AC compressor install?

0

01din

NAXJA Forum User
Location
Virginia
So the AC compressor on the '99 XJ with about 120,000 has dramatically failed, and need replacement.

What are the best places to find used compressors - and how is the install?

If I go new, and a shop does it, how much will they rip me off for?



Thanks again
 
$1200 5 years ago for our minivan, and that was if the condenser was ok, otherwise it could go up to $2400. lol
 
You can certainly buy and change the compressor yourself. If you not familiar with AC, you could then get it vacuumed and charged at a shop.

As for how much, you should call a few shops and get quotes.

Here's a source for a compressor. http://www.ackits.com
 
I thought of that too, but he said "dramatically" failed. I'm wondering if the system needs to be cleaned out first. I know the Fords have the "black death" and crud goes through out the system.

I bet a compressor would be less than $300, and you'd need to replace the lines, which is $150(?) I bought a case of R12 (what ever the new stuff is) at Sam's for $40.
 
I should have said, flushed, vacuumed and filled.
 
Thanks for the replies.

By dramatic failure, I mean that the AC clutch is about to die, its affecting the belt, and its making noises its never made before.

Is buying used worth it - we dont use the AC much, but I dont want to replace it again.
 
if you do it on your own (which you can do, not difficult) call around to get the fluid evacuated. These places charge to 'charge' systems. So charging you to remove the fluid they are then going to charge someone else for is BS.
Have them clear it for free, and let them know you'll be back to re-charge it when your done the work.
 
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Sounds to me like all he needs is a new bearing for the clutch, or at worst a new clutch that has a new bearing. No need to mess with the refrigerant at all.


It also sounds like I need to move to Katy Texas and go into the AC business. I could probably retire in one year at those rates.
 
Last year summer driving my 2000 XJ up I-5 through California at (well let's just say exceeding the speed limit) the compressor clutch got real noisey, the cooling efficiency dropped and the bearing started squealing and making all kinds of racket. I slowed to just above the speed limit and left the a/c on for the 200 miles home.

Having been a former Buick A/C mechanic, knew how to diagnose & change a compressor. Since the failure was the clutch, bearing and coil and did not involve the refrigerant being contaminated I had a friend evacuate the system and purchased through the local parts store a brand new, not rebuilt compressor (surprised me it was manufactured by AC-DELCO). Lossened the belt, removed the a/c manifold line (one bolt) and there are only four bolts holding the compressor to the mount. Also changed the accumulator that houses the desicant. Replace the two o-rings sealing the manifold line, take it back to the A/C shop where the friend worked and had the system recharged ($100). Less than $500 start to finish.

The reason to replace the whole compressor when the bearing/clutch failed are several:
The complete compressor ($250) was only $85 more than the individual parts.
No special tools required for compressor change.
The clutch slipped for a reason (compressor had a momentary seizure?).

anyway, easy job, blows cold.

Good luck, Tom
 
The clutch bearings are notorious for dying on jeeps IIRC. There is nice write up here somewhere for renting the tool to pull the clutch (free rental, just deposit) and about $20 for the bearing. Just pull the belt, and 4 compressor mounting bolts, then pull the clutch and swap (press out and in new the bearing.

IIRC I only paid $150 for the clutch with the bearing new on 96 about 6 years ago. I paid about $175 for the last new Sandon Compressor on my 85 Jeep, which included a new clutch.

Or just take it to a stealership with your retirement nest egg and turn it over to them!:(
 
My compressor makes a horrible squeak sound when the AC is off. Ive been meaning to attempt the bearing, but I keep putting it off in favor of a new(rebuilt) compressor instead.

I figure its 10 years old and seen alot of use here in Az before it came into my hands, start fresh.
 
iwannadie said:
My compressor makes a horrible squeak sound when the AC is off. Ive been meaning to attempt the bearing, but I keep putting it off in favor of a new(rebuilt) compressor instead.

I figure its 10 years old and seen alot of use here in Az before it came into my hands, start fresh.
Click to expand...

I have seen clutch bearings bearings fail in 5 years, and seen compressors last over 20 years, and 200,000 miles. The compressor internals are well lubricated under normal conditions, but the clutch bearing is a sealed bearing in a dusty environment under the hood.

If it makes noise with the AC off, then it is the clutch bearing that is bad, at a minimum. If it only makes bad noises with the compressor engaged then the compressor internals are in bad shape, and the clutch bearing is OK. If it makes bad, but different noises when on and off, then replace the entire thing.
 
My A/C compressor went out on my '00. I pulled one off a '98 I have sittin around and swapped them out.....wala cold A/C again!! Get a used one and have it ready. Bleed the system, then remove the hose assembly from the top of the compressor. Unbolt/unplug the bad compressor and remove(bolts can seize in mount, use WD40). Bolt good used compressor to mount, reattach hose assembly/ wiring. Charge with one large can of R134a and you should be back in business.
 
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