Top Mechanics For Air Conditioning Compressor Repair & Replacements
207 Reviews
Garage in London, 13 years of experience
Btec NVQ level 3 qualified. I have been in the trade for the past 11 years. Working with big corporation such as honda, kwikfit, halfords, Ats euromaster, I have worked as a master technician as well as mana...
WILFREDO • 15th September 2022
146 Reviews
Garage in Portsmouth, 40 years of experience
Are you looking for a well established and reliable company that can provide car servicing and repairs in Wickham? If you need help with your vehicle, look no further than Southwick Road Motor Repairs. We...
FIDAA • 22nd July 2021
285 Reviews
Garage in Lincoln, 20 years of experience
I have been in the motor trade for the last 20 years I have worked mainly in dealerships and have worked on a wide range of vehicles from cars to hgv I will be able to undertake most jobs at any location if ...
233 Reviews
Garage in Basingstoke, 53 years of experience
The Company’s Roadside Assistance brand is now the preferred choice for the South of England and has become synonymous with efficiency, punctuality and courtesy resulting in all the major motoring organisati...
SAMUEL • 18th November 2020
Smart Smart • AC compressor drive belt replacement
1490 Reviews
Garage in Darwen, 14 years of experience
I started my apprenticeship when I left school at the age of 15. I’ve been fully qualified for 11+ years with NVQ level 1, 2 and 3. I’ve been an MOT tester for 10 years. Here at Jamie’s mobile mechanic w...
PAIGE • 30th October 2020
208 Reviews
Garage in Wickford , 15 years of experience
With over 10 years experience I have worked at a wide range of companies such as Mercedes, Hyundai, Vauxhall and also Halfords Autocentre for 10 years! I bring the experience I have gained to my own business...
NICOLA • 13th February 2020
13 Reviews
Mobile mechanic in Yeovil, 16 years of experience
Based in Yeovil, Somerset, Mobile Servicing and Repairs covers Yeovil, Sherborne, chard, dorchester and surrounding areas. Services include home based car care from servicing to diagnostics to 4 wheel ali...
BARRY • 14th September 2018
78 Reviews
Garage in Swindon, 15 years of experience
KH Auto Services has been operating since 2012 in the Swindon area. We offer a a 1 ramp workshop catering for all makes/models. We aim to provide a professional but reasonable priced service to all our cu...
521 Reviews
Garage in London, 15 years of experience
I have been interested in the car repair industry for almost my entire life. The first few years were spent learning the trade and I went to college to study it properly. I worked at a garage as a BMW specia...
157 Reviews
Garage in Hull, 15 years of experience
I started my career back in the early 2000's working as a mobile breakdown and recovery technician. Having worked here for a number of years I then worked at several other independent garages. I have work...
ADRIAN • 5th January 2018
Smart fortwo • AC compressor drive belt replacement
78 Reviews
Mobile mechanic in Bristol, 25 years of experience
I began my mechanic career with an Austin Rover dealership and in my time there it changed to Rover and I worked in the business for around 4 years. For a number of years I worked in various businesses doing...
STEPHEN • 15th September 2017
490 Reviews
Mobile mechanic in Birmingham, 20 years of experience
I began my career with Formula 1 Auto Centres as a tyre & exhaust fitter for around 1 year. I wanted to gain my proper qualifications so I studied at college to gain my NVQ Level 2 and 3 and subsequently I...
STEPHEN • 1st June 2017
197 Reviews
Garage in Middlesbrough, 40 years of experience
I completed my apprenticeship in the family business in Cumbria back in 1974 and worked in the business right up until 2002 in various roles such as heavy goods driver, I also became a partner in the busines...
GEORGE • 20th January 2017
98 Reviews
Garage in , 30 years of experience
I have been working in the motortrade for around 28+ years as a mechanic/technician. Starting my apprenticeship working on Ferraris, porsches and all other types of supercars in SW London. Leaving this d...
75 Reviews
Mobile mechanic in Leicestershire, 19 years of experience
I began my car repair experience in a Peugeot main dealer. I spent three and a half year there and then two years Renault main dealership. I then worked on a variety of cars in backstreet garages and built m...
PAUL • 9th June 2015
Frequently asked questions about air conditioning compressor repair & replacements
Read our answers to questions about air conditioning compressor repair costs, symptoms and more.
What does an AC compressor do?
The compressor pumps and pressurises the AC refrigerant through the system past the system's evaporator which feeds the air into the cabin. The compressor is directly powered by the engine, off its serpentine belt.
What does an ac compressor replacement involve?
- Mechanic will read the ECU for possible fault codes related to the AC system.
- Mechanic will inspect the AC system and the AC compressor.
- Mechanic will check the pressure and electricity in the AC compressor.
- If necessary, the mechanic will replace the AC compressor.
- Mechanic will remove the refrigerant.
- Mechanic will take out the compressor and ancillaries (like the orifice tube and receiver dryer).
- Mechanic will cleanse the AC system.
- Mechanic will fit the new compressor and, if applicable, receiver dryer and orifice tube.
- Mechanic will refill the system with refrigerant.
- Mechanic will inspect the system for leaks and test the system to see if it works properly.
Can I replace my car AC compressor myself?
Unless you are a qualified mechanic with the required skills, training and equipment to do the job, we strongly recommend an air conditioning compressor replacement is only carried out by a professional mechanic. ClickMechanic can help get you a vetted and local mechanic to carry out the work. Just enter your postcode and your car's registration number at the top of this page and select the work needed to get an instant fixed price up front.
