Expert: Skip Bollinger - 7/31/2007

Question
I was wondering how difficult it would be to replace either A) the
supercharger on a 1992 Buick Park Avenue or B) the nose drive only.  

I was told that one of the bearings is about to go and I thought I'd better get
this done.  I'm fairly handy and mechanical and have repaired small engines
in the past.  I haven't done much with cars in a while but wondered if the
complexity is too severe for the average home grease monkey.  Perhaps there
are some online resources? (pics, manual, etc).

Anyway, I'm told that having the nose drive replaced will cost me $800 or less
and I've located a rebuilt nose drive for $175 with a core charge of $100.  I'd
love to be able to save some money and do the project myself, if possible.  

I'd be grateful for any advice or insights you can give me.  Thank you very
much.

Answer
Michael,
  Please remember, I'm a Parts Professional, NOT a Tech, Okay?? I have spoken to 3 of my customers and they all run from Superchargers. Why, I don't know? Maybe it is like back in the 1960's mechanics ran from Disc Brakes because it was new and they knew nothing about them.
  If this is a vehicle you can have torn down for a while, I'd begin taking it apart. The only special tools I can imagine would be special snap ring pliers as I can envision the bearings be held in place with special snap rings. Heck, they may be just regular snap rings.
  I just looked and the newest repair manual I have is 1989 and it lists nothing. I looked in a 1994 New Departure Hyatt bearing catalog (Delco) and they list nothing.
  What I'd do is be prepared to pay $175.00 and start taking it apart. It is just a blower. Basically it has 7 moving parts, the upper screw and 2 bearings and a pulley, the lower screw with 2 bearings. Clearances are very critical for performance but how complicated can it be?
  When you get it apart, just get the numbers off the old bearings and take them to your local parts store. They should be able to cross the numbers. IF they can't, get back with me and I'll see what I can do. You might also try to contact Arizona Speed & Marine at "azspeed-marine.com" to see if they can offer any help.
  I know of NO on line resources. No one is willing to "give" any information away, the Almighty Dollar, you know. Good luck and keep me informed!!! I hope this helps.
Skip