2014 GMC AC issue

mbalbritton

mbalbritton

#@$%!
Joined
Mar 22, 2005
Location
Orlando, FL
AC went out on the truck. I’ve poked and prodded around with the UV light and glasses and can’t find a leak. Only sign is around the Schrader valve, but it’s a perfect clean line that would match the filler connector.

Condenser looks good, no oily residue at junctions, no dye anywhere, no signs of dye on any component or connection that can find.

Took it to a shop and $50 diagnosis later they said compressor, drier and expansion valve replacement for $2200.

I looked up those parts and how to and for $400 in parts I can do that and take it in to be filled.

Something about the shop and the tech that I watched made me second guess the diagnosis. So I’m at another shop just to see what they say.

My question is, if it is the same diagnosis, should I also be looking at hard line replacement, flush of the system, and anything else that would be required?

I’ve seen YouTube University lessons where they didn’t flush or replace hard lines, but reading online it says this should be done.

I don’t have dry air source or nitrogen, if so.
 
Set of gauges and a vacuum pump can be had super cheap now days. And will last forever. If you wanna step it up and buy a nitrogen tank that’s also useful for tire fills and shocks. But that does get a bit costly but check your local marketplace. But atleast get gauges and a pump. Draw it down. Add some more dye, charge it back up and look for it again. Most shops just wanna throw the parts at anything. Unfortunately the dryer is built in to that condenser. It’s a serviceable bag but knowing they are known to crack your better to replace. No real reason to replace all parts for a leak. That’s more for failed compressors which send trash through the system. Be glad it’s 134 and not the $$$$ 1234. So you can afford to recharge it a time or 2 if needed.
 
How does one diagnose a failed compressor vs a leak?

Clutch works as it should and everything is quiet. I don’t see any oily residue around it anywhere, but may have missed seeing it.
 
mbalbritton said:
How does one diagnose a failed compressor vs a leak?

Clutch works as it should and everything is quiet. I don’t see any oily residue around it anywhere, but may have missed seeing it.
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That clutch is activated all the time, the compressor has a variable valve in it to control the pressures. Has it been topped back off with Freon?
 
Firestone mechanic came back and said it’s a weak compressor. That he didn’t believe it to be complete failure, so just a compressor.

Since I’m not up for reclaiming Freon, flushing and refilling, I would only be saving a few hundred in parts and labor. They came back at $1200. So screw it. I’m going to Disney while they take care of it.
 
mbalbritton said:
Firestone mechanic came back and said it’s a weak compressor. That he didn’t believe it to be complete failure, so just a compressor.

Since I’m not up for reclaiming Freon, flushing and refilling, I would only be saving a few hundred in parts and labor. They came back at $1200. So screw it. I’m going to Disney while they take care of it.
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Wellllll your first mistake is going to places like Firestone lol 😂. I’d like to see a breakdown of that bill for a 300$ compressor being a 1200$ job. I’m doing it all wrong lol. But I understand your situation. Hopefully they get you squared away.
 
You know as well as I do that this price includes keeping the lights on, insurance benefits and PTO not to mention rent and landscaping as well as parts mark up. 😁

Couldn’t get the tools and do it? Ya. Do I really feel like it after reviewing the breakdown? No.

I think labor for the compressor was $270. And the compressor they are using is $420 I think. Next door at Auto Zoo it’s $360, soooooo. Then the flush and refill plus diagnostic… I’ll share the breakdown when I pick it up if you are interested.
 
Funny, only thing I’ve ever put this truck in the shop for was new tires or an AC issue. Twice on AC previously. Once for low pressure hose, once for high pressure hose, now AC compressor. I really can’t complain too much at 195k miles.
 
Have you topped it off with freon yet though? My tahoe has a slow leak and I just top it off every few years.
 
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