a/c check

[whitefirebird96]

So I went to get my ac charged because it wasn't blowing cold air. Go to the shop and they test the system and find there is a leak in the front of the compressor. Called a shop yesterday and asked them about fixing the compressor or what. They said I would have to replace the compressor, and to get the warranty to replace the oil lines and the accumulator. Price on the compressor was about 500 and for all of that to be fixed was between 600 and 800. This seem kosher, or does something seem a bit steep for that. Thanks

[pontiac nino]

Nope thats the way auto parts stores work. I had to replace my compressor just last Wednesday. No auto parts store would give me a warranty without buying the accumulator, hoses, and the compressor. I vouched to just get the compressor and walked out w/ no warranty. Not the best thing to do, but I knew what was wrong with my car. It is strongly suggested to replace all those 3 parts at once, to be "safe", if accumulator F'ks up i've heard it can take the compressor w/ it, I don't think you want that, especailly if you only bought the compressor.
Hope that helps
Nino

[whitefirebird96]

appreciate it, so the price sounds about right?

[pontiac nino]

Labor price? Eh I was quoted $140 for installation of the compressor, accumualtor, and piping.
I decided to go a different route since they didn't have the piping to my compressor and mine was burned by the headers. I installed the compressor myself ($45), took a pressure test and the piping was leaky. I paid $95 for the re-installation of the compressor, and my exhaust man did a badazz job of fabricating the metal and rubber piping for me. Worked very well, $800 for installation, yeah, seems kosher.
Nino

[cld069]

you would be good to go with all three, beacuse the function of your accumulator is to dehumidify the refrigerant, but also act as a storage area for liquid refrigerant as well, becuase vapor needs to enter the compressor, not a liquid. its possible that your compressor messed up do to a faulty accumulator.

[Camaro2k]

how much did u oay to recharge the a/c

[whitefirebird96]

it was $23 plus the 16 oz of freon, which I had them pull back out since it was leaking

[venom]

always replace the accumulator if you get a leak or crack open the system (moisture removal)

[whitefirebird96]

was looking at autozone.com and found the compressor, cluth, accumulator, and evap valve all for about $200, but the shop was charging at least $500 for the compressor, anyone have any thoughts?

[Muttled]

A lot of the shop's money comes from margin on the parts as well as the labor. You almost always save money if you can bring the parts yourself, unless the shop makes you a good package deal.

[whitefirebird96]

so has anyone else gotten these parts through autozone and know of them to be reliable parts

[venom]

everything but the compressor, i have had them for almost 2 years now and no problems so far.(now watch, the damn thing wont engage when i go out there to start it next)