What parts would I need to replace in the AC system of my 2004 Chevrolet Blazer
Air was not as cool on hot days. Began making periodic loan moaning noise when running air conditioner. Suspected it was the compressor clutch. Took it to Firestone for check. Was told there was a leak in the hose and needed to replace the whole system to the tune of 1700.00. Not only that they quoted parts price 3X the cost of what would pay buy them myself from a parts store. Within in a few days to air conditioner is no longer working. Would just replacing the compressor and hose be viable solution
Is the clutch and compressor 1 unit or separate parts? Looking for a less expensive fix j
Is the clutch and compressor 1 unit or separate parts? Looking for a less expensive fix j
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hello. If there is just a leak in a hose then only the hose needs to be replaced then the system needs to be evacuated and recharged. If the compressor is bad then it needs to be replace along with the accumulator and the expansion valve. There really is no reason to replace the entire system unless there is a catastrophic compressor failure. You should find another air conditioning specialist to take it to in order to get a second opinion.
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For the compressor that is seized, you will at the very least need to replace the compressor assembly and clutch, receiver drier, expansion valve, and flush out the system. I recommend having a mechanic diagnose your vehicle to see if any other components need replaced in order to fix your air conditioner.
The most common reasons a Chevrolet S10 Blazer ac isn`t working are a refrigerant leak, an electrical climate control issue, or a problem with the air conditioning compressor. You may not realize there`s a refrigerant leak until the air conditioner stops blowing cold.
If the compressor is not still under warranty, you may still choose to replace it. However, you should probably opt to replace the entire outdoor unit at the same time. In most cases, this will cost only marginally more than replacing an out-of-warranty compressor alone.
Compressors and condensers are often replaced simultaneously, mostly because compressor failures can leave behind debris that the condenser collects. If this debris isn`t 100% removed, it will cause the new compressor to fail as well.
The typical lifespan of an air conditioner is anywhere from 10-15 years. If the ac compressor goes bad on an older air conditioner (near 10 years old), then it would be wise to replace the whole unit.
Check your breaker box for a blown breaker or tripped fuse. You may be able to fix this AC issue with the flip of a switch. If that doesn`t do the trick, check the wiring in your thermostat. A loose or frayed wire could also prevent your unit from turning on.
Why is my Blazer A/C blowing hot air? If your car`s air conditioning isn`t blowing cold air at all (or it tries, then turns warm), you could have a clogged expansion valve, a faulty compressor clutch, a leak, or a malfunctioning fuse in the system.
Yes, you can technically replace the clutch without removing the compressor. The reason people suggest doing them together is that when one fails, the other usually isn`t too far behind it. It`s just a matter of convenience to replace them both since you`re already doing most of the same steps anyway.
If the compressor is not working, the fan will not be able to do its job properly and cool air will not be circulated. In some cases, the AC fan may still run even if the compressor is bad, but it will not be as effective in cooling your home.
Replacing an AC compressor is almost as simple as replacing any other accessory on your motor like the alternator or power steering pump. The biggest difference is that before you remove the actual compressor you have to remove the refrigerant lines connect to it.
They work together to transform the refrigerant running through the system. The compressor squeezes the refrigerant while it`s in a gaseous state, while the condenser converts the refrigerant gas back into a liquid.
An AC condenser releases heat that the refrigerant has removed from the home`s air. The condenser is the main unit located outside the home. It resembles a box encased in thin metal fins. The compressor removes heat from refrigerant vapor, turning the refrigerant back to a liquid as it cools.
Higher efficiency: A new air compressor may use power more efficiently than a used option. New machinery won`t have initial damage or required maintenance, which used equipment could have. Leaks, clogged air filters, incorrect pressure readings and other issues all impact an air compressor`s efficiency.
The short answer is that your AC compressor and refrigerant should last about 12-15 years.
Compressors generally last the lifetime of a car, or approximately 12 to 15+ years depending on how well the car is looked after. In saying that, it`s important that you regularly check up on and service your car to prevent premature failure.
Perhaps the most common cause of AC issues is clogged filters. Dirt, pet hair, pollen and dust can clog your filters. When filters get clogged, they begin to restrict the flow of air through your AC. The result is that the AC doesn`t cool your indoor air effectively.
Yes, you can technically replace the clutch without removing the compressor. The reason people suggest doing them together is that when one fails, the other usually isn`t too far behind it. It`s just a matter of convenience to replace them both since you`re already doing most of the same steps anyway.
