Hello, Fellow Civic People!

I'm sorry, I'm new and not mechanically informed.

I have a 2001 EX and the compressor clutch just FELL OFF. (I think.)

I have called a few mechanics and have been quoted anywhere from $850-$1200 (the higher amount was from the dealership)

Everyone wants to replace the whole compressor. Some have hinted at maybe even finding more stuff wrong with it when they get in there.

Are there any reputable Honda mechanics here in Nashville?

Are these fair prices to replace the compressor. Also, what other stuff would they find and how much would that cost? (ballpark)

Sorry for all the questions. I'm sure y'all hate getting questions from a clueless newbie.

P.S. How do I post a photo of the damaged part?

 

You could replace the compressor yourself, if you've got a decent set of metric sockets. I've seen used compressors go for about $85 - $150, and I'm not quite sure how much it'd cost to have your a/c system charged. The only thing holding that a/c compressor to the engine is 4 bolts. You can loosen the belt tensioner to get the belt off the old one, remove the 2 bolts holding the a/c lines to the compressor (be careful if you haven't had the freon removed), unplug the wire harness for the clutch control, and remove the 4 bolts holding it onto the block. If it's hard to reach in there, try removing the upper mounts for the a/c condenser and the radiator, and kind of pushing them outward (you may want to remove the bumper cover for that).

 

I have no metric tools. I have never done any car mechanics. Are there any good books out there to show me how to do this? Used compressors? Where? What am I looking for in a used compressor? Thanks!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by toyomatt84 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">You could replace the compressor yourself, if you've got a decent set of metric sockets. I've seen used compressors go for about $85 - $150, and I'm not quite sure how much it'd cost to have your a/c system charged. The only thing holding that a/c compressor to the engine is 4 bolts. You can loosen the belt tensioner to get the belt off the old one, remove the 2 bolts holding the a/c lines to the compressor (be careful if you haven't had the freon removed), unplug the wire harness for the clutch control, and remove the 4 bolts holding it onto the block. If it's hard to reach in there, try removing the upper mounts for the a/c condenser and the radiator, and kind of pushing them outward (you may want to remove the bumper cover for that).</TD></TR></TABLE>

just remove the splashguard and unbolt the compressor from under neath. no need to take out the radiator and stuff.
BTW, the belt tensioner is the alternator, and getting that off requires also removing the PS pump. Once all thats out of there, then its easy to work on because you have tons of room.
if you've never done car work before, take it some place. If you can find a place that will work with parts you bring, even better. finding a used compressor is hit or miss, since you dont know if it works. Try ebay, look up a store called hondapartsunlimited.... IIRC, they guarantee the parts they sell work.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Brian Cruz &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I have no metric tools. I have never done any car mechanics. Are there any good books out there to show me how to do this? Used compressors? Where? What am I looking for in a used compressor? Thanks!</TD></TR></TABLE>

You can get a metric tool set from Home Depot (I got the Husky 60 some odd piece one, it has a ton of metrics in it) and I've done a whole engine swap with it. If you want a detailed book on how to remove the A/C compressor, pick up the service manual or a Haynes/Chilton's book. I can tell you that the Service Manual is extremely easy to follow, since I own one. In getting a used compressor, make sure it can hold compression properly, and that the clutch engages/disengages properly.

 

Alright! Thanks, dudes! I will grab a manual and go from there!

 

The A/C compressor on this car is a PITA to get to. I was looking over this when doing my T-belt and decided not to attempt it. Besides you have to take it to a mechanic to get the system charged. Unless you have an a/c vacuum.

You should be able to score a used compressor for about 100. Figure about 200 for installation and charge.

Good Luck

 

Im an hour and half from nashville im in bowling green, ky.. Buy the stuff and bring 400 dollars and I'll do it for you thats including charging the system. or I can give step by step instructions with out taking the PS or alternating off.

 

Thanks for the offer, but I think I have a friend that may be able to do it.

I've included a photo of what may be the problem. Maybe someone can identify it.

 

Wow, looks like your compressor clutch is just gone.

 

Does this look like how it normally happens?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Brian Cruz &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Does this look like how it normally happens?</TD></TR></TABLE>

I've never seen one disappear like that, to be honest. It's just not there anymore. You'll need a new A/C compressor clutch at the bare minimum. I would recommend just getting a new A/C compressor, it'd be easier to deal with.

 

since your replacing the compressor now I would go ahead and convert it since you will be loosing all of your feron anyways