How much for AC compressor replacement?

[JSON]

I had my AC go out abruptly one day while I was driving. The dealer diagnosed it (for $130) and told me that the compressor needed to be replaced. They quoted me $1890 for the job. This seems a lot higher than I was anticipating, even for the dealer (was expecting closer to 1300-1400). They told me it'd be a full day job.

Can you guys tell me what it should approximately cost? Thanks

[JARblue]

Sounds about right for a dealer: a 30-40% markup over normal shop rates

Tell them to

[SouthArk370Z]

You should be able to find an independent shop that will do the job a lot cheaper (and possibly better). Ask your friends and family for recommendations and do some research before selecting a shop.

They're not referred to as "stealerships" for nothing.

[JSON]

I called around a few dealerships...it seems like the going rate is ~$1750....Cheapest was $1700 with a coupon.

I guess I just wasted my $130 on going to my closest dealership for diagnosis. One dealer even had free AC diag.

Waiting for a quote from a local Houston Z shop....

[JSON]

So this is the quote from the local Z shop...not exactly cheaper

[JARblue]

Well, I know that $1075 for the compressor is pretty high. You can buy a brand new one from Z1 for less than $900. And refurb ones are like $200 incl the clutch.

Not to mention $1100 in labor seems high. I bet the dealer wasn't even charging that much.

Which Z shop?

[JSON]

Originally Posted by JARblue

Well, I know that $1075 for the compressor is pretty high. You can buy a brand new one from Z1 for less than $900. And refurb ones are like $200 incl the clutch.

Not to mention $1100 in labor seems high. I bet the dealer wasn't even charging that much.

Which Z shop?

SZR. To be fair, I think the dealers weren't accounting for drier or evap valve install either. I think I'm just going to go with a local shop that'll do it with an aftermarket compressor and 1 year warranty, which is the same as Nissan anyways.
$850 for just compressor + $300 for drier.

Is a new drier necessary? The local shop says only if there's debris from compressor actually seizing and breaking. Some people told me should get a new drier every time you open the system.

[SouthArk370Z]

If it's the original drier, I'd change it. Pulling a vacuum on the system will remove most of the water but, after so many years/miles, there's liable to be a bunch of dirt in there and the desiccant is probably turning to dust.

[Ghostvette]

Originally Posted by JSON

SZR. To be fair, I think the dealers weren't accounting for drier or evap valve install either. I think I'm just going to go with a local shop that'll do it with an aftermarket compressor and 1 year warranty, which is the same as Nissan anyways.
$850 for just compressor + $300 for drier.

Is a new drier necessary? The local shop says only if there's debris from compressor actually seizing and breaking. Some people told me should get a new drier every time you open the system.

Always a good idea to change the drier for the reasons SouthArk mentioned. I think the evap valve takes the place of an orifice tube on import AC, so I'd replace the evap valve too. AC repair is expensive, regardless of who does it. It takes time to get things apart. Something to consider, depending on the mileage on your car, replacement of o-rings at all the junctions isn't a bad idea.

[ltullos]

Originally Posted by JSON

Waiting for a quote from a local Houston Z shop....

Which shop? I used to ship my Z32-TT to Awesome Z because I could trust Doug. I haven't kept up with him for several years, but you might check him out if they are still around.

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by JSON

SZR. To be fair, I think the dealers weren't accounting for drier or evap valve install either. I think I'm just going to go with a local shop that'll do it with an aftermarket compressor and 1 year warranty, which is the same as Nissan anyways.
$850 for just compressor + $300 for drier.

Is a new drier necessary? The local shop says only if there's debris from compressor actually seizing and breaking. Some people told me should get a new drier every time you open the system.

Years ago when I did A/C work. We would recommend a new drier if replacing major components.