Thinking about DIY compressor repair

Question

Hi Scotty - My AC wasn't working on my 2009 Rav4. I took it in and the mechanic said it was out of freon (fair enough). They said a whole recharge plus the diagnostic fee would be $250 (also, fair enough). They called back later to say the actual problem was the compressor was bad and that would cost an additional $650. So the whole repair job would be about $900 before tax. My question for you is do you think it's a worthwhile idea to replace the compressor myself but then have the mechanic deal with the freon afterwards? Replacing a compressor just seems like it's unscrewing and unconnecting some things but dealing with the freon seems like it's a bit more complicated and a bit more high risk to do damage.

Let me know and thanks for all you do.

Peter from Virginia

Thumpy · Accepted Answer

Well, here is your issue. If they replace the compressor and charge it they have to stand behind their work. If you replace it and theres a problem with charging it, or something happens 2 days after they charge it, or even if theres still a leak after you put the compressor in they will end up charging you all that labor anyway.

if they Supply/replace the compressor and it dies, then they have to replace it under warranty, including the recharge. If you buy the compressor and it dies in 2 months then you gotta take it off, get it replaced, put it back on then pay them to evac and charge it all over again.

If you decide to buy and install yourself, get a new one, not a reman. Couple auto parts places have a set gauges and vacuum pump you can borrow. Install the compressor, and also order and replace your accumulator, pull a vacuum on it and if it holds vacuum, then take it to them to be charged.

Doc · Answer

I agree with Thumpy. Sometimes, it's better to pay someone and have them take responsibility for the work. Besides, who do you call when you screw it up? For example, I thought I would rebuild the double Cardan front drive shaft of my 4x4. I got the parts, took it apart and as I was putting it all back together, one of the u joint caps flew off scattering needle bearings all over my garage floor. That put an end to my exercise in stupidity. The job requires special tools and experience I didn't have. It was an expensive lesson, but I learned it.

Chuck Tobias · Answer

Did the compressor actually lock up? If so you also have to deal with debris contaminating the rest of the AC system. If the compressor was weak but still moving OK you should be all right to just replace it and charge the system. (Dryer should be replaced too, an inexpensive part that a shop should replace on any AC job as a matter of routine.)

If you are not familiar with working on air conditioning it would be better to just bite the bullet and let the shop do the job. You'll be lighter in the wallet but if anything goes wrong they'll be 100% responsible for it rather than being able to play the finger-pointing game.