DIY A/C Fix

[2.4Loflove]

Hello all,

I was wondering if anyone had experience fixing their own air conditioning systems? I had a quote at Meineke and of course they want $1000 to fix it. According to them, but I haven't confirmed it, the compressor has a leak, a hose running from the compressor to the evaporator side has a leak, and when replacing these parts it is good to replace the filter drier and thermal expansion valve. I want to know if there are any write-ups out there, I know it is a federal offense to let freon escape into the atmosphere but I'm pretty sure there is little to none left in my system.
Thanks in advance.

[goldfish]

IF you are that concerned about possibly venting the freon to the atmosphere. Why don't you just have a shop who handles A/C systems reclaim whatever might be in the lines for you? They generally have such a machine. I doubt they'd charge much to suck out what might be left in there. I've always been told to replace at a minimum the evap drier. And if you can get a full seal/gasket kit for hose connections, it would be a good idea to do everything or as much as you can stand while in there doing the repair.

[compactfean]

I used to be a manager at meineke and what they are telling you is most likely very true. The thing is, many people are intimidated from working on ac when in actuality is very easy. I would rec what goldfish said. Have them evac everything out and do the work yourself. We charged $40 to evac. Replace the pump and drier and if any of the rubber lines that come from the pump are wet around where the rubber is krimped to the metal, or the weap hole (close to where it is krimped) than replace them. The most common ac lines to leak are called the "manifold" lines but either way find what line is leaking and go to the dealer. Have them show you a blow up picture of the ac system and show them axcactly what line you need otherwise they WILL get it wrong. Ac lines run anywhere from $30 -80 at the dealer but pumps will be way overpriced so I would call some stores that specialize in selling ac parts and they will have the best prices for compressors and driers. Replace ALL of the o-rings in the system (where each line is atached to another line or unit has an o-ring) with an o-ring kit and make sure to lube the rubber o ring to prevent tearing during assembly.
Once o-rings, compressor, drier, any leaking lines are replaced than you are good to have it serviced. Call for estimates though. Meineke has a huge mark up on all the parts they sell to you when they really wouldn't pay much less than you and get it from a csk or autozone anyway.

[2.4Loflove]

Thanks for the input guys. Goldfish, I am pretty confident most of it has leaked out already I just don't want to spray in my face or anything once I start tear-down. I looked at some tutorials and it seems pretty straight forward, and I do intend on taking it to a shop to get it refilled. I figured they had a massive mark-up since they were quoting me at $200 for one hose from Nissan. I definitely need to get my hands on an o-ring replacement kit so I can hit everything while I am in there. I have a friend that has a little more car repair experience, but he hasn't worked on A/C system either so it should be a learning experience. Another thing that deters me is if we install the parts ourselves I figured the warranty would be void, that was the only up side to Meineke was their one year warranty offer on the work.

[jgauspohl]

IF you are that concerned about possibly venting the freon to the atmosphere. Why don't you just have a shop who handles A/C systems reclaim whatever might be in the lines for you? They generally have such a machine. I doubt they'd charge much to suck out what might be left in there. I've always been told to replace at a minimum the evap drier. And if you can get a full seal/gasket kit for hose connections, it would be a good idea to do everything or as much as you can stand while in there doing the repair.

you pm'd me and I have no way of replying since your pm's are disabled, hopefully you'll get an email saying someone has replied to a thread you posted in and this will pop up. Enable your pm's or txt me 865-604-9443

[2.4Loflove]

Alright, I have adjusted my setting. You should be able to reply to me now, thanks man.