I have a 07 ram and while driving it home the other night the A/C quit working. The following day i pulled into the driveway and noticed the truck smoking. So i got under the truck and touched the a/c compressor and it was overly hot. So i took it to the shop and they said i needed a new compressor, along with accumulator line and orfice tube. They said it was going to run me $1015.00 for parts and labor. Im Just wondering if i need to replace the orfice tube and accumulator lines too?? ive found a a/c compressor for around 200.00. So all and all why do you think it costs so much?? Give me some imput!! thanks

 

I have been told but not positive as I didnt follow through to verify but was told that warranty on compressor is not valid unless those two items are changed out as well. However that may have been a shop warranty as opposed to a manufacturers warranty. Also over the years I have heard more than once that it is good practice to do them as well when changing the compressor.

 

It sounds like your compressor shelled out. That will send metal flakes into the system. They will clog up the orifice. That is why they want to replace it. The dryer/accumulator is the filter, so to speak. Sounds like they are spot on with what to replace.

 

Replace the items yourself and save the money........trust me on this. You can purchase and replace the items for wayyyy less than a shop can. After you R&R the parts find a place that is reasonable on A/C work and have them vacuum and charge the system........if you're not capable of doing it yourself.

For pretty cheap you can purchase the tools and do it yourself and save a ton a money......it's your call. Ask some questions if you need some help.

 

What he said.....I just did this exact job about 4 months ago, it wasn't difficult and the parts, compressor, dryer, and orifice tube/line, were readily available. Save yourself a ton of money and just do it yourself.

 

I also did my compressor but my failure was only external so I didnt change the other items. I spent about $200 on the compressor and vac'ed the system my self and bought freon from a shop on the east coast for 1/2 of what I could buy it for here locally in our great environmental protected state of Communist Norhtern Kalifornia/
about 9 or 12 cans for like $50. plus shipping vs $130 here at the local parts store (and most was a stupid deposit).
There's nothing mysterious about A/C work... you can do it.. and think of the extra cash you can make re-charging your friends cars!

 

I appreciate the input guys. Just gonna put a belt on now to bypass the a/c until spring and then fix it myself and save some cash!!

 

Yes you need to change the orifice tube and dryer when you change the compressor. Anytime the system is open you should change the dryer. The orifice tube is very important and usually required for compressor warranty. By not changing it you can make the system not work as good as it should.

I just recently redid the AC on my 95 Ram. Its not hard to do.

Orifice tube picture.......old and new............


47

 

Replace the parts the shop recommended and flush out the lines if the compressor came apart internally. The job is easy