What’s the complexity of replacing A/C compressor

[Jim]

The compressor has failed on my 2000 Grand Cherokee Limited (V-8). I can tell because it squeaks and grinds like hell when I press the AC switch inside the vehicle. Is this a difficult job to take on? Being that it sits on top of the engine; it doesn’t look too difficult to me. I’ll probably have to remove the grill to remove hoses from the condenser. I’ve done this before when I replaced the water pump and radiator. From my research I’ll need the compressor ($200), a vacuum pump ($90), gauge set ($50) and R134a ($80). This is better than the $1000 a local mechanic wants. But is saving $500 worth the aggravation?

Can anyone give me any insight of what I’ll be getting into to? I’ve never done A/C work before except to Jerry rig the blend and recirculation doors.

Thank you,

Topic

[Rob]

[quote=”Jimmi328″ post=169826]The compressor has failed on my 2000 Grand Cherokee Limited (V-8). I can tell because it squeaks and grinds like hell when I press the AC switch inside the vehicle. Is this a difficult job to take on? Being that it sits on top of the engine; it doesn’t look too difficult to me. I’ll probably have to remove the grill to remove hoses from the condenser. I’ve done this before when I replaced the water pump and radiator. From my research I’ll need the compressor ($200), a vacuum pump ($90), gauge set ($50) and R134a ($80). This is better than the $1000 a local mechanic wants. But is saving $500 worth the aggravation?

Can anyone give me any insight of what I’ll be getting into to? I’ve never done A/C work before except to Jerry rig the blend and recirculation doors.

Thank you,[/quote]
have you checked the ac clutch??? because that could be the problem not req you to repace the whole thing… the r134 price seams high but dont forget about the pag oil… and make sure you get the correct one.. I know a lot of my autopart stores will just sell me one off the shelf with out looking it up and they keep trying to sell me the wrong one untill they check the system… just saying

[Rob]

if you deside to just replace the whole compressor.. I would get the one with the cluch…. also make sure you get AC o-ring they are uselly green in color and oil them up with pag oil… also before you retun the core make sure you didnt leave anything like pressure sensers on it… some ac system have it on the composure… ya it you watch eric recharge the ac system thats prity much your whole job other then taking it out and reinstalling the new one…. watch some other youtube videos on replacing ac compressors and see if you feel compfible doing it but thats it in a nut shell

[Jim]

My thinking was the whole unit had to be replaced, but I would prefer just replacing the clutch (cheaper) and see if this eliminates the screeching. The A/C does blow cold. Perhaps this can be done with the compressor bolted to the engine?

[Rob]

depends on the body if you can get tools in there… now does it squeek when the ac is off??? that could mean that the compresser is bad… but if it sqeeks only when the ac is on and the cluch in enabled then the compressore might stll be good…
basiclly some part of the compresure is still spinning when the cluch is not enabled… it will not tell you for sure but could help give you an idea

[Jim]

[quote=”Rob781″ post=169839]depends on the body if you can get tools in there… now does it squeek when the ac is off??? that could mean that the compresser is bad… but if it sqeeks only when the ac is on and the cluch in enabled then the compressore might stll be good…
basiclly some part of the compresure is still spinning when the cluch is not enabled… it will not tell you for sure but could help give you an idea[/quote]

No, it does not squeak when the A/C is off, only when I turn the A/C on.

[James Harold McNeil]

Did you call around? Auto-MD showed places estimating AC compressor replacement starting at $580, $790 with the clutch, although in my experience, repairs usually cost about 20% more.

[Rob]

[quote=”xist” post=169841]Did you call around? Auto-MD showed places estimating AC compressor replacement starting at $580, $790 with the clutch, although in my experience, repairs usually cost about 20% more.[/quote]
Im a little bit confused about your price you listed…
the cluch uslly only cost like $50 or less to get one with the cluch already on it even for laber they just will buy one with a cluch already installed… for like $210 that is a little bit much for a clutch… like I see a compressor for online for $155 USD with a clutch… so labor shouldnt be any diffrent with or with out if you get it at time of repair

[Author]

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