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.
Broken AC - $1,272???!!! Can I do it myself?
- Thread starter LakAttack
- Start date
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.
That's rough.
I'd get a few more opinions on cost. If anything, you can buy the parts as cheap as you can find them, and then have the lowest bidder install it.
I'd get a few more opinions on cost. If anything, you can buy the parts as cheap as you can find them, and then have the lowest bidder install it.
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
Sweet site - thanks! Looks like there aren't any aftermarket products for my vehicle though. :| Even with new dealer parts though, I'm sure I can do better than $1200.
Replacing the parts isn't hard, the trick is knowing how much oil to add to the sytem before evacuting and recharging.
That is just what the guy at the shop said needed replaced, but based on these few comments I think I would probably be getting in over my head if I tried it myself. Surely I can find a better price though.
What he said. This guy might be trying to take you for a ride (no pun intended). I don't know anything about A/C, but damn, $1200 for replacing that stuff?
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.
Yeah, it is really annoying because I've been going to this shop for a few years now and they've always seemed pretty above board. This just seems way out of wack though.
ouch bro, thats expensive...
nearly HALF of what someone spent on my car before i bought it...
lady before me, TOTALLY redid the a/c...$2200...like a few months before i bought the car for 3k$, glad she was my neighbor
nearly HALF of what someone spent on my car before i bought it...
lady before me, TOTALLY redid the a/c...$2200...like a few months before i bought the car for 3k$, glad she was my neighbor
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.
Are you on good terms with your neighbor? I would definitely ask for his help. May be a good experience as well.
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.
Michigan, and I checked you profile before posting. I would have offered to help if you didn't live so far away.
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
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