A/C Failed (pricey quote from shop)

That's how mine was. Truck ran fine without the a/c on. Likely could be your clutch.

Cost me $100 for a new clutch.

Some more info on it.

 

Was this a shop or a stealership?

 

I would go ahead and just replace the clutch yourself to rule that out as the problem as they are notorious for going bad. Worst case you’re out like $60 or whatever they cost now.

Literally takes like 10 mins to do it.

 

Good job! 2 things tho, that mesh filter is in the high side line not the low side. It didn't clog up causing the compressor to fail, other way around. The compressor started grinding itself up and pumped the debris thru the condenser and into that filter.

 

Nice work! Was that $550 you mentioned used parts or new? If used where'd you procure?

 

Everything new. I got an OEM Delphi compressor off Amazon for $320 after taxes and what not. The condenser and expansion valve I got from Rock Auto. And I picked up the orifice tube filter from local auto parts store was only a couple bucks. I also bought a cheap A/C flush gun off Amazon and some fluids to put in it. All in it was $550. I also replaced all the Schrader valves as well while I had the system discharged that was another $10-$15 but worth the peace of mind for no leaks. My theory was replace all the easier stuff first and leave the evaporator alone because of the labor involved in taking the whole dash apart. I was planning the next weekend to do the evaporator if need be. Stealership was trying to tell me the hissing noise meant I had a leak in the evaporator but seems that my evaporator was fine all along thank god...

 

Fresh Filter on the left compared to old one on the right Completely clogged could barely blow air thru the old one ...

 

Compressor with clutch about $200.

 

This was a local shop. I'm getting a second opinion tomorrow.

 

I turned to the dealer after my dad’s mechanic “couldn’t find a leak”...

Dealer charged almost $1,600 to replace my evap core, but almost a year later the A/C still works perfectly! My new mechanic did an evap core replacement in an FJ Cruiser for like $1,100.

 

I am sure with

Where is this located??

 

Try watching what the AC pulley does while a friend pushes the AC button. Does the clutch in the middle try to engage?

 

The filter is at the expansion valve connection.

There is a fine filter in the line going into the expansion valve that should protect the evaporator core and expansion valve.

See Post # 40 in this thread with pictures.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...pansion-valve-tvx.600393/page-2#post-20531252

 

No it does not spin.

 

Second opinion said $1700. They said they just need to replace the compressor and condenser. So do I not need to worry about the evaporator, expansion valve (and the filer, which I'm wondering if mine is all plugged), and a new serpentine belt?

 

If the compressor went south then your system is contaminated. If they don't clean the system and replace the filter it isn't going to work properly and may not last.

 

Watch u tube, get a vac pump gauge set 150$ 3 cans of 134A 30$ 4 qts of flush 40$ condenser /pump 300$ 3$ filter screen Do it yourself, its super easy. all about 600$. Always flush all lines and evaporator. rent tool auto zone.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/a-c-service-gone-wild.508416/

 

I'm pretty sure that means it's the clutch.. if I were you I would read the thread about replacing/ troubleshooting the clutch. I spent 50 bucks and like 20 minutes replacing mine and I am not mechanically inclined. Try to look a little more into the clutch and worst case scenario im wrong and you are out 50 bucks and 30 minutes. It's a pittance when you are looking at 1500

Edit: to expand on this, when my clutch failed there was a screeching noise followed by the AC light blinking constantly. When the AC pulley is watched under the hood when the button is pressed, you are the center hub spin for a few seconds then stop, iirc. The clutch is 2 metal plates held together with thick rubber. This rubber eventually gives way, which means the clutch doesnt engage fully, so it tried to lock in place then fails. Something to maybe check for. I took my truck to a shop and they said I needed a whole system. I dont think shops replace the clutch only, unless you have a buddy.

 

Always get a second opinion, maybe even a third. When my AC unit went to shit.
I went to my usual repair shop. They quoted me over $2800.00 with aftermarket parts. Said everything had to be replaced. Thought to myself, if I'm spending that much, I might as well visit my local Toyota dealer & see what OEM parts would cost. After hearing my issue, mechanic walked out to my truck, put his hand on the AC pump & tried turning it, deduced it was just the clutch & quoted me 1\3 the price installed. Keep in my mind here in Canukistan we get raped on auto parts. Been going to them ever since until they tried to screw me over. On the lookout for a new repair shop now