Shaft Seal

Seal Leak Detection

A shaft seal should not be changed because of small amounts of oil found on an adjacent surface. The seal is designed to leak some oil for lubrication purposes. A shaft seal should be changed only when a large amount of sprayed oil is found, and only after actual refrigerant leakage is found by using an approved leak detector, J 39400 or equivalent.

Tools Required
J 41790 Compressor Holding Tool
J 42136 A/C Lip Seal Remover

Figure 19 - Placing Compressor In Holding Fixture:

Figure 20 - Removing Shaft Seal Retaining Ring:

Figure 21 - Removing Shaft Seal:

Remove or Disconnect

1. Recover refrigerant using J 39500-GM.
2. Remove the compressor from the vehicle.
3. Place the compressor on the J 41790 (Figure 19).
4. Remove clutch plate and hub assembly.
5. Remove the compressor shaft seal retainer ring (2), using internal snap ring pliers (1).
6. Keep all dirt or foreign debris from entering into the compressor.
7. Thoroughly clean the following components:
^ Inside compressor neck area and surrounding shaft
^ Exposed portion of the compressor shaft seal
^ Compressor Shaft
^ O-ring Seal Groove
8. Fully engage the lip of the J 42136 into the recessed portion of the seal (1) turning the handle clockwise (Figure 21).
9. Remove the compressor shaft seal from the compressor with a rotary pulling motion.
10. Recheck the shaft and inside of the compressor neck for dirt or foreign material and make sure these areas are perfectly clean before installing the new compressor shaft seal.

Clean
^ Thoroughly clean O-ring seal groove in front head.

NOTICE: Seals should not be re-used. Always use a new specification service seal kit. Be sure that the seal to be installed is not scratched or damaged in any way. Make sure that the seal is free of lint and dirt that could damage the seal surface or prevent sealing.

Tools Required
J 9625-A Leak Test Adapter
J 42136 A/C Lip Seal Remover
J 34614 Shaft Seal Protector

Figure 22 - Installing Compressor Shaft Seal:

Figure 23 - Installing Shaft Seal Retaining Ring:

Figure 24 - Leak Test Adapter:

Install or Connect

1. Dip the new compressor shaft seal (1) in clean 525 viscosity refrigerant oil and assemble the seal onto the J 42136 by turning the handle clockwise.
2. Install the J 34614 onto the compressor shaft.
3. Using a rotary motion slide the new compressor shaft seal onto the compressor shaft until the seal is fully seated (Figure 22).
4. Remove the 34614 by turning the handle counterclockwise
5. Install a new compressor shaft seal retaining ring (2), using internal snap ring pliers (1) (Figure 23).

Important
^ Make sure that the chamfer side of the retaining ring is facing up and that the retaining ring snaps into the groove.

6. Leak test the compressor, using J 39893 Leak Test Adapter (Figure 24 ) as follows:
^ Install the J 9625-A onto the compressor and pressurize the suction and high-side of the compressor with R-134a.
^ Temporarily install the shaft nut
^ With compressor in a horizontal position, rotate the compressor shaft in the normal direction of rotation, several turns by hand
^ Leak test the seal area and repair if necessary
^ Remove the shaft nut
7. Recover the refrigerant.
8. Remove and clean any excess oil resulting from installing the new seal parts from the shaft and inside the compressor neck.
9. Install the compressor clutch plate and hub assembly
10. Install the compressor into the vehicle.

NOTICE: Handling and care of seal protector is important. If seal protector is nicked or the bottom flared, the new seal may be damaged during installation.