Some of the most common reasons AC compressors stop working include: Dirty condenser coils. Blocked suction lines. Low refrigerant charge.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
What parts would I need to replace in the AC system of my 2004 Chevrolet Blazer
ANSWER : Hello. If there is just a leak in a hose then only the hose needs to be replaced then the system needs to be evacuated and recharged. If the compressor is bad then it needs to be replace along with the accumulator and the expansion valve. There really is no reason to replace the entire system unless there is a catastrophic compressor failure. You should find another air conditioning specialist to take it to in order to get a second opinion.
Really bad AC, do I need to replace the system?
ANSWER : The 2010 Chevrolet Traverse air conditioning system has a history component failure on different models which can be annoying. For the owners that have multiple failed components in one vehicle, it can become a nightmare. Some of these issues have been addressed by GM in Technical Service Bulletins to the dealer. All these failures are only covered while the vehicle is under the 3 years or 36,000 miles warranty period, whichever comes first. The issues include, the A/C pressure hose leaking, A/C compressor leaking, A/C evaporator leaking, or the HVAC blend door actuators failing. All of these issue can prevent cooling of the vehicle. Unfortunately due to the scope of the issues, it is possible that you will be replacing parts that affect the air conditioning every 20,000 miles. YourMechanic can perform an air conditioning inspection for you.
What would cause the clutch on an ac compressor to continue to go bad after being replaced three times?
ANSWER : The compressor clutch relay on these vehicles are a known cause of sticking on the compressor clutch and overheating the A/C compressor clutch coil. Replace the A/C relay to see if it cures the clutch going bad the next time you do a compressor clutch replacement, or replace it now if you have just replaced the clutch.
Do i need to replace the receiver drier and/or the expansion valve when replacing the condenser assembly?
ANSWER : Replacing the system drier is absolutely essential. If the system has been open to the atmosphere (due to the leak in the condenser), the desiccant in the drier has been fully saturated with moisture. As far as the expansion valve, replacement is not normally implicated in a leak repair, in your case a leak in the condenser. To justify replacing the expansion valve, there would have to have been a diagnostic performed which proved a fault. If no diagnostic was performed, and there is no evidence of a fault, then it is pointless to replace the valve. But, again, drier replacement is absolutely essential. To add the drier to your order, you can simply add a note to the mechanic in your order and/or add it as a service (you will see a link that you can click on to "add services" or write in specific services). If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
Opinion about older AC systems versus the AC systems in modern cars
ANSWER : Here is the kicker. The old air conditioning systems were huge and they wasted a lot of energy. But with that said, they blew as cool as can be and lasted a long time.
For example, you can take an old Chevy AC compressor – those things were gigantic and some of them weighed 50 pounds – but they blew freezing cold. That said, they used a lot of energy to work and those things held like three pounds of refrigerant. Modern ones don’t even hold a pound of refrigerant and they are all computer controlled. So when they break, they can cost a fortune because not only do they have computers that turn the air conditioning clutch on and off, some of them have the air conditioning clutches that work all the time.
Inside, the compressor have these variable swash buckle plates that are controlled by a computer and can give 0-100% power. And guess what, that stuff is all computer controlled. And when it all breaks, it can cost thousands when they finally break down. So I tend to agree with you that old one’s work better, but the newer ones are much more efficient and they use much less fuel. That’s why they are using them. They get bonus points for better gas mileage from the federal government.
Does the CV boot need to be replaced or do i need to replace the whole axle? 2008 Chevrolet Uplander
ANSWER : Hello – the CV joint or axle boot is available separately from a variety of sources. What your mechanic may be saying however, is that given your mileage, it would be best to replace the whole axle assembly for reliability reasons. Replacing the CV boot requires considerable labor as well, and your best repair $ may be to go ahead and replace the whole axle assembly. I would recommend a CV axle replacement by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.
2008 VW Jetta AC not cold
ANSWER : Hi Allen. By far the best way to have your AC system correctly diagnosed is by having an AC inspection completed first. By having one of our professional mobile mechanics come to your location to diagnose the issue correctly, it significantly minimizes the mistakes in completing the wrong service. In your case, the issue could be as simple as needing to have the AC system recharged, or there is an existing leak that needs to be repaired before refilling the refrigerant. Best economic bet is to have the AC inspection completed first.
When replacing the AC Compressor, do I need to replace both expansion valves as well or just the front
ANSWER : Hi there. Anytime you replace major air conditioning system components like the AC compressor, it’s recommended to purchase all supporting hardware and replace it at the same time. AC works as a series of individual components working efficiently together to create cool air that flows into your cabin. As such, if you’re replacing the front expansion valve, it’s a good idea to replace the rear at the same time. This increases overall efficiency of the system, reduces the potential of small component failure and allows the parts you replaced to last longer.