What are the symptoms of a bad AC Compressor?
- When the air conditioning does not work.
- When there is no cool air coming from the air vents when the system is turned on.
- Poor fuel consumption.
- When there is a ticking noise coming from the engine bay.
- When there are patches of fluid on and around the AC unit.
How long does it take to replace an AC compressor in a car?
The time an air conditioning compressor replacement will take will depend on a number of factors, like your vehicle's make and model, year, as well as other factors. Select your car at the top of this page for information on job time and cost for your vehicle through ClickMechanic.
How often should I replace the air conditioning compressor?
Seeing that the AC compressor is especially prone to wear over time it should always be serviced as and when stipulated in the guidelines set out by your car's manufacturer.
What causes AC compressor failure?
The compressor comprises a variety of internal parts which, over time, can of course wear or fail. Sometimes the seals of the compressor can fail, in other cases pistons, valves, bearings or the AC's clutch might need replacing.
Can I drive my car with a bad AC compressor?
This depends on a number of factors, including on the type AC compressor fitted to your vehicle. Generally if your air conditioning compressor's pulley is broken then the belt will likely not be able to move freely which in turn can affect other items driven off the belt and in turn the engine. It is recommended to always check with a professional mechanic if it is identified that the AC compressor is bad.
Is it worth replacing compressor on AC unit?
If you're unsure whether your AC compressor needs replacing we would recommend to book a diagnostic with a professional mechanic. The mechanic can check and advise on next steps.
How can you tell if your car AC compressor is bad?
Typical symptoms that could mean the AC compressor is bad could include:
- AC does not deliver cold air from vents
- Clicking sound from the engine compartment
- AC does not switch on
How does an AC compressor work?
The compressor is the heart of the air conditioning system, helping circulate refrigerant through the system. The compressor pumps the refrigerant through the condenser, where it is cooled, and then through the evaporator, where it absorbs heat from the interior of the vehicle.
Should I replace the AC compressor or the whole unit?
You don't necessarily need to replace the whole AC unit - a faulty AC compressor can be replaced independently of the AC system. However, it's good to check what the mechanic recommends as sometimes if the unit is older than 10 years it can cause further problems. Sometimes the faulty AC compressor can also impact other components of the AC unit.
Can an AC compressor be repaired?
Yes, an AC compressor can be repaired and is usually a specialist job. However, depending on the severity of the damage, it may be more cost-effective to replace the entire unit.
How long does an AC compressor last?
Typically, you can expect the AC compressor to last 10-15 years or even the entire lifetime of the car depending on how well you maintain it. It's important to ensure not to overuse, underuse the Air Conditioning system along with routine service and maintenance for a problem-free AC unit.
What happens if you don't replace the AC compressor?
A broken AC compressor should generally not cause any problems with the operation of the vehicle. Keep in mind that as long as the compressor pulley is rotating smoothly, without any noise, it shouldn't affect belt tension or operation of the other belt-driven accessories. It is best to consult with a qualified mechanic what the consequences are for your vehicle type as it can differ from model to model.
What is the difference between a condenser and a compressor?
A compressor is a device that increases the pressure of a gas or the refrigerant which absorbs the heat and cools the air. The condenser then rapidly cools the compressed gas and is condensed to a liquid state.
Is a faulty ac compressor an MOT failure?
No, a faulty ac compressor would normally not result in your car failing its MOT. The AC compressor is a vital component of the air conditioning system in a car but it is not regarded as safety-critical so it is not checked during an MOT.
How much does it cost to replace an Air Conditioning Compressor?
The cost of replacing an air conditioning (AC) compressor depends on your car and what parts your car's manufacturer recommends using for the replacement. Find out what you could save by having your AC compressor replaced by ClickMechanic by selecting your car at the top of this page!
Check out the ClickMechanic price for an air conditioning compressor repair. See the averages for different makes below. We consolidate industry standard data with millions of data points to give you the most accurate price. These estimates may include AC drive belt/s.
Name | Average Cost | |
---|---|---|
BMW | £75 | Get exact price |
Citroen | £51 | Get exact price |
Ford | £101 | Get exact price |
Land Rover | £82 | Get exact price |
Nissan | £60 | Get exact price |
Peugeot | £120 | Get exact price |
Toyota | £137 | Get exact price |
Volkswagen | £129 | Get exact price |
Estimates on average repair costs, such as the above results for an air conditioning compressor repair, are based on ClickMechanic's quote data which combines multiple third-party sources. Actual costs may vary. We provide estimates on average repair costs for information only and accept no liability for any inaccuracies or errors. If you think an estimate is incorrect, please contact us to let us know.
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Mechanics that undertake air conditioning compressor work
- Art Auto Group, Wincanton
- Bmk Enginer Rebuild, London
- Charlie’s Auto Repairs And Sales Limited, Kent
- Cjay Automotive, Wednesbury
- D.A.C Automotive Ltd, Alloa
- Fergussons Mobile Mechanics, Banbury
- Graeme Wingate, Bexhill.
- Jacob & Co, Walsall
- KEMS Autos Limited - Practical Car And Van Rental, Darley Dale
- Old Mill Motors (witney) Ltd, Witney
- P G Autos Services Ltd, Southampton
- Prestige Auto Centre Ltd, London
- Quickstop Tyres, London
- R5 Automotive, London
- SLM, South Queensferry