GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Air Conditioning Compressor Replacement L26, L32

Tools Required

J 39400-A Halogen Leak Detector

Removal Procedure

  1. Recover the refrigerant. Refer to Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging .
  2. Important: The supercharged L32 engine utilizes two drive belts. The outer drive belt drives the supercharger. Only release the drive belt tension from the accessories drive belt tensioner.

  3. Release the drive belt tension by lifting or rotating the drive belt tensioner using a 15mm box end wrench on the pulley nut.
  4. Remove the drive belt from the A/C compressor pulley and position the drive belt aside.
  5. Slowly release the tension from the drive belt tensioner and remove the box end wrench.
  6. Remove the splash shield from the right side of the engine. Refer to Engine Splash Shield Replacement in Body Front End.
  7. Remove the hose nut from the A/C compressor.
  8. Remove the hose from the A/C compressor.
  9. Important: Remove and discard all sealing washers.

  10. Disconnect the electrical connector from the A/C compressor.

  11. Object Number: 1199944  Size: SH
  12. Loosen the rear mounting bolt from the A/C compressor.
  13. Remove the front mounting bolt from the A/C compressor.
  14. Remove the front mounting nut from the A/C compressor.
  15. Remove the A/C compressor.
  16. Important: Replacement compressors are shipped with PAG oil

  17. If replacing the compressor, balance the compressor oil. Refer to Air Conditioning Compressor Oil Balancing .

Installation Procedure

    Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  1. Install the compressor drain plug.
  2. Tighten
    Tighten the drain plug to 16 N·m (12 lb ft).

  3. Position the A/C compressor on to the front A/C compressor mounting stud, and the rear A/C compressor mounting bolt.
  4. Install the A/C compressor front bolt.
  5. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 50 N·m (36 lb ft).

  6. Install the A/C compressor front mounting nut.
  7. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 50 N·m (36 lb ft).

  8. Tighten the A/C compressor rear bolt.
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 50 N·m (36 lb ft).

  10. Install new sealing washers. Refer to Sealing Washer Replacement .

  11. Object Number: 1199944  Size: SH
  12. Install the hose to the A/C compressor.
  13. Install the nut to the A/C compressor hose.
  14. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 17 N·m (13 lb ft).

  15. Connect the electrical connector to the A/C compressor.
  16. Install the splash shield to the right side of the engine. Refer to Engine Splash Shield Replacement in Body Front End.
  17. Release the drive belt tension by lifting or rotating the drive belt tensioner using a 15 mm box end wrench.
  18. Install the drive belt around the A/C compressor pulley.
  19. Important: Verify that the drive belt is aligned into the proper grooves of all pulleys.

  20. Slowly release the tension from the drive belt tensioner and remove the box end wrench.
  21. Evacuate and recharge the A/C system. Refer to Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging .
  22. Leak test the fittings of the component using J 39400-A .