I think my compressor went kaput - replace it all?

I'm pretty sure my compressor's gone. I've had a little leak for like 6 years, and have had this hissing sound in the AC for at least 3 years. One bottle of cold stuff once per year got me by for at least half a decade, but I think she's finally a goner...

This is my daily driver. I intend to drive this truck for another 5 years minimum with the goal of never selling & am wondering if I just wanna replace it all while I'm at it. Dash solenoids have been buzzing & clacking at me for years - which is terribly annoying although they still work. Fan motor makes a little extra noise. And since the dash would have to come out anyway...

WWTWD?

What else should I replace while I'm in there?

 

Depending on mileage. How are the accessory belt pulleys (include the accessory belt). There are all in one kits. Is there a timing belt (vs a chain)? Some timing belt kits include a water pump. When was the coolant and/or power steering fluid changed?

 

I would replace the condenser and the receiver dryer too. This might be required by the manufacturer of the compressor. The condenser is the crap catcher of the system. The holes in the condenser that the high pressure freon flows through are so small that it doesnt take much to reduce its efficiency.

 

Belts were replaced with the water pump & all that something like 25k ago. This one has a belt. Swapped the coolant then, but the power steering flush is overdue. Truck has a little over 200K on it now.

 

Yeah, I was of the understanding that these probably needed to get swapped with the compressor. IIRC this is the reason the dash needs to come out. That's why I was considering just replacing all the little parts in the dash since it's not a quick job. Not a cheap job either (I will probably farm this out), so might as well get all new parts since it'll probably be a few grand anyway.

 

The part in the dash, right side, is the evaporator and it is easy to take out. The condenser is the radiator looking thing at the very front of the truck.

 

Well that's promising. I had it in my head that this was going to be too much to take on in a small garage, but if that part's easy, I can probably manage the rest. Would need the AC tools, but I'd personally prefer to buy tools and DIY, then keep the tools & learn something in the process. That and know how it was done and possibly get out for less coin.

I've done the water pump, and all the belts on the truck. Did a wheel bearing (these press in) & suspension. If it's maybe around that level of difficulty, and it seems to be, maybe I'll just give this a go.

I also have to find and fix a leak though - that may be above my pay grade

 

Harbor Freight is your friend. It is just nuts and bolts. The freon lines require 2 wrenches. You can rent the vacuum pump from the auto parts store. There are lots of people on the forum that have done this to ask questions of if you feel you are stuck.

 

i bought manifold gauges and a vacuum pump from harbor freight. they cost $150 total and i have used them to replace hoses, driers, compressors and condensors on three of my family's vehicles. the $150 i have invested has saved me thousands over taking them to a repair shop. an auto's ac system is not that complex. just take your time and follow directions.