Well folks, I hate to say it but I got ripped off on a simple A/C repair job.

I had developed a leak in the suction (LP) line area at the gas inlet port (where you add gas). The nipple is welded to the pipe and it was in the joint that I had a very small pin hole allowing gas to escape. I had the leak checked and determined by A/C outfit.

Not realizing myself that the whole hose needed to be replaced - suction line from the evaporator down to the compressor and then from the compressor outlet to the condenser inlet. The line comes as a one piece unit and has surprisingly few connections - a clip over the failed suction end where a seal sits, two bolts - one at the compressor and one on the condenser. I agreed to a replacement being installed.

This is where it gets interesting ! I am in Prince George, BC Canada, so the prices might be a bit off compared to the US. So be patient.

This hose unit or arrangement cost $356.93
Installation, leak check, pump down and gas recharge labour $255.00
Gas charge for 134a $90.00
Tax (HST) $84.23

Total $786.16

It was quite a shock seeing the bill.
The part cost in the US is around $112 give or take a few dollars.
The installation shouldn't be much more than an hour in time.
Not having a vacuum pump makes a difference.
Putting gas in the system is not hard - in fact very easy.

Thought that posting this might save someone else from getting taken to the cleaners. I know that AC techs do a good job and for the most part, are very concientous and reasonably honest. The part price really gets me - triple the cost of the item in the US.

If you have a problem with this part - buy your own and save money. The hardest part would be the evacuation or pump down to get rid of moisture in the system. The rest is pretty easy.

I am not knocking the A/C technician, just the cost. And of course the part is Chrysler only parts - so I was told. Therein lies the rub - not like twenty years ago when an AC line could be removed and replaced with one made up out of stock hose and fittings.

Ok - my moan is off but I don't like having an empty wallet (am retired).

Cheers

mariner

 

If you think that is expensive try going food shopping on a budget Everything goes up except my pay check that has been going down lately. Next time try internet search first or a wrecking yard. Senior discount or AAA discount are another way to save money. Don't know if you have that option in Canada but if you do it worth a try.

 

I've gotten in the habit of negotiating complete price in writing before authorizing. Also try just beating them down. I cracked the front windshield in the 85 Mercedes. Glass man said it had to be replaced, not repaired. Best price I found was $250 installed lifetime warranty.

Hmmmm, what would it cost to replace wife's windshield? ~ $180. Ok, How about a discount for both? 15%. Now I want to talk to the wife. It's her car. Call back...wife doesn't want to do it but if you'll give me the 15% you can do it tomorrow. Got the deal. Will wait until everything is done correctly before paying. Warning: Don't EVER let a contractor get ahead of you - they go into hiding rather than finish the job. (Old $4,000 lesson)

 

You could have taken the hose to a hose shop and had it welded. if the leak was in the rubber part of the hose the shop can replace it a LOT cheaper than the factory one. my brother needed an A/C hose like yours, for his mercedes 300 diesel. the factory wanted $750 for it. we had a hose shop replace the 2 hoses in the set-up. including 4 weld joints the whole bill was $90 !!! most of the after market hose is a lot better than the factory stuff. sorry that you got ripped!! most hydraulic hose shops also make A/C lines. check it out next time you need A/C lines. the shop hosed you on the price of the 134a. list at auto zone is $9 a pound !! Sam`s club has it for $5.50 a pound. they were really greedy on their labor, too.

 

Thought the info might be of help to someone else.

Yes, I needed others to confirm that the rates charged were excessive - that just confirms my feelings.

If anyone wants to know who not to use in Prince George, I will be happy to provide the information by way of a PM.

Not often I get taken - but this time I did. Lesson learned as they say and I know for a fact that there will be no work going their way from a satisfied customer - quite the opposite. I will be recommending that people do not use them.

Cheers

mariner - embarrassed and angry

 

At those costs, you could own your own vacuum pump.

 

Ok, for the record......who? No need to be shy. Just throw it out where everyone can see.

Tangent Topic: Have I been clear in stating that AGR makes expensive crap? - from my personal experience.

 

http://www.harborfreight.com/automot...ors-96677.html

 

Thanks for the link - I checked itout and boy, what a difference in prices. A few years ago I checked out vacuum pumps and they were over $1,000 each and I certainly could not afford that sort of "maybe use" money. The prices on the harbourfreight web site are good.

Thanks for the info - those prices I can afford

 

Welcome to Canada....rip offs are everywhere.

 

I have used the engines vacum pump and it worked just fine. I just shove some hoses together over the 134a can adapter and let it run for about 45 min. Does Canada have some green/ luxury taxes on AC parts and supplies?