Shyster mechanic re compressor

campin07

Took my car to Goodyear and they said previous mechanic installed refurbished compressor on my 2008 Accord EX-L and did not replace the expansion valve and dryer/socket. Problem is Goodyear could not add fluid, said line freezing up. To top it off, I did not know previous mechanic had installed a refurbished compressor, told me it was new. My question is when installing a compressor, is it mandatory to also install expansion valve and dryer/socket as part of a kit? Now I'm stuck with paying another bill to fix this!! I want some recourse if possible from previous mechanic.

thecardoc3

Is it mandatory to replace the expansion valve? NO. I it a good idea? Absolutely. From there the parts manufacturers often require at least the receiver drier and the expansion valve in order to validate the warranty for the replacement compressor but the catch 22 is that can significantly impact the price of the original repair and getting the best price often means these items are skipped unless there is no other choice. Of course from there it doesn't help that there are armchair mechanics everywhere that would jump at the chance to tell you recommending those parts up front is gouging you regardless of the possible outcomes.

The real question is, why didn't this go back to the original shop instead of involving another one?

campin07

Thanks for your reply! I did go back to original guy. He now claims that I refused the service. I let him know 2 days after I picked up car from AC repair that it was cooling then stop all of a sudden. It would blow air but stop cooling; later turn car back on and cool, then stop. I did not have a good experience with him to begin with, so when I had my brakes done at Goodyear, I had them do a diagnostic, and that is what they found. Goodyear said since lines was blocked and not allowing the fluid and dye instillation, more than likely that was part of the original problem that should have been addressed but original guy would've had to have removed glove compartment deal to get to it. This was the first I EVER heard of this. So original guy never gave that info or option. Now he's saying I flat out refused it, which makes no sense, admitting that he knew it was a service that was needed (?) if he's now saying I refused it. I now have estimate of $725 to fix it (expansion valve, etc).