How To Replace an A/C Compressor | A/C Compressor Replacement on Chevy Camaro & Cadillac Setups

The season is changing and It's beginning to get hot outside folks!
We had a 2015 Chevy Camaro come into the shop for an A/C Compressor and an A/C Condenser Replacement. I broke the job up into two seperate tutorials. I'll link the other video once it's edited and posted.
Tip for the stripped bolt in the video : Using two Nuts, thread both nuts onto the stud. Tighten both nuts against each other. Take a wrench and put it onto the inside nut and back off the stud. I didn't think about that until after the video, but that's how I usually handle studs that are stubborn to come out if there is enough length on the stud to do that trick.
I hope this video helps you guys out. As always, if you have any questions, leave them down in the comment section.
Your favorite mechanic,
Alex
IG: @alexthecardoctor

[@rodstanford1404]

I watched your video before I changed my wife's compressor. 2010 Camaro. Thank you for posting. Her compressor was making a terrible noise and then failed. After replacing it, I had a terrible time Getting the new compressor to run. Charging the system didn't get the clutch to engage. Jumpering the relay got it working but the next day no go. I did a code reset using my code reader still no go. I finally unplugged the battery for 20 minutes, and no go on the clutch engage. I jumpered the relay to engage the compressor clutch, then pulled the jumper and put the relay back in. I drove the car for 40 minutes. AC worked great. It seems I had to run it long enough for the ac computer to identify there was no more problem. AC has been working flawlessly ever since. The only reason I write this, I am sure others may run into this problem after changing the compressor. Thank you for the video, It helped me a lot.

[@godsbeotch23]

Excellent instructions! Great for guys who's never replaced one, like me. Thanks!

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

My pleasure buddy thanks for watching

[@mikec6014]

I heard a mechanic once say if you can't diagnose you'll be a parts changer i love watching disgnostic videos just to see what i can learn great videos man

[@ntherunlckcde]

Man I love your videos, you show everything the good and the bad , 100 percent transparent, you have helped me on a few jobs, just wanted to say thanks

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

I appreciate that! Glad I could help!

[@kirstenlowder8473]

Thank you!! I thought my compressor was gonna be so much more complicated than I thought but you made it so simple 😊

[@mikearonson1071]

Hey Alex. Just an update. The compressor was the issue. The pulley bearing was on its way out too, been noisy as hell. I removed the old compressor and the pulley bearing was in fact shot. I was able to rock the pulley back and forth. Removing the top stud first made the job much faster. And, you don't have to remove the power steering line either. The stud passes right by it. A/C is nice and cold again. Thanks again for making this video. Great job.

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

I’m glad it all worked out great l. My pleasure buddy

[@NicholasHoltzclaw]

Thank you for posting. You’d videos are by far the best. You explain everything and the view is good. Now I’m KZbin certified to change my compressor!

[@mcjrocker]

Just did this ac compressor and condenser replacement this weekend on my 2012 Camaro and everything working again thanks to your videos. Thanks !!! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@christiansaucedo8797]

@@mcjrocker hi quick question was your ac compressor not spinning too?

[@doc13091]

Thanks for the informative video. Love the easy to follow directions and tips you gave.

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

My pleasure buddy glad you enjoyed my video

[@xxmclovin702xx]

That throttle body needs replacement, Thanks for the video. Helped me with my wife’s 2015 Camaro RS.

[@joaquinamaro1240]

Great tip about finding the belt tensioner.

[@blkeclipsel2400]

Subscribed. I was curious how this process worked as i just had this job done on my 2013 camaro. Your video shows everything and in such a timely manner ! If it wasn't 24 degrees out and I had a garage, i would've tackled this myself. Your video is that good. Firestone told me it was an 8 hour job for $2600.00. I found a place that did it in less time for $1440.00. My compressor was so shot that there were metal shavings in the condenser along with a super loud whine every time I accelerated. It even sounded bad all the way from my living room when I would remotely start it. They also drained and put in new refrigerate. Ice cold air and no more whining or scraping sound on startup and acceleration. However, they never mentioned if they flushed out the system to get rid of any debris/shavings. So I'm going to call them tomorrow. Hopefully, they did. I read that if it's not flushed, my new components won't last very long.

[@eldrenburns6396]

You’re awesome, keep doing the good work. I also like all of your videos on Tic tok

[@JT-nm2lm]

First time watching your videos; excellent presentation easy to follow instructions thank you!!

