Rounded off compressor bolt

[NEp8ntballer]

So I was working on removing my AC compressor and managed to round off one of the bolts that mounts it to the bracket(top one at the front of the motor if it matters. I'm having a ***** of a time getting enough torque on it. none of my bolt extractors works and I can't seem to get a set of vice grips or pliers on it. any suggestions would be appreciated. the compressor is seized so worse case I can proceed to **** it up some more but at the same time I'd like to get my core charge back when I replace it if I have to go with a reman.

 

[Shovert]

Do you have access to a welder? I think easiest way if do is to weld another nut on it and then just turn it out. I have seen this done on a broken head bolt. Turn out real easy. I guess heat of welding it helped. Maurice

 

[Irish Pride]

I would say use a Dremel and grind the head off then get the bolt out after you remove the compressor.

 

[rubydist]

I also think it sounds like your best plan now is to grind off or saw off the head (what remains) and slide the compressor off over the bolt, then figure out how to get the bolt out.

 

[NEp8ntballer]

a liberal application of liquid wrench and a smaller extractor got it out.

 

[Irish Pride]

a liberal application of liquid wrench and a smaller extractor got it out.

thats what she said...

 

[NEp8ntballer]

thats what she said...

maybe the girls you hang out with...

 

[JRA2000TL]

How huge of a PITA was it (other than the problem bolt) to get the compressor out? I have to do this on the 89. To replace the liquid line and accumulator on the 95, I removed the battery and tray, alternator, crossover tube, moved the p/s reservoir to the side, removed the metal bracket on the strut tower and that rear engine dampener. Anything else need to be removed?

 

[NEp8ntballer]

it's a tight squeeze but it isn't too bad. remove the alt, remove the four bolts for the manifold, move the manifold out of the way or disconnect them at the spring lock couplers, and then remove the four bolts holding the compressor on. it's really more having to move stuff and not having good visibility. the other issue is having issues getting enough torque on parts and having the right balance of length so you can get an arc of movement on the bolts. you have to use an open ended wrench on most of the bolts for the manifold and you have to alternate in extension length to get the compressor mounting bolts off. they're 14mms btw.

EDIT: Pulley bearing shit the bed apparently...

 

[JRA2000TL]

it's a tight squeeze but it isn't too bad. remove the alt, remove the four bolts for the manifold, move the manifold out of the way or disconnect them at the spring lock couplers, and then remove the four bolts holding the compressor on. it's really more having to move stuff and not having good visibility. the other issue is having issues getting enough torque on parts and having the right balance of length so you can get an arc of movement on the bolts. you have to use an open ended wrench on most of the bolts for the manifold and you have to alternate in extension length to get the compressor mounting bolts off. they're 14mms btw.

EDIT: Pulley bearing shit the bed apparently...

When I had the 95 torn down to pretty much where I could pull the compressor, I could not figure out how to even get to the bolt for the line that went from the compressor to the bottom of the accumulator. I had a shop remove that line, and I took it and got it "remanufactured". It was one of 2 obsolete lines on our cars.

 

[NEp8ntballer]

removing the bolts for the manifolds will allow both hoses to swing out of the way. those are a pain to get to as well and you pretty much have to use an open ended wrench due to clearance issues. if sears sells them separately I'm going to pick up an open ended ratcheting wrench in that size to speed up the install.

 

[JRA2000TL]

Pretty sure you can buy gear wrenches separately. Guess I'll go pick up a 14mm. I think I'll put a set on my Christmas list this year.

 

[NEp8ntballer]

the compressor mounting bolts are the easy part, it's the bolts for the manifold that are tricky and those are a 10mm but one of mine was a 12mm, not sure what the deal was with that.