'98 Gs400 A/c Problem: "front Compressor Seal Leaking"

[RHGS400]

Hi everyone:

First post. I checked the archives, but didn't see this exact problem covered.

I'll try to provide enough information to describe the problem without going overboard. The car in question is a '98 GS400 with ~59,000 miles on it. Purchased new in Nov. 97.

Six weeks ago, the A/C started blowing warm. Took the car to the dealer, where they reported that "high side hose and block o-ring on compressor leaking. R/R block and o-ring." They replaced the following parts:

VALVE DISCHARGE

DRYER, COOLER

HOSE, DISCHARGE

Total parts: $716

Labor: $603

Grand Total: $1320

That would have been bad enough, but I also had them do the 90,000 mile service, since the timing belt was due to be changed four years ago in '03 (time, not mileage.) If the engine wasn't an interference design, I would have just waited for the belt to break and dealt with it then. But, given what can happen when the belt breaks, paranoia got the better of me.

Total bill for 90K service and A/C service previously mentioned: $2,674.

Since we've had the car since new and it's in such good shape, I swallowed hard and ok'd the work.

Yesterday, the A/C started blowing warm again.

Took it back to the dealer today. He tells me that the seal on the front of the compressor is now leaking; "after the other parts were replaced, this was the next weakest link."

If it's "only" the compressor, they want about $1,100. If they also have to replace the compressor clutch, it'll run $1,800. FWIW, I didn't hear any "shrieking" belt noise to suggest that the compressor was frozen and/or the clutch was stuck.)

To say I'm upset would be putting it mildly.

I've asked the service writer if they would install a remanned compressor; he just made a funny noise, then said they would, but wouldn't warranty the work.

I've searched the web for remanned compressors. From what I can tell, they seem to run somewhere between $450 and $600 (with clutch.) (BTW, we are talking about a Nippondenso 7SB16C, correct??)

We've got a pretty good independent Lexus repair facility in town, and I'm sure he'd have no problem with doing the job.

Any recommendation for a source for a remanned compressor/clutch? Any reason not to go that way? Is there any reason why the leaking seal can't simply be replaced? Any other diagnosis or suggestions?

Thanks for any help,

Rick

[lexyGS300]

Rick,

I have the same problem with my 1998 GS300 and has less 50k miles on it. As of today, my car is still at Lexus dealer, they ask for $4500+. I almost had a heart attack when I heard it on the phone. Is this their normal price to fix AC compressor? Less than $2000 would be ok I think, but not $4500+.

Lexy