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

My pleasure thanks for watching

[@PsyCodeqz]

It's just good practice to replace all o rings regardless of damage, and to pag oil them as well. I'm about to replace my ac compressor for a honda but I'm not satisfied with only honda ac compressor replacements, i'm here to learn how to replace all ac compressors as I'm trying to create a side gig. Good video

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

A/C work is a good side gig good luck buddy. Thanks I’m glad you enjoyed my video

[@Diegodiaz-gc6bc]

Quick tip, If you dont have a small enough socket for the stud you can stick a long screw driver or pry bar down between the compressor and block and just GENTLY wiggle it off. Make sure to pull the wiring thats zipped tied to frame outta the way first as well.

[@nittyakafrankiedakid]

@@Diegodiaz-gc6bc doesn't work on the camaro. The stud is too long. Had to remove it with the 5/8.

[@miamihometownsports69]

Great video. A mechanic told my mother it would cost $4,000, and she should probably sell her car. I see the part is under $300 more or less, and it looks like a 2-3 hour max job for an experienced mechanic. Thank you sir.

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

No way it should cost that much they are crooks

[@yovilleRulez]

That mechanic definitely tried to scam you

[@SilverDollarSaloon]

Nice video,very instructive.looks like it is harder than a 3 or 4 hardness level with the problems with the long stud. Bolt.

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

thanks for the support. You are right sometime I don’t think about you guys and go off my own feeling on the job ratings.that stud does make it a little bit harder would you agree with a six

[@jesusurbano1919]

Thanks bro.. your video I was very useful to change the compressor myself

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

My pleasure buddy I’m glad you enjoyed it

[@mikearonson1071]

Great video. I used to do A/C work in a dealership 30 years ago. My 2015 Camaro V6 with 124,000 miles on it was blowing ice cold one minute, then hot. Compressor is not engaging. System has no leaks. Checked the fuse and relay, all look good. Seems to be a bad compressor IMO.

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Sounds like a bad compressor to me

[@mikearonson1071]

@@AlexTheCarDoctor That's what I think as well. When I go to remove the compressor, I'm going to remove that stud first lol. Damn manufacturers. I guess putting a bolt there was just too difficult. Engineers.

[@GoMattyGo]

​@@mikearonson1071 did it end up being the ac compressor or something else ?

[@mikearonson1071]

@@GoMattyGo It was the a/c compressor. The clutch in it was shot. The bearing in the pulley was making a ton of noise.

[@GoMattyGo]

@@mikearonson1071 thanks for the reply, I'll try a compressor then hopefully this does it

[@marcoj4540]

Hey bro your attitude made me think about life a bit differently , I would love for us to have a personal conversation I think I ran across your video for a reason. All car stuff aside

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Absolutely brother. Hit me up on IG. The kind of life I had, I just learn how to be positive.

[@geradomuir5432]

yes would like to see it. also can you do one on deep flush of motor block, heater core, and radiator. i own a 97 chevy, my system has all kinds of gunk in it. they say its the type of antifreeze. thx

[@MauiScrappa]

Great video. Thumbs up and subscribed, about to watch more! I’m trying to learn about cars so I can do some simple things myself. My a/c went out, I checked the fuses - they’re good. I have Freon in it, so no leak. I was told to try to rotate my compressor to see if it’s locked. Is that what the serpentine belt is on? The compressor?

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Hey there, thanks for watching,the drive belt rotate a pulley On the AC compressor when engage the center of the AC compressor engage The spinning pulley which interns rotates the internals of the AC compressor

[@youngrevival9715]

Great video and great camera woman

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Thanks buddy

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

It’s a v6

[@delfinoaguilar2481]

Great Video, thanks 🙏

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

My pleasure

[@mctx2020]

Thanks for the video!

[@Truth5304]

Awesome to watch. Yes, females watch too.

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Thanks for the support

[@javiersoto2191]

It helped me a lot to see your video thanks! but I have a question, I changed my ac compressor and I don't know if it comes with oil or not, how can I check that?

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Hello and thanks for watching.just about all new A/C compressors come pre-charged with oil. It should be a sticker somewhere on the compressor that you peeled off telling you how much oil was in the compressor or you can contact the manufacture of the compressor you will also need to add oil according to manufacturer specifications.let’s say your car takes 4 ounces of oil and 2 ounces come with the compressor you then add 2 ounces of oil in the system

[@elieguzman5912]

Tank you Alex!

