Cost to replace AC Compressor
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 638
Likes: 192
From: Las Vegas NV
Cost to replace AC Compressor
Hi to all,
I have a stock '88 coupe with electronic air, auto trans/Z52 and my AC compressor seems to be shot. Does anyone have an idea on what a shop would usually charge to replace one? Im just looking for a base line to try to keep my local shop straight. Thanks!
I have a stock '88 coupe with electronic air, auto trans/Z52 and my AC compressor seems to be shot. Does anyone have an idea on what a shop would usually charge to replace one? Im just looking for a base line to try to keep my local shop straight. Thanks!
Racer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 473
Likes: 7
From: Houston Texas
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,839
Likes: 22
From: San Diego, Ca
If it seized, you'll need more than the compressor. The Nippo isn't cheap - about $800 at the Dealer (and that doesn't include the clutch assembly) - $500 in the aftermarket (sometimes with a new clutch). At a minimum, you also need an Accumulator - $50 to $80. Flushing the lines and evaporator - if seized - a couple of hours of labor - and I'd replace the Condensor ($150 to $200) since flushing it is pretty much impossible. Add gas and a recharge and a shop is going to want about a grand - a Dealer 2 grand. You can tackle all of this yourself with some tools - a vacuum pump and a manifold gage set, plus parts and gas for something in the area of $600 to $800. You will need a license to buy the gas - get it at www.epatest.com - that'll also give you a little more knowledge about what's involved. Other pointers can be picked up from your Shop Manual and of course here.
Cruising
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Harbor City CA
A/C Costs for '86
Hey, same issue with my '86, leaking compressor. JD Corvette, local specialist, estimated at $763 for new compressor & switch over from R12 to R134.
Checked at another A/C place ( non Corvette specialist ) again right around $750 so I'm going to JD when I get the scratch.
Good Luck with yours. Thinking about changing the compressor myself then taking to get the changeover to the R134
CDR
Checked at another A/C place ( non Corvette specialist ) again right around $750 so I'm going to JD when I get the scratch.
Good Luck with yours. Thinking about changing the compressor myself then taking to get the changeover to the R134
CDR
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,934
Likes: 3
From: Citrus Heights California
Check around. I just comverted my AC to accept the newer refrigerant. The AC specialist replaced the lines, rebuilt the unit and recharged it for. It cost me $750.00. One shop wanted $1500.00 for the conversion. If you need a new compressor that should run you about $459.00. Here's one from Eckler's. http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...9&dept_id=1183
Last edited by Kool88vette; Jun 22, 2007 at 11:17 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,839
Likes: 22
From: San Diego, Ca
A Nippo giving up it's shaft seal is fairly common. Here's a link to a guy doing his Porsche's (different model but same nose piece and procedure): http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...so_rebuild.htm
The kit is 50 Bucks at Napa. Also buy an Accumulator and an orifice or be sure (unlike me the first time I did one) to clean all the junk out of the old one. That leaky seal has it throwing a lot more metal and it all ends up in the screen. Get your license to buy R12 at www.epatest.com and you will need a manifold gage set and a vacuum pump to put it all back together.
I haven't needed any R12 in the last 2 years, but AutoZone was the most reasonable the last time I shopped - about $14/can on average. They realized before most that no one really wants it and that shouldn't be too hard to figure out when you see that the parts exceed the value of most cars that might need it. You need 3 cans but buy 4 because you never get every drop out of can. You also need 8 ozs of mineral oil - unfortunately, it only comes in qt. sized containers, so they'll be some left over.
The kit is 50 Bucks at Napa. Also buy an Accumulator and an orifice or be sure (unlike me the first time I did one) to clean all the junk out of the old one. That leaky seal has it throwing a lot more metal and it all ends up in the screen. Get your license to buy R12 at www.epatest.com and you will need a manifold gage set and a vacuum pump to put it all back together.
I haven't needed any R12 in the last 2 years, but AutoZone was the most reasonable the last time I shopped - about $14/can on average. They realized before most that no one really wants it and that shouldn't be too hard to figure out when you see that the parts exceed the value of most cars that might need it. You need 3 cans but buy 4 because you never get every drop out of can. You also need 8 ozs of mineral oil - unfortunately, it only comes in qt. sized containers, so they'll be some left over.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,098
Likes: 0
From: Plantation Fl
I bought a reman at advance auto parts for about $100. With the gas and a new belt that i need to replace, I think everything came out to around $200.00 . Its being working great for the last 2 years with any problems and cools great. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,726
Likes: 46
From: Waukesha WI
St. Jude Donor '15
FYI... Most larger AutoZones rent out the vacuum pump for a $199 deposit (full refund on return) - last one I got was a 2.5 CFM MasterCool, nice little unit. They also rent out gauge sets but I would wonder how many times they have been dropped/abused.
You may have to call a couple of stores to find one...ignore the flunkies at the counter that say none of the stores carry it. In my area, there are 3 AZs but only one has the pump.
You may have to call a couple of stores to find one...ignore the flunkies at the counter that say none of the stores carry it. In my area, there are 3 AZs but only one has the pump.
