AC Compressor Sealership
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Srabai
New member
You could always take it to a shop to have them evacuate the freon, replace the compressor yourself, then take it back to have it vacuumed and filled again. Are you 100% sure it's the compressor? I'm not sure on our trucks, but most vehicles have a low pressure switch that won't let the compressor run without enough freon in it.
TXRick
New member
I've done this on other vehicles. It's never easy or fun. Ours looks to be buried, but doable.
I'd do a leak test and check freon levels before I ripped that sucker out.
If you ever happen to open the system, before pulling the compressor out check the compressor.
Put your thumb on the high side(output) and turn the front pulley (not the belt driven pulley but the other part that engages with the belt driven pulley) little faster about half a turn. If you feel strong pressure at your thumb (some times pressure might force your thumb outwards) the compressor is good.
I once used a leak sealer for a 1990 pickup and it clogged the filter. I then replaced the filter and refilled with new gas.....runs like brand new. It is now almost one year and all I use is speed number one in the hvac unit!
Put your thumb on the high side(output) and turn the front pulley (not the belt driven pulley but the other part that engages with the belt driven pulley) little faster about half a turn. If you feel strong pressure at your thumb (some times pressure might force your thumb outwards) the compressor is good.
I once used a leak sealer for a 1990 pickup and it clogged the filter. I then replaced the filter and refilled with new gas.....runs like brand new. It is now almost one year and all I use is speed number one in the hvac unit!
fblainen11
New member
I replaced mine by myself. I had a vacuum though. It wasn't that difficult....it was a little difficult getting it out. Had to remove the fan and radiator. Other than that it's doable.
TheDurk
Elite Member
Last summer I had to replace the condenser on my son's '99 BMW 323iC after he hit a 'coon. I decided to gain my own evac and charge capability. For only a few bucks over $200, I got a 2-stage vacuum pump, a set of gauges, and a can tap* at Harbor Freight with the help of a 20% off coupon. Add a couple of cans of R-134a and borrow a digital scale from the kitchen, and I was able to evacuate and charge myself. I swapped every O-ring in front of the firewall as well as the receiver/dryer and evacuated and charged it myself. This summer it is still tight and blowing cold.
It was well worth the investment, just for the convenience of not taking it to a shop. Pro's will piss all over the HF equipment, but it works fine for somebody like me who maintains three or four older cars myself.
*--Had to get this at Pep Boys.
It was well worth the investment, just for the convenience of not taking it to a shop. Pro's will piss all over the HF equipment, but it works fine for somebody like me who maintains three or four older cars myself.
*--Had to get this at Pep Boys.
TheeMikeB
New member
Ouch that sucks. You can do most of it yourself....
Have a shop evac the system, then you replace the compressor, they bring it back to a shop to flush/refill....
How To Replace Your AC Compressor - YouTube
Have a shop evac the system, then you replace the compressor, they bring it back to a shop to flush/refill....
How To Replace Your AC Compressor - YouTube
nevada
Senior Member
my opinion, for something more than 10 yrs old, the dealer is a last resort. an independent shop is a much better choice.
but as said above, take it in, have the system pulled down. then swap the parts yourself, take it back and have it refilled.
they should give you credit for any Freon you still had in the system. so when you refill it, you wont be paying for an entire fill from empty.
but as said above, take it in, have the system pulled down. then swap the parts yourself, take it back and have it refilled.
they should give you credit for any Freon you still had in the system. so when you refill it, you wont be paying for an entire fill from empty.