This site has been very valuable. I appreciate the help from time to time. Last week I changed out an alternator and the belts with instructions found here. I never thought I'd need instructions to change an alternator or belt, but they really helped in this case. Jeebus, that's quite a job.

My question today is whether I can change out the a/c compressor myself without releasing all the freon into the atmosphere. Or does it matter with the stuff they put in there these days? Do I need special equipment to evacuate the system?

The dealer wanted to charge me $1000, and that was just for the compressor, not counting labor. I can get a compressor online for $300 and it looks like a fairly easy job to switch it out.

What are the pros and cons of doing this oneself? Will I be able to recharge the system OK?

Thanks.

 

i won't recommend buying a compressor online, just for warranty reasons. you can get a new compressor with a lifetime warranty through napa, oreilly,etc. last thing you want is spend 3 bills and have it go out in a month. also make sure you change out the receivor dryer and orfice tube, cause without it your compressor want be warrantied.

as far as doing it yourself if you feel confident you can do it then go for it. change the parts shouldn't be your major concern, charging it correct should. i would definately take to a shop to get it recharged.

 

Just take it to a mechanic, mine charged me about 700, 3 hours of labor, and I guess the compressor, belt, and idler pulley cost about 520 total.. If I had bought it online it would have been cheaper for the parts..

 

Actually I wanna know how to discharge a/c, both high and low side?

 

It cost me 130.00. thanks to ebay

 

I did this a while ago. It wasnt that hard You're gonna have to take it to a mechanic to get the system depressurized or you could just loosen the connections carefully and let the the pressure out(i wouldnt recommend this). I went to a gas station mechanic and he depressurized it using a special machine i paid him about 15 bucks, drove back home popped in the ebay compressor and got it leak tested and recharged again. The only thing you gotta worry about is refilling the new compressor with PAG oil or ester oil, don't mistake for re-fill refrigerant. Had to go to a few stores to find this. BTW, a Haynes maual will help.

 

I just changed my compressor, filter/drier, and expansion valve (orfice tube) myself. About $450 to get ice cold air. Got most parts from Advance Auto parts. Just please don't recharge it yourself. You need to run a good vacuum or you run the risk of moisture in system which will screw it up again. Also, you can release the freon, but risking a possible $10K fine if caught.

 

it's illegal only if you get caught lol