A/C - Broken Pipes Due To Missing Compressor Bolts
89buick05Bulletin 88-1-21
Date Mar., '89
Ref. No. 88-275-1
Corp. Ref. No. 836126R
SUBJECT: BROKEN A/C PIPES DUE TO LOOSE OR MISSING COMPRESSOR MOUNTING BOLTS
MODELS AFFECTED: 1987-88 CENTURY WITH 2.5L ENGINE (VIN CODE R)
Increased A/C compressor vibration, resulting from loose and/or missing compressor mounting fasteners, may cause cracking of the discharge pipe of the coupled hose assembly.
The following procedure should be performed whenever a coupled hose assembly is replaced due to cracking:
IMPORTANT: This procedure should not be performed for hose assemblies which have been damaged due to cuts or pinhole leaks.
1. Disconnect battery.
2. Remove accessory drive belt.
3. Raise vehicle.
4. Remove right side splash shield.
5. Disconnect exhaust pipe at manifold.
6. Verify that the following six bolts as shown in the Illustration are present:
(2) A/C compressor-to-rear bracket bolts
(2) Rear bracket-to-block bolts
(2) Water pump-to-A/C compressor bolts
7. Remove each of the above bolts, one at a time to prevent the compressor from "slipping".
IMPORTANT: Remove upper, front compressor bolt after lowering vehicle.
8. Inspect bolts for thread damage and/or wear due to loose operation. A damaged or missing bolt should be replaced with the appropriate part, per the Illustration. Apply Loctite (R) 242 to the bolt threads during reinstallation. Loctite (R) 242 is available from GMSPO as Part Number 12345382.
IMPORTANT: Inspect the threads of the A/C compressor's water pump attachment bosses. If damage is evident or if the bolts cannot be torqued to the specification given, then the compressor should be fastened to the water pump using the following parts:
(2) Bolts Part Number 11502804
(2) Washers Part Number 120394
(2) Jam Nuts Part Number 11500424
Parts are currently available from GMSPO.
Refer to the Illustration for assembly and torque details.
9. Apply Loctite (R) 242 to the bolt threads and torque to specification per the Illustration.
IMPORTANT: It may be necessary to chase the threads of the two A/C brace attachment bosses to assure clean threads - use a M10 x 1.5 tap (see Illustration).
10. Install the compressor support brace (P/N 10124667) with bolts (Part Number 11507023) as shown in the Illustration. Assure that the brace is installed with the arrow pointing towards the compressor.
Parts are currently available from GMSPO.
11. Connect exhaust pipe to the manifold.
12. Install right side splash shield.
13. Lower vehicle.
14. Remove, clean, and Loctite (R) upper front compressor bolt.
15. Install accessory drive belt.
16. Replace the cracked A/C pipe with a new one.
17. Connect battery.
18. Recharge A/C system per the Service Manual and check for leaks.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Labor Operation Number: D3088 - Hose Replacement
Labor Time: .5 Hours
Add: .5 Hours - Discharge/Charge A/C System
Trouble Code: 92
Labor Operation Number: D4220 - V5 Compressor Brackets
Labor Time: .5 Hours
Trouble Code: 92
Labor Opertion Number: T1412 - A/C Compressor Brace Installation
Labor Time: .4 Hours
Trouble Code: 92