Hello everyone,
I am looking to replace a friend's A/C compressor. She took to a repair shop and said it would cost over 1500 to get the thing fixed. So I am looking at making the repair myself. My main question is if its just the compressor is that all I need to replace? I have read many of the post on here and there are so many more knowledgeable people on here I thought I would ask. I am a bit of a novice when it comes to car repair but I am learning more all the time. So I am just trying to figure out exactly what all i am looking at here to do? Is there a book that would maybe demonstrate the process needed. Any advice or help anyone can provide would be so greatly appreciate. She drives a 2006 Mazda 3 hatchback. Thanks again everyone

 

Unless you are a Refrigeration Tech I would not recommend you doing it. The Freon by law needs to be evacuated from the system, then after the new compressor is installed you need to evacuate it with a vacuum pump and then put the freon back in. You cannot just put freon back in because there will be moisture and other contaminates in the system, which in turn will screw it up worse than before.
The actual changing of the compressor is actually rather easy, except for the location, but all front wheels cars have the same problem.

 

What he said^^^, you need a special vac to clear the system.

 

you guys are on the right track but are forgetting some very key points. One is that its not freon (r-12) its r-134a, freon has been outlawed for a number of years as in no more can be made but it still can be purchased. Second you need to figure out if the compressor really went bad or if the evap has just frozen over, and if you need to replace the compressor then that means the whole system needs to be flushed completely by using a machine only a shop would have also your radiator would have to be replaced (if metal shavings got inside of the receiver drier). Take note, do not i repeat DO NOT just go to autozone or wherever and get the refill **** it does WAY more damage then good. I admit 1500 seems a little over priced i would take it to your dealer instead.

 

Freon, Generic Term used to describe Refrigerant gasses and fluids used in Air Conditioners, Freezers, Ect.