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ac service

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2.1K views 9 replies 5 participants last post by  diamondhill  
#1 ·
So I took my impala in to firestone cause I have ac leak. They did a dye test. It's leaking from the seal on the compressor, high side pressure line. They want 1,700 to replace all that with the receiver drier, orifice tube. I was wondering is that a fair price?
 
#2 ·
No, it's outrageous. I bought a compressor for less than 300, my mechanic installed it with a new accumulator and orifice tube for 300. Shop the job around and price the components. The accumulator and orifice are really cheap. Good luck! you can find a lot better deal.
 
#4 ·
$1700, haha. I had a place quote me $800 and they really did not tell me what parts they were using. Most compressors and AC parts are cheap junk from China, Its all you can find new.

$300 or less in parts, Compressor, Accumulator, Orifice tube, + around $300 no more in labor is a fair price if a shop is doing it. That or buy the equipment yourself and DIY.

Save your old compressor you can reseal it , If a SEAL washer is leaking on the HIGH side line off the compressor, just change that. These Compressors leak from the Shaft seal or the Case O rings alot.
 
#5 ·
Okay I got another quote 1200. Everyone i have talk to said I cant buy the parts. They only want to use there parts. I might just try to.fix myself. I'm been reading alot how to. 4 season ac compressor. All together I could get all the parts for 320.
 
#7 · (Edited)
Well then use ACKits.com or one of our vendors RockAuto for all your part needs.

1. Compressor
2. Accumulator (Receiver/Dryer)
3. Orifice Tube
4. PAG 150 oil (Some in accumulator, as well as the suction side of the compressor, while manually turning the pulley to cycle the oil.)
5. O-Ring Kit
6. Sealing washers for lines @ compressor (AC Delco P/N: 152722)

If you don't have a set of gauges, you can at least do the mechanical parts swap yourself, and then take it to a shop to evacuate & charge the system. I would think that would run you less then $100

If you've got any questions, fire away.
 
#8 ·
Okay could I buy FOUR SEASONS Part #*26729****AC System Seal Kit; O-Ring and Gasket Seal Kit*at rockauto. Would that come with on the seals I need?? I'm replacing all ac lines, compressor,orifice tube, accumulator, and buying pag 150. Also do I need to flush the system?
 
#9 ·
Okay could I buy FOUR SEASONS Part #*26729****AC System Seal Kit; O-Ring and Gasket Seal Kit*at rockauto.
The four seasons kit is a "Air Conditioning Seal Repair Kit". I don't know what it contains, or exactly why you would want to purchase it.

From ACKits.com, P/N: 91-MT2541 is what you want

I'm replacing all ac lines, compressor,orifice tube, accumulator, and buying pag 150.
Why on earth would you be replacing the A/C lines? What lines are you specifically referring to.

The only one that typically ever needs replacing is the one that comes off the back of the compressor because it tends to but up against the upper control arm which eventually wears a slot/hole in the hose. (Do yourself a favor and wrap heater hose around it, and nylon wire tie to secure it).

Also do I need to flush the system?
Did your system work prior to you working on it? Did a compressor let go?

When you pull the orifice tube out of the lower tube, located at the battery area, take a good look at it. It will give you a clear indication if the system has contaminants in it (Typically when this happens, the filter media is black, and has some particles on it.)

If so, then YES it is necessary to flush the system. I use Acetone because it's inexpensive and evaporates quickly.

I forgot to mention that if you are mechanically inclined and will be doing the labor yourself, you can rent/borrow a vacuum pump from AutoZone. You will need a hose to go from the pump, to the low pressure fitting on the accumulator. Draw a vacuum for at least an hour, then turn off the pump to ensure the system is holding a vacuum for 10-15 minutes.

If everything is buttoned up nice an tight, you can then take it to the shop of your choice.

Check out my post to the thread here for more info: Servicing A/C Systems