AC Compressor..Help...STEALERSHIP shysters

[4runnerndachi]

So my AC is not blowing out cold air. Went to the stealership, and after a "1 hour" diagnostic for a problem that you can clearly see once you open the hood, they outraged me with this quote.

I was in a small fender bender which caused a rod to crack the AC compressor of my 03 4 Runner which made the freon leak.

the stealership quoted me $740, of which only $340 is for the part. Now I understand it make take a little work to replace, but geeeessshhhh....$400 in labor??????

Does anyone know a place where I can get cheap parts. Ive been looking online, at partznet etc, but dont think Im looking at the right thing, because its giving me higher prices than the stealership.

Also, anyone in Chicago, know of a reputable repair shop?

 

[jharris2]

Was the accident the other driver's fault? If so, why aren't they paying for it?

 

[CJ3Flyr]

I vote for the other persons insurance paying...

To insure trouble free and efficient A/C operation from this point forward teh system should be flushed and a new reciever-drier (basically you A/C's filter; kinda like a fuel or oil filter for the A/C). If those two items are included in the $740 then maybe it's not so crazy. I would think the whole thing could be done for $500 by a reputable, non-dealership, A/C shop. Fixing the A/C is not rocket science. Smart, responsible people are required but a Toyota specialists isn't.
:cheers:

 

[jasonran]

you can get a new (not refurbished) compressor from a vendor on Ebay- i think it's techchoiceparts- but i got the compressor and drier for 240 shipped. It's been fine for the last 6 months- no leaks, no clutch problems, blowing cold as hell. I replaced the compressor and drier myself with the chiltons manual and about three hours of work. Not really that hard, even for a novice like myself. Word of caution though- the replacement compressor, since it's not from the factory, does not have the factory wire connector off of the compressor- you'll either have to clip the old connector off and splice it to the new one with heat shrink or something- just make sure you do that before installing the compressor because it's a ***** working with wire once it's installed. Of course, cut the old A/C belt and buy a new one as well. I had Pep boys reinstall new belts because they somehow do it without taking anything off (all three belts)..