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A/C work is one of those things where the average DIY'er doesn't really have the knowledge or proper tools to do the job right.
The extent of most A/C work by some is buying a couple cans of R-134a at your local auto parts store, and dumping the cans into a leaking system and calling it a day. Not really the right way to do it plus it's technically illegal to recharge a known leaking system.
So yes, A/C work tends to be expensive when done right. Not every DIY'er has a vacuum pump capable of drawing down to 500 microns or less.
A/C work is one of those things where the average DIY'er doesn't really have the knowledge or proper tools to do the job right.
The extent of most A/C work by some is buying a couple cans of R-134a at your local auto parts store, and dumping the cans into a leaking system and calling it a day. Not really the right way to do it plus it's technically illegal to recharge a known leaking system.
So yes, A/C work tends to be expensive when done right. Not every DIY'er has a vacuum pump capable of drawing down to 500 microns or less.
True but if you don't have the vacuum pump you can install all of the stuff and then take it to an AC shop to finish up the job for you at a fraction of a cost of tossing a mechanic the keys.
You can also rent the pump at some auto parts stores.
A/C work is one of those things where the average DIY'er doesn't really have the knowledge or proper tools to do the job right.
The extent of most A/C work by some is buying a couple cans of R-134a at your local auto parts store, and dumping the cans into a leaking system and calling it a day. Not really the right way to do it plus it's technically illegal to recharge a known leaking system.
So yes, A/C work tends to be expensive when done right. Not every DIY'er has a vacuum pump capable of drawing down to 500 microns or less.
It's not illegal (per EPA regs) to recharge a car's AC system that has a known leak.
No mechanics own a micron gauge, it's just not necessary. A car's AC system is sealed with rubber o-rings and not hermetically sealed like a homes. It's designed to keep higher pressure in, not out. If you remove the majority of the air/moisture you will be fine.
The best way to always approach fixing a car (for whatever parts, so long as they do not have to be custom fabricated), is to contact your mechanic and ask how much the part is. From there you can shop around online and usually find the same part for much cheaper. Order the parts, take them to the mechanic and have him replace it. This also cuts the time down as well, they do not need to order the parts for you or research the vehicle. Also, if you can correctly identify the issue before taking it in this will also greatly reduce the labor time.
The best way to always approach fixing a car (for whatever parts, so long as they do not have to be custom fabricated), is to contact your mechanic and ask how much the part is. From there you can shop around online and usually find the same part for much cheaper. Order the parts, take them to the mechanic and have him replace it. This also cuts the time down as well, they do not need to order the parts for you or research the vehicle. Also, if you can correctly identify the issue before taking it in this will also greatly reduce the labor time.
I don't believe in being stingy or second-guessing the professional's choice of replacement parts.
Buying "the same part" for "much cheaper" sometimes just results in a much cheaper part going in.
Some mechanics refuse to use customer supplied parts, and none will offer any sort of warranty. If your much cheaper part is a dud, you're out the money for the part and the labor.
1. That price is too high for just those two items.
2. You have taken it to the wrong place.
3. If the compressor locks up then you'll need to replace the expansion valve as well as flushing out the complete system.
4. If they add freon and dye and then tell you the system doesn't have any leaks, does that tell you something !!!!
5. Freon is odorless.
6. Smelling something sweet most likely will be a leaking heater core.
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