A/C compressor change

[E-werd]

After I replaced my transmission, my A/C compressor went out... how inconvenient. Well, I have the good one from the late Corsica and would like to put it on... however, theres not near as much room to work on my '94 Ciera in that area. How would one approach replacing this? My thought is to remove the dogbone and radiator, but if somebody else has a better idea I'm all ears!

'94 Olds Cutlass Ciera, 3100

[jeffreyclay]

I replaced mine in the same car you mentioned and had no real trouble doing it with all surrounding components in place. I had to take out the air filter canister to make room to get the AC Dryer/Accumalator out for replacement. My nephew helped in removing compressor from under the car (smaller hands) as some bolts were in close quarters. While you are down there remember to replace the orifice tube. Buy a package of new O-rings for the job too. There's probably a guide on here somewhere describing the recharge sequence and proper use of a vacuum pump to ensure a good outcome.

[Oklahoma]

I remember having the car on ramps and lowering the compressor out through the bottom on my Ciera; I think I was able to remove the compressor on the Grand Prix from the top though. Looks like the poster above took his out the bottom too, so yeah, I'd recommend ramps or jackstands and taking it out that way. 5 bolts, and after you get them out the compressor may still be in there pretty good because it's held by pressure in between mounts on either end. My old one took some serious force to get out. My personal philosophy is definitely replace the drier and orifice tube and don't worry about evacuating the system or anything. BTW the Corsica won't have the same compressor as the Ciera... it's at least a slightly different model, I'm not sure if you could get it to fit or not.