How difficult is it to repair an auto AC compressor?

Answer 1

consider it impractical buy a rebuiltExtremely. Anyone who is not licensed to handle freon is breaking the law. The EPA and others are really tough on this. Your freon must be removed if you have any leaks or repairs to the AC system. It cannot be released to the atmosphere(HOLES in the OZONE).

Without special tools and adequate knowledge, rebuilding an A/C compressor is essentially impossible. Replacing it can also be problematic without knowledge of how to do the complete repair (replace drier/accumulator? flush system? add proper amount and type of oil?). If you don't already KNOW what you're doing, either get knowledgeable help (someone who KNOWS what he's doing, not just THINKS he knows) or have a competent shop take care of it.

There is a way to repair the compressor as long as it's not the internal gasket. Walmart carries a temporary repair kit. It should get you through the rest of the summer, and maintaining the a/c in the fall and winter is cheaper in labor because mechanics know it's not something you NEED at that time. Also, helpful hint to keep your compressor's internal gaskets in good shape in the winter, run the defrost on cold air for at least 5 minutes every day when not using the a/c that day. It uses the compressor to keep the gaskets moist... if those gaskets get too dry and crack, there is virtually NO way to repair it.

This depends entirely upon what needs to be repaired. If, for example, the electro-magnetic Clutch is faulty, you may find that replacement parts are available. Using special tools (like pulley pullers, etc.), a competent mechanically oriented person could succeed in replacing a Clutch assembly.

Sometimes, the "Shaft Seal" leaks. In this case, it is also possible to replace it---after removing the Clutch assembly

Problems that are "Internal"to the Compressor are, in general, not repairable by a "Novice". In most cases, replacement parts are NOT available.And, even if they were, it requires precision measurement equipment to ensure that the "Fits" of the precision parts are correct.

Rather than try to "Repair" a Compressor, the most common solution is to purchase a complete replacement unit. This could be an "Original Equipment" Compressor or a "Re-Manufactured" Unit that is available from quite a few "Re-Man" Enterprises. Most of these are located in Texas.

A word of CAUTION. Even if you purchase a complete replacement Compressor, it will still be "Quite a Challenge" for a "Novice" without specialized tools to swap Compressors. To Open the System, Flush the System, Ensure the Correct Type and Amount of Lubricating Oil, Evacuate the System, Charge the System and Leak Test /Performance Test the System requires significant special equipment and technical knowledge to do correctly.

The "Risks" of trying to do this yourself are quite high. The Compressor cost will, typically, be $150 to $300. Quite expensive. If the installation is done improperly, the distinct possibility exists that the NEW Compressor could fail quickly due to seizure.

In summary, the best approach to "Fixing" an A/C Compressor problem on your vehicle will generally be to have it done by someone who has real, documented, expertise in this area.

If you have further needs for information about any aspect of A/C Compressor replacement / repair you may call me at answer any auto store sells replacement compressors. most vehicles no longer use freon as suggested in first answer, most now use r-12 or r-34 adapter kits are available to change to r-34 kits with proper amount of oil and gas are available to recharge system, after you change compressor. u do NOT need to be licensed to do this just know proper amount of oil and gas to put into system