A/C compreser problem

[ni2]

The other day I started the car and began to drive. I turned on the A/C and the belt screeched slightly. I didn't think anything of it (other than "That was weird") since the A/C worked normally. When I got home I noticed a hissing sound and thought that I had freon leak. I looked underneath at the A/C compressor and it was covered with clear oil and so was the underside of my car directly behind the compressor. After the hissing stopped I tried to run the A/C and nothing. Have any of you had this happen? If so did it result in you needing to replace the A/C compressor? How much did the dealer charge?

[RAZ_76]

I have an AC compressor if you need to replace it. You will also need to recharge the AC system. SO at the dealer you are looking at around 500+ if you need a new compressor.

[Frankv]

same thing happend to me bro one day when i was looking @ model homes with my girl last year. stopped out front, got out and heard the same hissing. i had purchased additional warranty when i bought mine in 04 but in the end i got screwed over. supposedly the warranty company would cover only if they provided a compressor and all the components. had i known the a/c was going to be worth crap 90% of the time. i wouldnt have bothered shedding out 1500 bux for extra coverage. Not just for the a/c but mechanical components, electrical, etc. the warranty is from PrCo. All n All the compressor had to be replaced, the condenser and sum other thing. i took it to midas and i still had to come out pocket 300... mistake who knows but they did a pretty good job other than the fact they supplied them with a compressor that had a faulty clutch. thats what midas said. the gap between the clutch and compressor is a lil off, causing the a/c to stop woking and make the light blink on and off. which is a bitch! when the temperatures hit triple digits. so i ask you guys this... After finding out for sure that it is the clutch, can i purchase one and have someone install it and have my a/c back. sorry for taking your thread space NI2!

[Stewi]

yea but its easier to get a compressor at the junkyard for $100-$150 then have a shop install it and charge the system for another $150.

[milo111000]

yeah it shouldn't be that hard to install.. goodluck bud.

[Frankv]

Awesome! Thanks Fellas! Will do as soon as i get sum extra feria LOL

[RAZ_76]

I can sell you one, 125 shipped.

[ni2]

Thanks for all your input. Looks like I have to have the dealer diagnose the root cause of the failure. Purchasing a good used compressor would be a good alternative but I'm afraid that the compressor was not the root cause. Given the the system was working normally while it still had freon to work with could point to some other component being the cause of the failure. Thanks

PS. And I really wanted a limited slip for my truck.

[RedGalant2k1]

9 out of 10 times with a major a/c failure its the compressor. The only other culprit is damage to other components, most likely damage to the condensor. It sounds like a seal broke between the compressor and the clutch and dumped all the A/C pag oil out of the system. You are best off replacing the compressor and clutch at the same time, don't risk one or the other, or using a used compressor or clutch by itself. Its not worth it, not to mention you won't have the proper tools to remove and reinstall the a/c clutch to the compressor.

[freakinrican]

from what I see alot of the problems with AC in these cars is the compressor? from what I have read so far.. Now heres my issue.
My AC blows, but not cold.
Im under the impression that if its not blowing cold there is no freon?
If there is no freon then there is a leak somewhere? and/or
the compressor is blown/out.

whatever the case may be, how could I have the system checked for leaks or what the problem maybe?
I know most likely take it to a shop but what should be done?

[RedGalant2k1]

from what I see alot of the problems with AC in these cars is the compressor? from what I have read so far.. Now heres my issue.
My AC blows, but not cold.
Im under the impression that if its not blowing cold there is no freon?
If there is no freon then there is a leak somewhere? and/or
the compressor is blown/out.

whatever the case may be, how could I have the system checked for leaks or what the problem maybe?
I know most likely take it to a shop but what should be done?

As I believe was already recommended...it needs to be charged. No real way without damage, or a/c clutch failure to condemn the a/c system otherwise. So get it charged, and make sure when they (or you) recharge the system you put in the correct PAG oil, and a a/c leak test dye.

[freakinrican]

So I took the car into the dealership and they told me that the expansion valve and the drier is bad. I found how to replace the drier but nothing on the expansion valve..

Would it be wise to try and replace these parts (once I find out how to replace the expansion valve) or should I just take it to a shop?

Im looking for the most cost effective option at the moment since Im planning on selling the car, I just dont want to pass a headache on the the next person..
What would something like this cost to have done?
The dealership quoted me $1100 and obviously im not paying that..

thanks for your responds in advance

[RedGalant2k1]

So I took the car into the dealership and they told me that the expansion valve and the drier is bad. I found how to replace the drier but nothing on the expansion valve..

Would it be wise to try and replace these parts (once I find out how to replace the expansion valve) or should I just take it to a shop?

Im looking for the most cost effective option at the moment since Im planning on selling the car, I just dont want to pass a headache on the the next person..
What would something like this cost to have done?
The dealership quoted me $1100 and obviously im not paying that..

thanks for your responds in advance

For $1100 that should be including the compressor, drier, and expansion valve.

The expansion valve is on the right side of the evaporator core. Its several hours of labor even for a seasoned mechanic, I would not recommend it for the average joe, or backyard mechanic. Though if you are willing to tackle it, be willing to leave your car down for an entire day, and than some. Put it this way, you have to remove the dashboard, the center console, heater control unit, heater core, and more...you will also have to drain and refill the engine coolant, and a/c refrigerant. You don't want to do this repair without the a/c being immediately recharged.

[freakinrican]

its just to replace the drier, expansion valve, and to recharge the system..
So the expansion valve is inside the car it sounds like?

I think im going to get a second opinion on this though cause they seemed to be just looking for $$

I dont have a problem with the car being down at all I dont drive it everyday, I hate to say it but I just want a quick fix at this point..

[silver01g]

Does that go also with sometimes if the AC works and sometimes doesnt? its been a bitch lately cause i have kids. what i found to make it come back on is take it to the car wash and spray water all on the front of the car. it mainly doesnt come on if its really hot outside and the car itself is hot.

[freakinrican]

you know I noticed that when I got it back from them It was blowing somewhat cold too..
thats what makes me think that its not what they say exactly, how would they test the system to know what exactly is bad?

[freakinrican]

Just an update for anyone that is checking out the thread..
Since I took the car to the dealership for their version of an inspection, I took it for another opinion and im glad I did.. I took it to a AC specialist in my area and after checking the system they said the expansion valve was fine and for $39 the evacuated all the old stuff in the system and put in new freon and WHAMO!!! ice cold AC..
its been a few days and its still blowing cold..
The dealership gets a big FU!! in my book.
another thing they said was that the dome light was shorting and thats why my doors weren't locking and yeah that was a bunch of BS too.. I replaced the fuse that is connected to the door locks and WHAMO!! doors lock and unlock ever since.. Its not just for a few minutes either I have drove the car for almost the whole week and its all still good..
thanks all again for the comments..

GET A SECOND OPINION...
ALWAYS!!!