AC Compressor gone bad???
04-21-2015, 04:19 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: California
Posts: 5
AC Compressor gone bad???
Hi everyone, I have a 2001 Mustang GT with about 147,000 miles on it and as far as I know, it still has the original AC compressor. When the car idles I can hear a slight rattling noise coming from my AC compressor area. The noise happens when the AC is turned off. When the AC is turned on, I can hear a slight hissing noise coming from the AC compressor, but still blows cool(not COLD) air in the cabin. This all started happening 3 days ago after I refilled the AC with freon. Today I removed the compressor clutch and that was completely toasted. The clutch pulley, bearing, and field coil are in bad shape. While I was cleaning everything out, I noticed a burning sent coming from the field coil, which was still mounted to the compressor on the car.
Question 1: Can I remove the field coil while the compressor is still on the car?
2: I know the clutch and coil need to be replaced, but my second question is, how can I tell if the ac compressor needs to be replaced?
Question 1: Can I remove the field coil while the compressor is still on the car?
2: I know the clutch and coil need to be replaced, but my second question is, how can I tell if the ac compressor needs to be replaced?
04-21-2015, 01:23 PM
#2
4th Gear Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: SoCal
Posts: 1,826
Not sure on your questions, but if you end up replacing the compressor be sure to check prices on RockAuto.com.
I went through this a year ago on my '08 Explorer when the clutch took a shiz. I looked at just replacing the clutch assy. but since it's my wife's car I didn't want any BS - just do it right the first time.
Shop quoted $1400 for the work - new compressor, accumulator/drier and orifice tube, plus labor of course. Their itemized parts bill was $800; I checked the price with their supplier just to see what the markup was and the supplier had it all at $700. Not a horrible markup, I get it that they're trying to run a business but whatever.
RockAuto had the whole kit for $250 + shipping. I know a guy, so recharging the system only costed me a 12 pack, but if you go to a shop it shouldn't be more than $100 or so.
Replacing the accumulator and orifice tube is not always necessary, but the manufacturers of the compressors generally won't warranty the compressor without those components being changed as well.
Good luck n' keep us posted.
I went through this a year ago on my '08 Explorer when the clutch took a shiz. I looked at just replacing the clutch assy. but since it's my wife's car I didn't want any BS - just do it right the first time.
Shop quoted $1400 for the work - new compressor, accumulator/drier and orifice tube, plus labor of course. Their itemized parts bill was $800; I checked the price with their supplier just to see what the markup was and the supplier had it all at $700. Not a horrible markup, I get it that they're trying to run a business but whatever.
RockAuto had the whole kit for $250 + shipping. I know a guy, so recharging the system only costed me a 12 pack, but if you go to a shop it shouldn't be more than $100 or so.
Replacing the accumulator and orifice tube is not always necessary, but the manufacturers of the compressors generally won't warranty the compressor without those components being changed as well.
Good luck n' keep us posted.
04-21-2015, 02:42 PM
#3
Gentleman's Relish
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: AZ
Posts: 13,090
Not sure on your questions, but if you end up replacing the compressor be sure to check prices on RockAuto.com.
I went through this a year ago on my '08 Explorer when the clutch took a shiz. I looked at just replacing the clutch assy. but since it's my wife's car I didn't want any BS - just do it right the first time.
Shop quoted $1400 for the work - new compressor, accumulator/drier and orifice tube, plus labor of course. Their itemized parts bill was $800; I checked the price with their supplier just to see what the markup was and the supplier had it all at $700. Not a horrible markup, I get it that they're trying to run a business but whatever.
RockAuto had the whole kit for $250 + shipping. I know a guy, so recharging the system only costed me a 12 pack, but if you go to a shop it shouldn't be more than $100 or so.
Replacing the accumulator and orifice tube is not always necessary, but the manufacturers of the compressors generally won't warranty the compressor without those components being changed as well.
Good luck n' keep us posted.
I went through this a year ago on my '08 Explorer when the clutch took a shiz. I looked at just replacing the clutch assy. but since it's my wife's car I didn't want any BS - just do it right the first time.
Shop quoted $1400 for the work - new compressor, accumulator/drier and orifice tube, plus labor of course. Their itemized parts bill was $800; I checked the price with their supplier just to see what the markup was and the supplier had it all at $700. Not a horrible markup, I get it that they're trying to run a business but whatever.
RockAuto had the whole kit for $250 + shipping. I know a guy, so recharging the system only costed me a 12 pack, but if you go to a shop it shouldn't be more than $100 or so.
Replacing the accumulator and orifice tube is not always necessary, but the manufacturers of the compressors generally won't warranty the compressor without those components being changed as well.
Good luck n' keep us posted.
Yep Rock auto...rocks
Got all my AC stuff there for our Ford escape when it sprung a leak at the compressor.Anytime you open the AC system you should replace the accumulator/drier and orifice tube. Especially on an older system or where you have a leak or failed part. It's cheap insurance.
The only reason I went to a shop for the A/C was so they could recycle the Freon and then after I did the work and pulled a vacuum, they could check for leaks and recharge the system.
About $100 is what it will be like Z28KLR pointed out. ($50 for an A/C diagnostic and the Freon to fully recharge the system). My out the door price with my local dealer was actually like 80 but it varies by shop.
If you can, get a compressor with the clutch/coil already installed. It's very easy to misalign them if you try to install it on your own or don't have an A/C clutch installer/puller.
04-21-2015, 11:51 PM
#4
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: California
Posts: 5
Thanks guys for the quick reply and tips. I just went on Rockauto.com and why have I never heard of that website??? I'll definitely be doing some shopping there in the future
When I searched for what I needed for this job I mostly found parts from the brand 4 Seasons. I've only heard of that brand a couple of times and it's usually not good. Anybody have gripes with that brand?
I was also thinking about just replacing the clutch assembly because I still don't know if the compressor is good or bad. I would usually say F it when in doubt replace everything to do the job right the first time. But unfortunately right now my financial situation is not too favorable. Also I don't use the AC, or heater for that matter, at all unless the weather is 100+ or freezing cold.
I'm going to do a little more research and snooping around to see whats the best solution. Hopefully I get more replies to this thread. Thanks.
When I searched for what I needed for this job I mostly found parts from the brand 4 Seasons. I've only heard of that brand a couple of times and it's usually not good. Anybody have gripes with that brand?
I was also thinking about just replacing the clutch assembly because I still don't know if the compressor is good or bad. I would usually say F it when in doubt replace everything to do the job right the first time. But unfortunately right now my financial situation is not too favorable. Also I don't use the AC, or heater for that matter, at all unless the weather is 100+ or freezing cold.
I'm going to do a little more research and snooping around to see whats the best solution. Hopefully I get more replies to this thread. Thanks.
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