Does anyone know anything about Car AC Systems?
My car is blowing cool (definitely not cold) air, and I tried to re-charge it, and it won't recharge. The mechanics I meet don't test anything in particular, just set up a pressure gauge and tried to re-charge the AC, and then say it won't take any freon and to change the AC compressor.
After doing some research online, I see that if you change the AC compressor that you also need to change the drier/accumulator. The car mechanic just said they don't have any stock of the AC compressor that I should find one online and he will install it for HK$2000.
I'm a bit concerned now that he didn't mention to change (or for me to buy) the drier/accumulator as this seems as basic as changing the oil filter when you get an oil change.
I want to know your thoughts:
1) What is the life of AC compressors, as there are original BMW compressors on e-bay that I could use, granted those are already old (very old and well used) and I'm not sure how long those would last. If it isn't that, then I would get a new after-market part. I'm getting a bit confused with remanufactured part numbers, as the original part number is discontinued and now there is a remanufactured part number provided. I'm just assuming that the aftermarket parts shipped from the states might be better quality than the ones from Guangzhou. The mechanic said not to get a China part.
2) Do you know of any mechanic who knows their AC stuff? I would like to get this fixed, and I'm already looking to put the money in (2500 for the part + 2000 install) so I want to make sure it works (and I don't want to spend 10k+). I see that there are a few main components to the AC system and I am wondering if there is any AC pro who knows how to check which ones need fixing. I am hoping to avoid the situation of change AC compressor, doesn't fix, now get a condenser, nope didn't work, now get an evaporator, etc...
Thanks in advance!