Compressor bearings bad, what to do

[Vetteman61]

1997 Lumina 3100.

The bearings seem to be bad in my compressor.  The air doesn't work and we don't have money to fix the system right now.  I don't want to buy a brand new compressor and install it without freon or lubricant, but I'm afraid the present compressor is going to lock up.  My best idea was to go to a pull-a-part and find a compressor that has good bearings and install it and keep it unplugged until we can afford to fix the entire air system.

 

I've already replaced the tensioner, water pump and installed a new belt because they all had bad bearings as well.  I also don't really want to install a shorter belt and bypass the compressor because that would probably cost as much as buying a used compressor.

 

Any other ideas?

 

Thanks,

[Imp558]

Rockauto sells the bearing for under $8, of course they sell the whole compressor for $135 too

[Vetteman61]

Thanks for the reply.  I had no idea you could just replace the bearings.  I don't have much experience with anything newer than an A6 compressor.  Do you happen to know what is involved with bearing replacement?  Puller tool?

 

In looking further into your suggestion I also found that a compressor bypass pulley is available for about $30 that just bolts in place of where the compressor would go.

 

What cars could I look for that would have a compressor that would interchange?

[Galaxie500XL]

IIRC, all you need is a puller/installer, and a feeler gauge to set the air gap.  Many auto parts stores have a lend-a-tool program, and carry the tool.  Just pay them a deposit, use and return the tool, and they give you your money back.

[White93z34]

Dissembling a AC compressor is kinda tricky, I probably wouldn't bother you could still be left with other issues afterwards, too.

 

You could do one of a few options depending what you intend on doing with the car.

 

Replace the compressor with a brand new one (~$160) Fill with fresh oil and it will be fine. You'll never even spin the compressor if you don't have refrigerant in the system it will just act as a pulley, then you can, at your leisure fix the rest of the system and refill it.

 

Junkyard compressor to get by ($20-$40) may have the same issue, may have bad seals. It might even work if you decide to refill the system someday, who knows.

 

AC bypass pulley (~$30 on rockauto) If you ever want to have ac again you'll want to take care to seal off the AC lines that you'll have hanging loose to prevent dirt from getting inside, but would be functional for now, or forever if you don't care about AC. 

[Imp558]

The bearing should be on the AC clutch which I was under the impression is a bolt-on. If that's the case all that you really need to do is buy the AC clutch from a auto parts store and then pull your old one and if you can get the bearing out of your old one go and get another one from your local bearing supplier because it will have the numbers right on the side of it. then if you haven't used the new AC clutch just return it but if you needed it it was there.

[Imp558]

damn I just scrapped one and it had a good AC clutch on it. it's just left here over the weekend

[Nas Escobar]

I wouldn't advice replacing just the clutch. Sometimes the compressor won't work right after that. I had that issue with my Camaro. Good compressor, bad clutch. Changed the clutch, the compressor never worked after that. It was just good as a pulley.

 

I bought my compressor brand new on eBay. It was louder than stock but I only paid $80 iirc

[95GS]

Mine was grinding away and sending off metal filings.

I installed a shorter belt to bypass the A/C. 

Will address it in better weather.