J30 A/C Compressor

[J-Owner]

Hey everyone,

I had my Compressor looked at by the dealer and they said it is starting to fail. About $1,100 to fix. When I turn on the A/c it makes this loud knocking noise not a squeel but a knock.

I was wondering if you guys would suggest a used compressor? I know Jesda got a used one for the Q. How do you dtermine if you are getting a good deal on a used part. I checked that car-parts.com and the cheapest price is $200. What do you guys think I should do.

It still works fine a blows ice cold. Should I leave it alone until it finally quits blowing cold air, geta second opinion or should I get a used part.

Any advice would be great. Thanks.

By the way Juiceman, they said the tensioner pulley on the compressor that you mentioned was fine. Thanks for the tip though, it would have been nice if it were a cheap fix. I guess not.

[DAEDALUS]

The risk of buying a used part is the tradeoff to the price. I think that for $200 though you should get some kind of guarantee, at least a non-DOA. For less than that you could probably buy a clean reman from PepBoys. I don't like to recommend the crap they sell, but truth be told, the compressor in my car is a Pep Boys swap that's been working great for over 3 years.My concern with your unit is whether a failure will result in outgassing of the R-12. Other than that, I say use it till it fails and start filling up a piggy bank to have the job done. Don't pay $1100 though, that's outrageous.

[j30t]

go to a local shop and get another opinion on what is wrong. My AC makes a slight knocking noise but only when the AC or vent is off and its not loud at all.