GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Air Conditioning Compressor Replacement 4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L

Removal Procedure

    Caution: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.

  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
  2. Recover the refrigerant. Refer toRefrigerant Recovery and Recharging .
  3. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  4. Remove the air conditioning (A/C) drive belt. Refer to Drive Belt Replacement in Engine Mechanical -- 4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L.
  5. Remove the steering linkage cover bolts and cover.
  6. Remove the right front tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  7. Remove the inner fender skirt. Refer to Front Fender Replacement in Body Front End.
  8. Disconnect the compressor/condenser hose. Refer to Compressor Hose Assembly Replacement .
  9. Discard the sealing washers. Cap all of the openings.
  10. Disconnect the electrical connections.
  11. Reposition the lower EGR pipe connection for clearance. Refer to Exhaust Gas Recirculation Pipe Replacement in Engine Controls -- 4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L.

  12. Object Number: 363183  Size: SH
  13. Remove the A/C compressor mounting bolts. The lower right bolt will stay with the compressor due to a lack of clearance.
  14. Remove the A/C compressor from the bracket through the fender well.
  15. Remove the A/C compressor from the bottom on the RWD 25 series vehicles only.
  16. Drain, measure, and dispose of the compressor oil.

Installation Procedure

  1. Fill the compressor with oil. Refer to Compressor Oil Level Check .

  2. Object Number: 363183  Size: SH
  3. Install the A/C compressor to the bracket through the fender well. Insert the mounting bolt into the lower right mounting boss before installing the A/C compressor.
  4. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  5. Install the A/C compressor mounting bolts.
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the mounting bolts to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).

  7. Reposition the lower EGR pipe connection. Refer to Exhaust Gas Recirculation Pipe Replacement in Engine Controls -- 4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L.
  8. Connect the electrical connection.
  9. Install the refrigerant hose to the compressor using new sealing washers. Refer to Compressor Hose Assembly Replacement .
  10. Install the inner fender skirt. Refer to Front Fender Replacement in Body Front End.
  11. Install the right front tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  12. Install the sterring linkage cover and cover bolts.
  13. Lower the vehicle.
  14. Install the A/C drive belt. Refer to Drive Belt Replacement in Engine Mechanical -- 4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L.
  15. Connect the negative battery cable.
  16. Recharge the A/C system. Refer toRefrigerant Recovery and Recharging .
  17. Inspect the system for leaks. Refer to Leak Testing .

Air Conditioning Compressor Replacement 4.3L

Removal Procedure

  1. Recover the refrigerant. Refer toRefrigerant Recovery and Recharging .
  2. Remove the drive belt. Refer to Drive Belt Replacement in Engine Mechanical -- 4.3L.
  3. Disconnect the air conditioning (A/C) compressor hose assembly. Refer to Compressor Hose Assembly Replacement .
  4. Disconnect the electrical connectors as necessary.

  5. Object Number: 281151  Size: SH
  6. Remove the (A/C) compressor mounting bolts.
  7. Remove the (A/C) compressor from the bracket.
  8. Drain, measure, and dispose of the compressor oil.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 281151  Size: SH
  1. Fill the compressor with oil. Refer to Compressor Oil Level Check .
  2. Install the compressor into the bracket.
  3. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  4. Install the compressor bolts.
  5. Tighten
    Tighten the nuts to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).

  6. Install the A/C compressor hose assembly. Refer to Compressor Hose Assembly Replacement .
  7. Connect the electrical connections.
  8. Install the drive belt. Refer to Drive Belt Replacement in Engine Mechanical -- 4.3L.
  9. Recharge the A/C system. Refer toRefrigerant Recovery and Recharging .
  10. Inspect the system for leaks. Refer to Leak Testing .