2002 300m compressor seized
 

Toward the end of last summer I noticed my AC wasn't getting very cold so I brought it in to my mechanic and he recharged the system. It worked for about 2 weeks or so and then lost its cool again. Since the summer was over and the temp had dropped I decided to leave it as it was and see if I still had the problem next season. At worst I assumed I had a leak which could easily be repaired. As the problem still remained this year I brought the car back in 2 days ago and I was told my belt snapped and the compressor seized and needs to be replaced. I was quoted at around $500 for a new Chrysler compressor and about $335 for a used one. Labor cost to evac, install, and recharge would be about $350ish as well.

My brother in law owns a few auto parts stores and told me he could get me a brand new 4-seasons compressor for $180 and can have the entire job done with someone he knows for around $350-$400 total. If not, he can just get me the part and I can have my mechanic do the rest.

I really know nothing about this and could use some advice. Should I go with a new or used original Chrysler part or is an aftermarket compressor just as good? Do you guys know anything about 4-seasons compressors? Is there a reason I shouldn't go with that part? Do you think $650 is a fair price for the new 4-seasons compressor and labor?

Personally I would just rip the old compressor out and ditch the AC all together, it's useless..that's what windows are for.

But I would be confident that a non-OEM AC compressor would be fine, it's not like your car is under warranty or anything. Plus you save some serious coin. I wouldn't spend $650 for AC, I would go for the 4 seasons

:D

u come live in a place like GA for FL for one summer u will change you mind about AC

Living without AC is NOT an option. I decided to go with the 4seasons compressor and the entire repair plus the part cost $500. I think I got off relatively cheap. Hopefully I don't also have a hole in the line and have to recharge the system if it leaks out.

So 1 year later and the AC is blowing hot again. Seems like the compressor is running fine. Is it normal for the AC to need a recharge again after only 1 year? What is the next step? I don't want to have to charge every year.

nope there is more then likely a leak some where

Mechanic said he tested for a leak but couldn't find anything which makes him think I have a small leak in the evaporator core. Some online research indicates that while the part itself is cheap, the labor is crazy and will run quite a large sum. What is a good estimate on a 300m evap core change? It seems the recharge got me through last summer, should I just keep recharging every year until it won't get me through the summer? The car is @ 87000 miles and besides the AC compressor which seized and now this issue, so far I haven't had any major issues. I put about 12k on the car a year and was hoping to get at least another 2 years+ out of this car.

What do you guys think is the best course? What is the average life expectancy on the 2002 300m?

call around your local area for quotes