Hey guys, found out today that my AC dies because the clutch broke off. The shop is telling me I need to replace the entire compressor and evacuate all the lines due to metal shavings from the clutch in the lines. I am wondering if this sounds right and how much I should expect to pay. Also is this a common problem with max's or just a fluke with me?

 

Flakes in the lines from the clutch? Doesn't sound right to me at all.

Flakes will come from the compressor itself, but the clutch is external to the compressor.

I would ask them to explain exactly how the clutch failure will put flakes into the lines... Remind them that the clutch is an electromagnetic device that connect/disconnects the compressor drive pulley from the belt.

I would only replace the compressor if the compressor input shaft is damaged. Otherwise it's a simple matter to replace the clutch assembly. Autozone will charge you $250 for a rebuilt compressor with new clutch, so a clutch on it's own should be less than that (if it's available on it's own)

Get a second opinion. The compressor only needs to be replaced if they can demonstrate to you how the compressor is damaged, or if the lcutch is not a removable item.

 

I called up autozone and they don't carry a compressor for my car...

 

The shop said they will replace my compressor with a new one, evactuate and discharge the system, flush, and recharge the system, and replace my power steering and drive belts for $800. Is this a good deal or am I getting ripped off. Also he says that I really don't have to replace the drier, and if I wanted to it would cost me an extra $185, should I do it?

 

You're getting SEVERELY screwed if you're going to pay $800 for a bad A/C compressor clutch...

to replace the clutch, they simply have to pull the compressor loose (not even disconnect the hoses), remove the clutch assembly from the end of the compressor, then replace it. couple hours of work, max and no more than $100 in parts.


Even if they replace the entire compressor, it's not $800 worth of parts and labor.
a reman A/C compressor is about $275 (rockauto.com lists one for $271 + 36 core). clutches are usually a fraction of that, but I can't find one listed.

the labor to flush the system is maybe an hour or so at most, and done with a machine.
you should ALWAYS, ALWAYS replace the dryer when you open the A/C system, especially if the compressor has gone bad and you're flushing the lines. (it's called an accumulator for a reason.. it's basically a filter that accumulates crap in the system that's not supposed to be there.)

all that said, I can do it for MUCH cheaper than $800.. have to order the compressor and the dryer, but should be able to get you taken care of for roughly half that number.