Oldsmobile/Buick Repair: air compressor (air struts), emission control device, belt pulley

Question
I really need your help. I have 1987 olds regency 98 front wheel drive. Just replaced rear struts with Monro air 71798. After the shop did the work they said I need my air compressor checked for the struts to work. Isn't the air compressor part of the a/c? What does it have to do with air struts working? The serpentine belt was rerouted last year off the a/c unit due to plastic cover on the end of the pulley snapping off. Pulley is not seized.
Thank You
Signed pulling out my hair!

Answer
Hello Karen,
Stop pulling the hair.
First, there is a difference between the air compressor, and the air CONDITIONING compressor.
The A/C compressor circulates freon through the A/C system, and has nothing to do with struts. It is belt driven, but to the best of my knowledge, has no plastic cover.
Now, there is an air PUMP, which is also mounted on the engine and belt driven, and DOES have a plastic fan appearing thing right behind the belt pulley. This air pump is an emission control device, and IT ALSO has NOTHING to do with the struts.

What you will be looking for is probably in the trunk. It is a little electric motor driven air compressor, only used to control those struts. It should work automatically, as the load inside the car makes it heavier on one end. There should be a fuse for it, or a circuit breaker.

Van