AC Compressor Whine/ Noise

[JSTKVC]

I took my 06 Solara to DCH Toyota on PCH here in SoCal South Bay. I was told that the noise that I hear from the engine is a bad AC Compressor. The dealer wants $1,550 to have it replaced. Anyone have any thoughts on alternatives? If I went out and got a replacement Denso compressor, are those reliable? Not sure who makes the OEM part.

[ThurzNite]

Yeah, I think the dealer ones are real toyota ones that they've kept in stock for years. Everything else on the market are remans. The remans have a longer warranty, and more affordable, I'd go that route. Unless, you want it done at the dealer with dealer parts, which in the end costs 2x as much as buying your own, installing yourself, and getting it charged by a licensed professional.

Dr J

[ThurzNite]

I haven't looked yet, but could it be just the compressor bearing, which would be cheaper to replace rather than the whole thing?
Dr J

[JSTKVC]

That was the original thought I had was just to replace the bearing. But I think the labor to remove and out back is the bulk of the labor costs. I will check out some local Toyota specialists and go with reman. I found some Denso one that are $280.00, which is relatively affordable. Thank you for the advice. Much appreciated.

[crispone]

If you DO pay the $$$KABILLION$$$ that the dealership is asking for that part and repair... PLEASE PM me with your personal info, because I'd like to sell you some swampland in Louisiana as well! THAT's a pretty good ripoff, for sure!

Anyway... as mentioned, there should be some fair alternatives, or better yet, if you KNOW of or have a friend who knows a GOOD, HONEST mechanic, I'd get a second opinion and some assistance in finding a better, CHEAPER solution to that problem.


I know I'm no help today... but I'd hate to see anyone pay that kind of change for an A/C compressor swap. That's pretty high.

G/L!


-crisp

[JSTKVC]

The dealer price was around $500 over what two other Toyota non-dealer specialists in SoCal charge for a new OEM part. Anyway, I decided to call my old Honda mechanic and he agreed to install a reman Denso compressor I found online. Cost me less than a third of the quoted dealer price. Just curious why it gave out at 90K. Unusual for a Toyota.

[JSTKVC]

I'm finally having the compressor replaced. Does anyone know the most common cause(s) of compressor failures, specifically bearing damage? Seems really premature at 90K.

[ThurzNite]

Just curious why it gave out at 90K. Unusual for a Toyota.

I'm wondering the same. I bought my 99 solara v6 used, and the previous owner spent over $2k replacing everything related to AC: compressor, condenser, expansion valve, etc etc. I think this was at 100k, I'll have to look again. I'm at 205k right now.

Dr J

[JSTKVC]

Just curious why it gave out at 90K. Unusual for a Toyota.

I'm wondering the same. I bought my 99 solara v6 used, and the previous owner spent over $2k replacing everything related to AC: compressor, condenser, expansion valve, etc etc. I think this was at 100k, I'll have to look again. I'm at 205k right now.

Dr J

Replaced the compressor yesterday and discovered the condenser was leaking and partially blocked causing higher pressure in the system. The tech said this is prolly why the compressor gave out. He says that it is common on lowered cars for rocks and other road debris to puncture the condenser and cause leaks or blockages. I can see how this is possible around here in SoCal especially with all the freeway construction. He recommends adding after market grille for the lower air dam or a more ghetto solution by constructing a grill from Home Depot chicken wire. Either way, I am going to protect it to prevent another $1-2K A/C System Repair.