The AC in my Nissan Frontier is broken, and I just got a call from the shop. He said I needed a compressor, hose and drier. Those parts can be had for less than half that. Do you think I can do it myself if I bought the parts? I've got a car-nut neighbor who can probably help a little, or at least lend me tools. I've done only minor car work like changing shocks, so if you think I'm crazy tell me. I just can't afford that much money, even if I live in GA.
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Broken AC - $1,272???!!! Can I do it myself?
- Thread starter LakAttack
- Start date
Ladies Man
Platinum Member
if you have the time and engery sure you can.... just make sure you have a good book saying exactly everything you need to do and i don't see why you can't.
link to ackits for parts and info via their forums
automotive a/c work requires the use of some specialized tools the minimum scenario requires:
Refrigerant guages
Vacuum pump (to pull a vacuum in a the a/c system to literally boil off all moisure in the a/c system
Another link to Acsource
automotive a/c work requires the use of some specialized tools the minimum scenario requires:
Refrigerant guages
Vacuum pump (to pull a vacuum in a the a/c system to literally boil off all moisure in the a/c system
Another link to Acsource
Sites for aftermarket automotive parts
Carlise Air conditioning parts
Autozone.com
parts america (checker, shucks, kragen)
Napa
There are sveral diferent types of hoses in your a/c system. Do you know which was is broken?
Post you systems on ackits.com and someone there will help you.
Carlise Air conditioning parts
Autozone.com
parts america (checker, shucks, kragen)
Napa
There are sveral diferent types of hoses in your a/c system. Do you know which was is broken?
Post you systems on ackits.com and someone there will help you.
I didn't write down which hose it was. I assumed that would be the cheapest part, maybe I'm wrong? Anyway, I assume it will all be on the receipt when I pick it up. I told him to just charge it up with freon and not do any work. That's what I did last summer when it stopped working, and it lasted all summer.
Ok, here is how those parts could have failed. The hose, low or high side, could have a hole which would allow the refrigernat (R134a) to leak out. When R143a leaks out it carries oil with it causing a lack of lubicant for the compressor. Compressor contiunes to operate on a low charge unitl one of two things happens:
One, the refrigerant low pressure is below 20 psi, compressor won't engage.
Two, the compressor lock up due to internal failure.
If the compressor fails, it is standard practice to replace the drier, which filters the R134a.
To check to see if the compressor is locked up, grab the clutch, not pulley, and see if you can turn it by hand, with the engine off of course. If the compressor can't be turned it's damaged, if it does turn then maybe you only need to change the hose that could be leaking.
<-- A/C Mechanic for the last 18 years.
that is a really rough installation job. I'd hate for you to get half way through it and realize you can't or don't want to finish. You do need specalised tools and stuff. If you can find someone who has done it before or is confident he can do it, ask him to help. Otherwise, try to find another mechanic who will do it for a better price