I've been reading every forum and internet site I can find (which could be a problem... ha) regarding AC Compressor etal issues.
My wife's '03 KJ Liberty's AC Compressor Clutch is on it's way out. Started this past weekend w/that awful metal on metal grinding and slight burning smell coming w/the AC Compressor. It's constant whether the AC is on or off. It happened while we were out of town on going to my brothers wedding...
So after paying $800 to get it towed back home I was able to bypass the AC using a shorter belt and get it on the road. However, having temps in the upper 90's isn't a fun driving experience... for my wife... and therefore not for me either.
Now my questions. What I can gather, I've read anything from just replace the compressor clutch, must replace the compressor and clutch as a unit (and in replacing the compressor the system would be open so I'd have to replace the Accumulator/Dryer and Orifice Tube as well... and get the system flushed and recharged). What is the general consensus here? Anyone ever changed just the clutch? Have any long-term success?
We have a very good mechanic that we've used on/off in the past. He's not the cheapest, but one of the best around our area. He quoted me ~ $1500 for the repair job (Flush, Replace AC Compressor/Clutch, Accumulator/Dryer, Orifice Tube, Coolant Charge, labor and 3 yr warranty on Compressor) ... I HATE to drop that amount of coin on this rig right now... so any 'cheaper' solutions would be appreciated.
The AC Compressor never seized up, hasn't ever been open and so I don't think the lines/system should have any debris. Can I just swap the Compressor and Accumulator/Dryer and then go to another shop and have them suck out any air and recharge the system? This is what I'm contemplating, but don't want to have to go through this repair again in 4-6 months. Thanks for the suggestions...
My wife's '03 KJ Liberty's AC Compressor Clutch is on it's way out. Started this past weekend w/that awful metal on metal grinding and slight burning smell coming w/the AC Compressor. It's constant whether the AC is on or off. It happened while we were out of town on going to my brothers wedding...
So after paying $800 to get it towed back home I was able to bypass the AC using a shorter belt and get it on the road. However, having temps in the upper 90's isn't a fun driving experience... for my wife... and therefore not for me either.
Now my questions. What I can gather, I've read anything from just replace the compressor clutch, must replace the compressor and clutch as a unit (and in replacing the compressor the system would be open so I'd have to replace the Accumulator/Dryer and Orifice Tube as well... and get the system flushed and recharged). What is the general consensus here? Anyone ever changed just the clutch? Have any long-term success?
We have a very good mechanic that we've used on/off in the past. He's not the cheapest, but one of the best around our area. He quoted me ~ $1500 for the repair job (Flush, Replace AC Compressor/Clutch, Accumulator/Dryer, Orifice Tube, Coolant Charge, labor and 3 yr warranty on Compressor) ... I HATE to drop that amount of coin on this rig right now... so any 'cheaper' solutions would be appreciated.
The AC Compressor never seized up, hasn't ever been open and so I don't think the lines/system should have any debris. Can I just swap the Compressor and Accumulator/Dryer and then go to another shop and have them suck out any air and recharge the system? This is what I'm contemplating, but don't want to have to go through this repair again in 4-6 months. Thanks for the suggestions...
