Here is some history of the problem --

A few weeks ago I thought my fan clutch was going out because something towards the front of the engine was making a very loud clicking/grinding noise. This was followed by a burning smell coming from the front of the engine. I can turn the fan 360 degrees.

Fast forward to this morning...I attempted to start my D and it sounded like it was dead (very sluggish), so I tried to jump it from two different vehicles (personal and AAA). This did not work, so I had it towed to the local shop.

Later today, the shop informs me the AC Compressor is locked up, and it is preventing the belt from moving. They removed the belt from the AC Compressor, and it starts just fine. The cost to replace the AC Compressor is $1,100.

Has anyone heard of such a thing? What skill level is necessary to replace an AC Compressor?

 

thats a bit much for a compressor what else are they changing depending on the part the shop i worked at would charge about 400 for it

 

i too think that is too high for an a/c compressor, however it DOES need to be done by a shop that handles A/C because you must evacuate the system before taking the compressor off and also recharge it to proper limits when done putting the new one on so it is NOT something you can do yourself

 

The only part being replaced is the compressor, so labor + part = $1,100.

 

where i am at labor is 95 hr standard rate here so 2-3 hours plus a $200 dollar part, comes to 400 to 500 maybe 600 no more

 

Holly ****


Dude a compressor is only like $130 new! You are getting ripped off!

Go to a different shop. You need to evacuate the A/C and reinstall the freon ($100 bucks). Just have them leave the belt off the A/C and price it out at a different shop. Replacing the compressor is only like a 20 minute job (plus add the recovery of freon). Should be no more than $500 max.

 

Thanks for the advice everyone. I am looking for another shop to do the work, and I'll try to post the dollar amount for the new shop.

 

I Had the same thing happen to me and not sure where you live, but I know I don't use the A/C in the winter so to save money what I did was got a pulley that cost $30 and had a shop remove my compressor and put the pulley on for $150. That's my .02 for what I would do in times like these.

 

whitewidow, an even cheaper option would be to buy a serpentine belt that is short enough to just bypass the a/c compressor, however you actually DO use the a/c in the winter, when your windows fog up, and you put the defrosters on, the A/C kicks on so that the air being blown on your windows are dry, this way moisture doesnt condense on the inside of your windshield and get in the way of you seeing where you are going.

 

I actually bought a belt and the new belt that bypassed the compressor and the belt broke in less than a week. This is why I'm inclined to believe the regular size belt is required and a special pulley.