re: OT mechanics: changing ac compressor

Don’t do it yourself.

I grew up with a mechanic for a father and working on lots of 60’s and 70’s cars. I can do quite a bit with a vehicle.

But newer model vehicles are an entirely different deal. Mostly due to the limited space underneath the hood. I just bled the clutch on my 2008 Honda Accord. It was a PITA.

A job that took only one wrench ended up taking me about 90 mins. Because I had to remove the plastic panel underneath and stretch and contort my arm just to get to the bleed valve.

I would never try to replace an entire AC system with the limited space.

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1500 is ridiculous for most.

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I had this same problem on my '07 Civic. All three quotes I got were between $1500 and $2000. To access the compressor and compressor clutch, you have to completely remove the front right wheel well. The parts here are cheap. It's the labor cost because of how difficult it is to access everything.

Rockauto.com

Buy the parts and change it yourself.

I did it and then Sherwood auto charged like $120 to pull a vacuum for two hours and recharge the system.

Colder than ever.

Under $400. Compressor, condenser, dryer, line flush. Just a few hours study and work time.

ETA: Have you talked to the guys who fix your car? Most of us are a lot smarter than them. You can figure it out.

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To access the compressor and compressor clutch, you have to completely remove the front right wheel well.

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For the 06-11 Civics you don't HAVE to remove the wheel well or put the car on a lift but you would have to remove the alternator and deal with the bottom compressor bolts blind. As a DIY mechanic that would be my goto but you will need the right tools to get into the space and if the bottom bolts are seized or you aren't adept at working blind you may have to still go through the wheel well. A mechanic in a shop will go through the wheel well since they will use impact (which is within arms reach) to remove the wheel and can lift the car to work on the compressor at a comfortable height and never have to touch the alternator.

Honestly this job sucks. I bought my own parts online and had someone install them. Compressor, drier, expansion valve and I think condenser. $900-1000 all in

Does ole girl like to sweat ?

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Is it a difficult job?

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Four bolts and two hose connections on my old Cherokee.

Literally cost me about $350. Easy peasy.

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Just going to reiterate this. Honda’s are bad about this. If you don’t flush the system you’ll be doing it again soon. At least a professional place will have a warranty.

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Here is a question: if I get it professionally flushed, would it make the job more doable for me?

I called and got a second quote for $1185, and just to get it flushed is $35.

Not hard but you have to disconnect and reconnect lines that involve refrigerate gas. That complicates the process. You have to pull a vacuum in the process, so you need that equipment and a pretty strong air compressor. It's still a lot cheaper but you'll have to look at some videos. It's very doable. It's an intermediate level job.

It's easy to do. Rent a vaccuum pump to do it right.

Also a rule of thumb, you should always change the filter/dryer whenever you open a sealed system.