My 1995 Jeep Cherokee L6 Sport 4.0L S needs a new A/C compressor. The mechanic let me listen to it with the stethoscope and it was very loud. He said it needs replacing. But, the shop owner quoted me $600 for the job. On ebay I can get a new AC compressor for $165. So, I just wonder ...should I be paying roughly $435 for labor? The price just seems awfully high.
The price quoted usually includes removal of refrigerant and replacement which requires a recovery system. Is it working now? If it is, I would be more suspect about the diagnosis. I have never used a stethoscope on an automotive system, but generally in house systems you can start to hear them go with your ears. I would suggest a second opinion.
See if he will agree to charge the system for you. Tell him you'll replace the compressor (and the hoses), and bring him the R134(?). How much to pull the vacuum, check for leaks, and charge the system?
Otherwise you'll need to go buy you a set of gauges and a vacuum unit.
Most XJs have R12 in them. If you switch to R134 you will have to replace the hoses as well. If you get it pumped down, charging is a snap. You just add refrigerant until it "flashes" in the sight glass on the accumulator. This means you see just a few bubbles passing through when the system is running.
What is a fair price to replace a compressor?
Linear Mode
