2000 Buick Lesabre A/C Compressor Replacement for a newbie

[BigSmiles34]

Hello, My Name is Nathaniel. I am brand new to this community this is my first post. I am having an issue with my A/c compressor on my 2000 Buick Lesabre. The bearing has supposedly been grinding and so my mechanic disconnected it and put a necessary gadget that I don't know what its called to get around this but I have no AC in my car. I live in Missouri and our Summers are stupid hot so this can no longer work. What I am asking is how do I replace this part and what other parts are needed to replace. What tools are needed to use and a dummies guide to replacing it? With detailed descriptions and a video if you have it. I have never worked on a car a day in my life but I can not afford the 1500 dollar price tag my mechanic is quoting me. Any and all help for a complete newbie would be greatly appreciated because I have to have A/C. Thank you all so much and Happy 4th of July.

 

[MelsRegal]

this video covers the removal of a compressor on a 3.8 in a Grand Prix which should be similar.

 

[Zeroboostbuick]

Welcome to the forum Nat.
Don't feel too intimidated... it's not rocket science. Just a dirty job that requires some attention to safety when the car is on jackstands first and foremost.

I'd get a used compressor for a junk yard. I've never had problems with used ones.

Youtube is your best friend right now.

Like Mel said... pretty much most 3800 motors 98 and newer will be almost identical to replace the compressor.

 

[Alan 55]

I agree with everything that the others have written. There is just one item that I would like to mention. If you have a friend that could work with you that would be great. Even if they do not have AC experience, perhaps they have done some other types of mechanics work and are handy with tools. Having two people is generally safer for this type of project which is being done for the first time.

 

[Zeroboostbuick]

I agree with everything that the others have written. There is just one item that I would like to mention. If you have a friend that could work with you that would be great. Even if they do not have AC experience, perhaps they have done some other types of mechanics work and are handy with tools. Having two people is generally safer for this type of project which is being done for the first time.

I'm with you on that one.

Whenever I work on a car I try to get my brother to get out and be there with me. Even if he doesn't help much, sometimes he remembers or notices something I missed.

 

[Lubener]

Before you get going, you will need to have the means to purge the system prior to recharging. You will not have a good functioning system if you do not get all the air and moisture out before adding your R134A.

 

[Zeroboostbuick]

Before you get going, you will need to have the means to purge the system prior to recharging. You will not have a good functioning system if you do not get all the air and moisture out before adding your R134A.

I've replaced 2 compressors and let the stuff vent into the air. If it was the old type of freon it be a different story.

 

[Alan 55]

I think what Lubener is referring to is using a vacuum pump to pull a vacuum on the system to remove air and moisture. A very important step in my opinion.