A/C changeout - success / THANKS ALL

1995CadillacSTS · #1 (**permalink**) 03-22-05, 03:32 PM

Hello all,
Yes, it's certainly been a while since my last post.., shreiking about the iminent complexity of having to change out the AC on a '95 N*, not to mention the grief and anxiety of having to do it without a manual...
...but, some of you did come through for me, may the Gods smile on you all...:coolgleam
...I did manage to get a complete 'shop service' set of manuals from Helms.., 'BIG HELP'...
I want to thank "Scotty", and "Caddymaniac", and the "Cadillac Fan". I really appreciate your help guys. I took the postings you all sent and kept them on the workbench all the way through.
Before I move off here, I just want to say one thing. I've built, re-built, and modified a lot of vehicles, components, parts, and the like.., and I've had my hands into some pretty wicked situations. Up until this Re&Re on my STS, I'd thought I'd seen them all (that is until now).
The engineers did an awesome job putting everything away, nice and neat and tight and such, but they didn't give very much thought to the service side of what they created (what a POS job to do).
So on that little bitty of commentary, I'd like to say thanks again to everyone that helped along the way on this project.
Dale.

PS: If anyone is interested, I took a load of step by step photos. Just in case someone else happens across the same or similar situation and maybe needs some assistance to get through it...

Kev · #2 (**permalink**) 03-22-05, 03:36 PM

It might be nice to have those posted somewhere. Maybe you should contact Sal and see if he has a good spot for them? Might be a nice stcky candidate in a tech 'how to' spot?

clusco · #3 (**permalink**) 03-22-05, 06:11 PM

2 other guys from cadillacinfo.com were looking for a step-by-step. Perhaps if you'd post it there or maybe in this thread, they'd appreciate it.

jbrown93etc · #4 (**permalink**) 03-22-05, 11:28 PM

what was wrong with your ac? my compressor clutch is bad

1995CadillacSTS · #5 (**permalink**) 03-23-05, 05:04 PM

Well hello there jbrown93etc,
The 'clutch bearing' on my Henderson64 piled up. At first I thought it was the belt (that's a pretty easy fix right), nope wasn't it. Then I pulled out the stethascope to isolate the noise I was hearing. This in itself is impossible because everything is tied together with the serpintine belt and any sound simply transfers. Next step was trial by elimination, first the all the pulleys were checked (the AC pulley hadn't yet gotten bad enough to isolate as the culprit), then I just started removing and inspecting each pulley, starting with the easiest ones (idler, tensioner) first.
Unfortunately, I had to remove the compressor to test it, and in doing so, had to remove the alt/gntr in order to get at it.
You should know, there's barely enough room to get a beam of light in and around the compressor, let alone any tools (not to mention your hands), so if you're going to attempt this service task, be prepared for a challenge.
All in all though, it's totally worth it to do in your own garage if you have one.
The dealer/s priced the job at $2600 +/- a couple hundred.
The privates priced it at $1800 - $2200 +/- a couple hundred.
The cost of a replacement OEM compressor came in around $900.
A rebuilt came in around $600.
I could've gotten a rebuilt unit out of the US for around $360-$400 after costs.
I opted to search for a used unit out of the wreckers $257 delivered.
I reconditioned it myself (not a big job when everything is on the bench).
My cost to have a leakdown/pressure test and re-energize the system was $140.
My total out of pocket for the job turned out at $400CDN vs $1800-$2600 from a shop.
My savings on the job $1400-$2200 (if I average it, I saved $1800CDN).
This does not include replacement and reconditioning of the other parts (idler $22, tensioner $46 and serp-belt $56, roughly another $140). Nor does it include additional time given to reconditioning all the oil, comppressor and cooler hoses, or the o/filter mount reconditioning. Resecuring pan fastners around the trans/oil pans. Lubing all the joints and such.
In my opinion, if you're going to attempt a job like this, you mays well take care of whatever you can while you're in the are, because it's just a POS job and you don't want to go in there any more than once if you can avoid it.
Hope this answers your question.

Oh, one thing I should ad here, I drive other vehicles as well, so it wasn't an issue for me to tie the Caddy up for a couple weeks (evening work only), the wife didn't care for it so much, but WTH, she didn't repair it either.
So if you're looking at a fast repair because this is your principle transportation, your going to have it apart and back on the road in about 6-8Hrs.
Good luck...

1995CadillacSTS · #6 (**permalink**) 03-23-05, 05:17 PM

You're absolutely right Kev. Soon as I get the pictures labeled and figure out how and where to post 'em up I'm going to.
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Quote:

Originally Posted by Kev

It might be nice to have those posted somewhere. Maybe you should contact Sal and see if he has a good spot for them? Might be a nice stcky candidate in a tech 'how to' spot?

1995CadillacSTS · #7 (**permalink**) 03-23-05, 05:23 PM

I do agree, first things first right, then I'll see what I can do.

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Quote:

Originally Posted by clusco

2 other guys from cadillacinfo.com were looking for a step-by-step. Perhaps if you'd post it there or maybe in this thread, they'd appreciate it.

jbrown93etc · #8 (**permalink**) 03-28-05, 10:50 PM

pictures would be great. $1800-2600 to get someone to fix it? Damn, I wasnt expecting that much, I thought the actual compressor was around $250. Looks like I may be doing the job myself whether or not I want to. Any special tools you needed such as air tools? By the way where are you located I hear its cheaper in Southern states where they do this year round(I live in Florida but am in NJ at the moment, all the mechanics here recommended I do it in FL b/c its a year round thing and cheaper because of it). Let me know when you get those pics posted. Thanks! (just noticed you were referring to Canadian dollars so Im guessing you live in Canada)

clusco · #9 (**permalink**) 03-29-05, 01:20 AM

Myself, I needed an impact wrench to loosen the 3 bolts holding the compressor to the frame located under the wheel well. Hopefully, your bolts aren't held on as tightly. You can get a remanufactured compressor for about $245-260, with a $15 core refund, from Autozone, O'Reilly's, etc... Changing the alternator is a far worse job. I found the A/C compressor install fairly simple but I did find a step-by-step guide on the forum, from which to follow. When re-attaching the A/C lines to the new compressor, be sure to have the compressor held up level so that the bolt holding the A/C lines to the compressor is level and doesn't strip the threads. Don't forget to drain the old oil out of the new compressor and then add 4 oz. of new oil (pag or otherwise) and then turn the hub at least 10-20 times. And don't forget to add the new O-rings to the A/C lines.

jbrown93etc · #10 (**permalink**) 04-01-05, 01:08 AM

I'm worried about driving from new jersey to florida with the bad ac clutch. I'd prefer to do it locally when I get to florida, I'll have more time, the warranty will be more convenient on the compressor, it will be warmer to work on my car and possibly cheaper to hire someone because there are more ac repair shops. Does anyone know if this same 74" belt will work on my 93 northstar to bypass the ac compressor. The clutch is looking bad not matching up right and making all sort of noise even with ac and heat off. Please help I'm supposed to make the trip in a few days.