To go along with this post I thought it might be useful to post the parts/supplies that I bought or used to do this job. I've collected my receipts, so here goes...
Local Mechanic
Diagnosis and oil change: $132.59(rip-off, by any chance? I should have just searched these forums to diagnosis it myself.)
Estimate to change compressor: $1300
Different Local Mechanic
Recover refrigerant: $20 (above mechanic quoted "no more than $120"!!!!!!!! and another said $45 - I'd definitely shop around for this)
From Discount AC Parts
1) A/C Compressor (New): $415 (Rebuilt was $315 but I went with new because I had only a limited opportunity to do the work and didn't want to have to do any returns.As it turns out, I ordered the wrong "mount" type and had to do an exchange anyway. I called and was told that the rebuilt ones are returned very infrequently. Also, I should point out that they had very helpful and knowledgable staff answering the phones and made the exchange very easy.)
2) Accumulator: $55 (Also called Receiver/Dryer)
3) Orifice Tube: $5
Discount code for ordering all three: ACKIT3 - $20 off and free shipping
Total: $455
From eEuroparts
1) A/C Pressure Switch: $76.49 (I don't know for sure if I needed this, but the only example I was working off of was on the DIY Network site for a Corvette and in that case this switch caused the compressor to fail. Probably a waste of money, but Dean at eEuroparts was great to work with so I was glad to support the business.)
2) Serpentine belt: $24.90 (Not directly related but the belt was cracked pretty bad and since I had it off already...)
Total: $101.39 with free shipping
From Parts America (Advance Auto Parts) - By far the worst customer service of any of the above.
1) PAG Oil Dye: $9.79
2) Syringe oil injector: $8.99 (I didn't really need this in the end.)
Total: $18.78 (shipping was a convoluted mess that I think I got fully refunded in the end)
From local Advance Auto Parts
1) Drain Pan: $2.44 (For catching flush)
2) Artic Freeze - 2 cans of R134A with Reusable Gauge: $29.88
3) Flush Solvent (spray can): $14.98
Not essential
4) 2 Extra cans of R134A after spraying first two cans through a leak: $20.04
5) 12pc Stubby Wrench Set (for tight places): $9.88 (This was a good chance to get some tools that I wanted and justify it for this job.)
6) GoJo Hand Cleaner Cream: $0.98
7) Blue Nitrile Gloves: $7.88
Total essential items: $47.30
With extra tools: $78.20
From local Harbor Freight
1)
Air vacuum: $11.99 (for pulling a vacuum after assembling everything - works with an air compressor)
2) Floor jack: $19.99 (not necessary, but another tool I wanted that I could justify on this job)
3)
2pc Talon Wrench Set: $15.99 (cheaper online, this really helped with some of the connections)
Total essential: $11.99 + tax ($0.96 in AL)
With floor jack and wrench set: $47.97 + tax ($3.84 - 8% in AL)
From local O'Reilly Auto Parts
1) PAG Oil: $6.99
2) Hose Kit (to connect vacuum to low pressure port): $11.99
Total: $18.98 + tax ($1.52 in AL)
From local Home Depot
1) O-Ring Asst (after misplacing one and causing a leak): $2.91
Total: $2.91 + tax ($0.23 in AL)
Pizza and soda for friend to help: ~$25
Grand total essential items: $654.16
With "extras": $906.41
Total savings from $1300 estimate: $526.18 (not including initial diagnosis charge of $132.59 and with extra tools and a serpentine belt thrown in)
Another thought: based on my dealings with that mechanic, I'd expect the $1300 quote to rise as other "necessary" work is added on.
A/C Repair
