A/C Doesn't Work, Leaks

[davidjbaldwin]

My 1996 Beretta AC leaks.  I took it to a garage and they said it would cost $1,600 to fix.  At a minimum, I know the compressor is leaking, and probably needs a new drier.  I'd hate to spend that much money on a car that old.  HOWEVER, if I did the work and paid for the parts, that would significantly lower the cost.  RIGHT!!!

I'm kind of handy since I've replaced brake pads on a Neon, mufflers on an Audi, kingpins and linkpins on a VW, oil in most of my cars when I have time, fixed electric window in a Jeep, etc.  But I'm concerned about AC.   I bought one of those dual AC guages and tested the pressures.  (Both were at 150 lbs.)  So, is there anyone out there that could help and advise me on a Saturday to replace those components and not charge hundreds of dollars?  I live in Frederick, MD, 50 miles west of Baltimore and 50 miles north of Washington, DC.  

Contact me at me email.

Thanks.

[heavywoody]

Those items are pretty simple to replace... if the A/C system is empty right now, you shouldn't have any problems with refrigerant escaping the system when you break the seals.

To remove the drier, you need to remove the headlight assemblies & the header panel... the drier unit is located in the front passenger side fenderwell, in front of the wheel. Two brass nuts keep the lines connected to the drier.

Make sure to replace the o-rings with new ones, and lube them with oil before you put them on to help them seat better.

As far as the A/C compressor, remove the belt, remove the bolt holding the lines onto the compressor (right in front of the oil filter), then remove the 3 bolts holding the compressor to the block.

Make sure you put at least an ounce or 2 of compressor oil into the compressor before you put the new one back on the car... spin the pulley to cycle the oil through the compressor so it's not running dry when you first start it up.

Use new crush washers on the A/C compressor lines when you install the connection... and make sure to lube the washers with a little oil as well.

[davidjbaldwin]

Thanks for the info.  However, I just bought a reconditioned compressor and it said that in order to keep the 1 year replacement warranty, you have to have the whole system cleaned!  And it said, you can't do it with air!   Plus, the cleaning has to be documented by a receipt!

So, does anyone know how to clean an AC system?  Or should I bring it to a shop to have done, or should I just ignore the warning and replace the compressor, dryer, and that other thingy (called the expansion valve FCT part number 18892724 at Advance Auto Parts) I was told that had to be replaced?  

Also, anyone know where that expansion valve goes?

Thanks.

[HateMyAuto]

The cleaning is done by A/C system flush. All it is is a chemical cleaner that you blow through the system. It's somewhat of a good idea to do it if you have everything apart, but not necessary. If you really want your warranty, just buy some of the cleaner and show the receipt. You might want to read the instructions just in case, but I doubt anyone will grill you on it.