3. Install the air compressor.
  4. Tighten
    Tighten the air compressor bolts to 60 N·m (44 lb ft).

  5. Install the air compressor oil inlet hose at the air compressor.
  6. Install the air compressor water outlet hose at the air compressor.
  7. Install the air compressor water inlet hose at the air compressor.
  8. Install the air compressor air inlet hose at the air compressor.

  9. Object Number: 1486165  Size: SH
  10. Install the air compressor discharge front pipe and governor line at the air compressor.
  11. Fill the engine cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .
  12. Fill the engine oil as needed.
  13. Inspect for air leaks. Refer to Air Brake System Testing .
  14. Inspect for the proper brake operation.
  15. Remove the wheel blocks.