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AC Compressor Replacement

AC Compressor Replacement
A/C Compressor Example

How do I know I need an AC Compressor Replacement?

The AC Compressor is a major component of your vehicles AC system. It is responsible for changing the physical state of the refrigerant in your vehicles AC system. This is an important step in cooling the air in your vehicle

Typically the symptom are:

  • Weak or No cold air
  • Clicking sound from the engine compartment
  • AC not working

Why would my AC Compressor to fail?

AC Compressors have a tough job. They convert a refrigerant from a gas state to a liquid state. Failure can occur for several reason. While not common the compressor may have had a defect from the manufacturing process. Another cause can be if the amount of refrigerant placed into the system is too little or too much.

The oiling system for the compressor can fail and lead to contamination of the compressor. Contaminates can also enter the system through a failing or bad receiver/dryer or accumulator. The compressor will become damaged if it attempts to compress anything other than gaseous refrigerant.

Yet another potential cause of compressor failure is blocked, clogged or damaged condenser. This will lead to excessive heat remaining in the refrigerant and allow liquid refrigerant to enter the compressor. Another less common issue that can cause a compressor to fail is called floodback. This is where a restriction in the evaporator, expansion valve of orifice tube, cause refrigerant to be forced back into the compressor, causing damage.

What is the compressor and what does it do?

The compressor’s name explains what it does. It compresses something. What does it compresses and what does it do in your cars AC system? To understand what the compressors roll is, in keeping you cool, you must understand the very basics of how an AC system works. This description is by no means a definitive explanation. It is designed to give you a better understanding of your vehicles AC system.

Automotive AC systems remove heat from your passenger compartment through a process of transferring heat, via evaporation and condensation. The refrigerant is contained within a closed-loop system. It starts out as a low pressure gas. This gas is drawn into the A/C compressor. The A/C Compressor uses pistons to compress the low pressure gas into a high pressure gas. As it travels through the AC system it changes state into a high-pressure liquid, then a low pressure gas, before returning to the compressor to start the process all over. This phase change is what allows your AC system to cool your passenger compartment.

Parts of an ac compressor

The basic parts of an automotive AC compressor are: The housing. This is typically made of cast aluminum. The housing will have mounting points for attaching the compressor to vehicle (typically the engine block). Inlet and outlet ports will also be visible of the compressor housing. On the front of the compressor you will see a pulley, which is driven by your cars serpentine or drive belt. On the outside of this pulley, is a clutch. This is electromagnetically driven and is responsible for allowing the compressor to spin, internally or freewheel when the AC system is turned off.

When the clutch is engaged an input shaft spins the internal components of the compressor. The input shaft moves a wobble plate. This plate is drives pistons within the compressor, up and down. This is what creates the movement necessary for suction of low pressure gaseous refrigerant and its compression into a .high pressure gas.

How much will it cost?

The typical cost for the testing and AC Compressor replacement is between $170-$1440 for parts and labor. This price range is averaged across all passenger vehicles. The actual cost depends on your specific make, model and year. Depending on your specific vehicle, this cost may be lower or higher. This cost estimate is for the specific repair listed and doesn’t include additional, related items that may require repair.

What is included:

  • Diagnostics preformed on Air Conditioning System
  • Removal of the damaged component and installation of replacement
  • Proper removal of refrigerant from your vehicles Air Conditioning System.
  • Ensuring the system is properly sealed
  • Proper refilling of your Air Conditioning system with refrigerant.


Are you in our service area?

Our primary service area is greater Grand Rapids, including Comstock Park, Kentwood, Walker and Wyoming.

We will travel, to other locations in west Michigan including Holland, Kalamazoo, Muskegon and their surrounding areas.

How it works

Request a service:
Get a quote online or set-up a time to have your vehicle looked at.

Choose your service time:
Pick time slots that work for you, easily, online. We will confirm appointments and send reminders.

Get your vehicle repaired:
No waiting at the shop. Our mechanics bring everything that is needed to you. All you have to do is provided a safe area for the work to be performed.

What we need from you

A safe place to work on your vehicle:
No working on the side of busy roads, No working on unstable or steep surfaces. We do not perform repairs during severe weather or in situations where weather would directly impact the ability to complete the repair work.

Authorization from a property owner or management.
If you rent please ensure work can be performed where your vehicle is. If your repair work is being done in a parking lot or at your place of employment, please ensure you have permission to have work performed. We do not do repairs in areas restricted by law.

What our customers say:

[google-reviews type=’slider’ place_info=’true’ style=’1′]

Good
Based on 3 reviews
Kassidy Garza
Kassidy Garza
2023-09-26
recommends
I contacted SEVEN auto shops and none responded. Aaron actually reached out to me through Yelp & I am SO THANKFUL HE DID!! Him & his partner came and were able to get my alternator done in two hours! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
Lisa Mclean
Lisa Mclean
2021-07-15
recommends
got my egr valve, hood supports, and new keys programmed on a chrysler 300 for way cheaper than the dealer, and was very easy because they come to you.
Brandon Carpenter
Brandon Carpenter
2020-07-03
not recommends
is not licensed or insured and will break your car no more