buckmeister2

Guys,

I need to have my A/C system replaced...compressor, condenser, valves, drier, etc. I have the parts for the repair, but am questioning the hours involved. The only hard quote I have is 11 hours, which seem really high. I did not realize the intake had to be removed for this job. Another place did not quote the hours, but said they would need it for "two days". Has anyone else had this done who is able to tell me just the hours needed for the job?

thanks,
Jim

AORoads

Nope I don't. But if you can get someone (like maybe a dealer service advisor, or svce. mgr) to read you the hours from AllData or Mitchell, that would at least give you a book rate/hours. Not sure who you're talking with but obviously it has to be someone that specializes in A/C repair. Being where you are, there must be numerous shops. If it were me, I might contact a Corv. club and ask them who they use. Or, do a yelp on the topic, or even an Angie's. Just remember that some shops don't like to have customer provided parts, even/especially new---it is a profit center for them.

Corvette_Ed

A lot of those hours are going toward pulling the dash out of the car and reinstalling. I had to have the A/C system replaced in my old Monte Carlo a while back and the labor hours were the highest expense of the job. When I asked them why they were so high I was told it was because of the dash R&R. The parts themselves were a drop in the bucket.

ben dover

You didn't list the evaporator, if it needs replacement then Ed is right.

Kevjud

They need to be more specific on why all of those components need replaced. The evaporator, drier, condenser and valves don't usually require a replacement on cars this age unless they were physically damaged. The compressor/clutch would be about as much as I would expect needing replacement and that really isn't common for a car this age. If all of those parts do need replacement, 11 hours really doesn't seems that out of line. I haven't replaced them on a Vette but the evaporator typically requires a lot of disassembly to access it.

buckmeister2

Thank you, each of you, for your replies. I didn't list the evap because the shop does not feel it is an issue. I would not replace a compressor without also replacing condenser. Yes, compressors do fail sometimes. Vehicle is '08, 103K.

I have already done angie's list, Yelp, and a forum member, and a club. I am using a shop in my area based on over 80 yelp reviews, very positive, and 20 years in business.

Has anyone on here had their compressor replaced, and if so, how much time was needed/billed?

Jim

C6ToGo

I am probably wrong, but i thought you had to drop the front cradle to get the compressor out. More labor and a front end alignment if that is the case.

J3TVETTE

A similar job on a friends BMW (granted different car) was extremely involved and hours quoted were higher than 11.

What is the issue with the AC unit now? Not cooling? Not turning on at all?

buckmeister2

The system is currently cooling well, but the compressor is howling like a banshee. Louder than the engine by far, and loud enough that the volume has to be turned way up on the radio. When I turn off the a/c...all is quiet.

It is loud enough that when we popped the hood with it running to look it over, I could not hear what the shop guy was saying, at all. When I am driving with it on, people turn their head to see if a jet is coming in for a landing next to them.

RICH 28

I'm no expert, but can't you just replace the compressor?

J3TVETTE

I will have to agree with Rich, it sounds like you are putting way too much money into something that sounds like a bad compressor.

extrapilot

Sounds like the A/C shop is quoting for the worst scenario with it make such noise.

groran

I would just change compressor. I've done many, easy, not on a vet though.

RC4G

If you open the system up you should always replace the drier, period.

IansInGarage

Drier is built into the condenser at front of car. Expansion valve is only possible to remove when you remove intake manifold. 11 hours is legit. I knew what I was doing and it took me easily that amount of time with all the right tools (not power tools though). You DO NOT pull the dash, that's ridiculous unless someone doesn't know how to clean out the system properly.

bassman50

Cleaning out the system is extremely important if you have or are suspecting a compressor failure. When they go, they generally send metal shavings/shards through the system - - the receiver/dryer may not catch all of them. That's why it's important to replace the condensor, receiver/dryer, any valves, and if enough metal got into the system, the evaporator. Worse case scenario, I'd say 11 hours is pretty accurate.

Steve

buckmeister2

Guys, I'm getting a lot of great info here, and some conflicting. At this point, the plan is to replace the compressor and condenser ONLY. Is it necessary to replace the expansion valve if there is no indication it is faulty?

Answers, please?

buckmeister2

Rich, I certainly can do just the compressor, and that is one option. I am trying to determine the following: "If I need the condenser, compressor, and pressure valve replaced, is 10 hours more than it should take?"

Most folks are saying it could take that long. I am going to have the shop take a closer look at it, as they are doing the Harmonic Balancer at the same time. I know that will make it easier to get to the compressor/condenser, so might save a bit of time there. If only the C&C needs replaced, that will save a few hours.

I will let you all know what finally gets done.

bassman50

The expansion valve has a very small orifice and if there is any metal in the system at all which manages to get by the receiver/dryer, it'll get plugged up and it's difficult, if not impossible to clean out. The key to everything, as you know, is to really purge/flush the system while the compressor and condensor are out of the system.

Best of luck!

Steve