Ac Compressor Starting To Go. Here Is My Quote From Firestone

[ED.]

I'venoticed over the months that the AC compressor is very noticeable when activated. Puts a drag on the engine when you turn on the air conditioner so I took it by firestone and they told me the clutches are starting to go and it (the compressor) would need to be replaced but you must replace this system as a kit?

I've already looked up parts online and one was a thrid of the price as their quote.

Anyone do this repair before? I was going to do a Google search when I got back.

[jaswood]

I'venoticed over the months that the AC compressor is very noticeable when activated. Puts a drag on the engine when you turn on the air conditioner so I took it by firestone and they told me the clutches are starting to go and it (the compressor) would need to be replaced but you must replace this system as a kit?

I've already looked up parts online and one was a thrid of the price as their quote.

Anyone do this repair before? I was going to do a Google search when I got back.

Firestone shops, and many others, are famous for finding defects that aren't.

Go to an A/C specialist or just ignore Firestones advice.

"..noticeable.."

More likely than otherwise the idle air bypass system.

[1990LS400]

Firestone? Surely there are good independent repair shops specializing in Lexus in the St. Louis area.

[dashan]

I did some research on LS400 AC clutch. All you need may be a in-vehicle replacement of bearing of clutch pulley, costs $20

Hear is the link to the bearing

http://www.vxb.com/page/bearings/PROD/Kit12376

Here is the the in-car removal of the pulley for a different car

http://bernardembden.com/xjs/comclutch/index.htm

Here is the removal of the pulley from a denso compressor (the same as that in LS400)

http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforums/928-forum/424999-nippondenso-10pa20c-compressor-rebuild-pics.html

Another denso bearing removal

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrB3pMVD4Cg

[dashan]

Please take a lot of pics and get us a how-to write-up if you do it.

The AC compressor in a 96 LS should be Denso 10PA20C.

thanks

[ED.]

Hey guys. Yeah I had a coupon for FS so I took it there and had them look it over.

I am wondering if it is just the clutch and the whole system doesn't need to be replaced? I was going to call the family mechanic tomorrow and get him to opine.

I haven't found a 'Lexus only' place here in Saint Lou that I can take my car too. I guess I could try a google search and see.

[jaswood]

I'venoticed over the months that the AC compressor is very noticeable when activated. Puts a drag on the engine when you turn on the air conditioner so I took it by firestone and they told me the clutches are starting to go and it (the compressor) would need to be replaced but you must replace this system as a kit?

I've already looked up parts online and one was a thrid of the price as their quote.

Anyone do this repair before? I was going to do a Google search when I got back.

"..Puts a drag on the engine.."

That CANNOT happen unless the compressor clutch is FIRMLY engaged.

"...drag..."

The compressor either compresses GAS or tries to compress liquid. In this latter case the compressor would FAIL within minutes. Compressor bearings failing could result in unusual drag but almost always accompanied by loud SQUEALING NOISE.

As I said before the engine control ECU monitors the compressor clutch status and should "idle up", feed the engine more gas, when the compressor clutch engages. If you "feel" engine drag when the compressor engages it's more likely than otherwise due to miscalibration of the idle air bypass system, bypass port blocked by dirt/debris.

Have someone, NOT FS, check your idle air bypass system.

[jaswood]

I'venoticed over the months that the AC compressor is very noticeable when activated. Puts a drag on the engine when you turn on the air conditioner so I took it by firestone and they told me the clutches are starting to go and it (the compressor) would need to be replaced but you must replace this system as a kit?

I've already looked up parts online and one was a thrid of the price as their quote.

Anyone do this repair before? I was going to do a Google search when I got back.

Idiot, ME, sorry.

If the compressor clutch slips or the compressor turns so hard that the drive belt slips the A/C indicator will blink as an indcation of the failure.

Unless you have seen that happen the compressor clutch is okay as is the drive belt.

[lenore]

I could see the drag on the engine with a bad or failing clutch...The bearing may be failing and the pully is moving and hitting the body of the compressor....that would cause drag....

[jaswood]

I could see the drag on the engine with a bad or failing clutch...The bearing may be failing and the pully is moving and hitting the body of the compressor....that would cause drag....

..and one hell of a lot of NOISE.

[DEATH_AWAITS_YOU]

I'venoticed over the months that the AC compressor is very noticeable when activated. Puts a drag on the engine when you turn on the air conditioner so I took it by firestone and they told me the clutches are starting to go and it (the compressor) would need to be replaced but you must replace this system as a kit?

I've already looked up parts online and one was a thrid of the price as their quote.

Anyone do this repair before? I was going to do a Google search when I got back.

Why on earth would you ask a tire dealer to fix your A/C? You wouldn't ask an electrician to fix your plumbing. Most of those kids have a hard enough time replacing tires! The noise you're hearing is caused by a lack of oil in the compressor. May not be too late to save it. Surely, you have a Lexus dealer in your area. You may be surprised to find out that what you actually need is much less than you expected.

[jaswood]

I'venoticed over the months that the AC compressor is very noticeable when activated. Puts a drag on the engine when you turn on the air conditioner so I took it by firestone and they told me the clutches are starting to go and it (the compressor) would need to be replaced but you must replace this system as a kit?

I've already looked up parts online and one was a thrid of the price as their quote.

Anyone do this repair before? I was going to do a Google search when I got back.

Why on earth would you ask a tire dealer to fix your A/C? You wouldn't ask an electrician to fix your plumbing. Most of those kids have a hard enough time replacing tires! The noise you're hearing is caused by a lack of oil in the compressor. May not be too late to save it. Surely, you have a Lexus dealer in your area. You may be surprised to find out that what you actually need is much less than you expected.

Noise..? what noise, he doesn't make mention of any noise, just reporting a "drag" on the engine.

Problem is more likely than otherwise a clogged idle air bypass port, A VERY COMMON problem with older cars, pre-DBW, having accrued >100,000 miles.

[jaswood]

I'venoticed over the months that the AC compressor is very noticeable when activated. Puts a drag on the engine when you turn on the air conditioner so I took it by firestone and they told me the clutches are starting to go and it (the compressor) would need to be replaced but you must replace this system as a kit?

I've already looked up parts online and one was a thrid of the price as their quote.

Anyone do this repair before? I was going to do a Google search when I got back.

Why on earth would you ask a tire dealer to fix your A/C? You wouldn't ask an electrician to fix your plumbing. Most of those kids have a hard enough time replacing tires! The noise you're hearing is caused by a lack of oil in the compressor. May not be too late to save it. Surely, you have a Lexus dealer in your area. You may be surprised to find out that what you actually need is much less than you expected.

Lexus dealer...?

You're kidding, right..?

No one should pay two prices for such simple work.