Scotty!!
2008 Lexus RX350 135k miles… A/C compressor going bad (not cooling as it once did). Mechanic says I have to replace air dyer too/at same time… is that true?
Mechanic also says the belt tensioner needs replacing… that’s what he said is making the extra rattling sound I hear.
thanks for your help!
Carl Floto
Austin, TX
How do you know it's the AC compressor? Is it making noise or seized up? What are the system pressures? The drier should be replaced any time the AC system is opened up to atmosphere, and it would not be unusual for a pulley bearing to go bad after 13 years and well over 100K miles.
There are many things that can cause poor cooling. If it is the compressor it should be replaced as soon as possible because if it does start grinding internally or seizes up you'll wind up having to replace virtually every part of your air conditioning system due to contamination as the compressor sheds debris internally. Just make sure the problem is actually the compressor. If not making any noise and pumping up pressure to spec then it's not at fault.
