Do I just need a new a/c compressor?

Question

My a/c quit blowing cold the end of last summer and I had some of that blacklight dye stuff put in the compressor to see if it was leaking and it was. Do I just need a new compressor or are there other parts I need to get?

My husband is at work and I'm trying to price parts and buy them so he has no excuse to postpone this any longer than he already has :)

Answer 1

If it doesn't work because it leaks, why do you think you need a new compressor?

Answer 2

You don't say where the leak is. If it is around the shaft of the compressor, it may need a compressor, but at a connection it may only need a seal. An auto AC system includes not only the compressor, but the evaporator (the radiator-like thing usually in front of the radiator), a receiver - filter - dryer - accumulator (called various of these things; usually an aluminum can-shaped thing), an evaporator (another radiator-like thing inside the car), hoses, aluminum tubing, refrigerant.

In any case, if any part needs to be replaced that requires discharging the refrigerant, not only that part will need to be replaced, but the receiver/dryer and often an orifice tube (which can become clogged in normal service) will need to be replaced, too. Then the system will need to be placed under a high vacuum for a time to remove moisture, then the system will need to be recharged with refrigerant.

Is this a job your husband is prepared and equipped to do? You could hang parts yourself (or himself), then take the job to a mechanic to evacuate and recharge the system, but I recommend that you find a mechanic who will agree to do that first, because not all of them will want to follow up on someone else's work, for fear of becoming involved in a dispute about who is responsible if things don't go well.

If you can eek it out, and have any doubts about being able to follow through to a succesful conclusion, pay a professional to do the whole job and guarantee the work. A typical compressor change, including the associated work I have described above will probably cost in the high hundreds of dollars at least, much of it in parts and materials, which minimizes the benefit of providing the labor yourself. In addition, a professional can tell if there happens to be a simpler, less costly fix than what you have identified.

Having said all that, I shop online at http://www.autozone.com for parts prices and availability.

Answer 3

Take the information on your car or better yet take your car to the auto supply house and he will come and look at the compressor and the rest of the parts if needed. He might have you start it and then put the A/C on.

If the compressor needs replacing it will have to be done by a certified mechanic because they have to re-capture the fluoride in the system and recharge it.

I am sure you will get the best results this way. They are eager to sell you the parts.

Answer 4

Look up the cost of your car's A/C Compressor at http://www.rockauto.com

I think mechanics usually also replace the AC Receiver / Drier as part of any A/C repair.