[@johnsierra7512]

A 3/16 socket fits perfectly the 5mm is too loose that's why it stripped.

[@Captain_Zero_]

Will the compressor come with documentation saying how much PAG oil it requires? Or are they always pre-filled.

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

They are prefilled but what I like to do is empty the oil out in a measuring cup an ad if necessary i’m quite spoiled my a A/C machine feels the oil in the system for me

[@leadfoot97]

My 07 dodge magnum 2.7 liter, only blows out hot air and the switch for adjusting where the air blow only works on one spot, all others air goes threw the top by windshield. Prolly should take it to a shop ^^

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Hey and thanks for watching man.that’s a hard one to figure out, that something that would have to be looked at in person.my guess though, sound like you’re low on Freon or your compressor is not working and there is something going on with your blend door inside your dash that controls the direction of the air flow whether it’s going in your windshield or out the vets toward you

[@monicaaugustine2776]

Hello I always enjoy your videos.However I had someone put a new compressor on my camero but it still seems like it’s turning on and off and not staying cool no leaks and new refrigerant in it any recommendations?

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Hey there sorry to hear you are still having problems. Did they also replace the receiver/dryer. Did they put the proper amount of Freon in the system, you may have a bad expansion valve. Im glad you are enjoying my videos thanks for the support by watching them

[@monicaaugustine2776]

@@AlexTheCarDoctor I did buy a expansion valve today and I also bought two cans of Freon didn’t replace the receiver /dryer 🤔I finally got my heater working really good

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

@@monicaaugustine2776 I highly recommend replacing the dryer that will ensure long life for the new AC compressor

[@monicaaugustine2776]

@@AlexTheCarDoctor okay thanks

[@miranda2010lopez]

Hello,,where is You location

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Hey there my shop is located at 1850 Joy Lake road 30260

[@isthisthekrustycrab1428]

What’s a normal cost in total for the labor and part in this year and model ?

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Sorry I don’t deal with pricing anymore but you should spend anywhere between 500 to 1300

[@JByrd-l2m]

Very helpful

[@grangerousgames1622]

What if I strip lil of the power steering bolt what do I do

[@rafaelaestremerarosales6750]

Cuando TU vslas hacer un video antes quits un compressor y es mas facil para TI mecanico rafael

[@loulewis1307]

What was it that spilled?

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Power steering fluid

[@loulewis1307]

@@AlexTheCarDoctor thank you how do I refill?

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

It should be a cap with a steering wheel picture on the top. should be directly in front of the oil fill cap

[@jesusurbano1919]

Save me on mechanics

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

That’s my goal to save you guys money and not get ripped off by some of these shady shops

[@nicholasfitchett7278]

Is this a common problem on the camaro's?

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

No not really i normally see blend door problems

[@monicaaugustine2776]

is it the same for 2013 camero

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

Yes this covers pretty much all 3.6 v6 Camaro,GM doesn’t like to change things

[@monicaaugustine2776]

@@AlexTheCarDoctor okay thanks Firestone which is a auto repair shop gave me a whole list of things just for my air total 2,400

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

@@monicaaugustine2776 SteelerStone has been known to rip people off and damage things on people cars, I get a lot of their customers.what are the list of things

[@monicaaugustine2776]

@@AlexTheCarDoctor HVAC MODULE ,R&R Module ,programming HVAC, ac compressor ac expansion ac condenser ,acevacuate and recharge ,value freon oil and then another AC condenser i would have taken a pic but i don’t see where i can but total is 2,965

[@AlexTheCarDoctor]

@@monicaaugustine2776 the HVAC module needs to be programmed if the air is blowing cold on passenger and warm on driver side vent or vice versa if both are blowing same temperature no need to progress, that’s way to much $ it sounds like they are throwing parts at your car and don’t really know what the issue is, take it and get a second opinion. What is going on with it in your words

[@rafaelaestremerarosales6750]

Inot pay you ni 50centavo fixed my car

[@0815funkmaster]

Stupid GM bullshit. Why make these studs so long that you can't pull this off. I came across this for a customer and figured its a problem. Looking at this I am not doing it.

[@DFWAuto_Hack]

Lol did you end up doing it or did you send him his way lol