AC repair cost

So my 2012 tacoma has a leak in the AC hose from the condensor to the compressor. The local shop wants 650 to replace the hose which is 100 bucks but they are charging me 200. Does this sound like a lot? I reallty dont want to mess with the AC myself. I may shop around shops but here in the mts of colorado the options are limited nor do I trust any of them.
T

 

Ha...I might be in the same boat here...Was poking around and saw green fluid on my skid plate...I think the AC hose is ALSO leaking on my 2010 4cy

 

Your in an area that the shops thinks all residents are rich so they charge more.

 

Its normal for shops to double the cost on parts when they sell them, we do it all the time, so 200 for the part is expected. Assuming 40-50$ for refrigerant makes the total parts cost 250$.

But the rest of it sounds kinda high.

As far as labor is concerned Alldata calls for 1.4 hrs to replace the discharge hose (high side line between compressor and condensor) so depending on labor rate that could be 180-200$

Are the charging extra for inspection? Like time spent finding the leak? Does that $650 include the tax? Call em back and ask more questions

 

is that for the hose or for the hose installed (recover ant refrigerant left in the system [EPA reg], take the old hose off, put the new hose on, pressure test, pull a vacuum to get any moisture out of the system, recharge the system with fresh refrigerant)?
former, yes, later not really

 

the cost is for hose replacement and recharge. Its pretty obvious where the leak is, the is green shit all over the hose. I cleaned it up last fall and it accumulated in the same spot.
T

 

It may just be an O ring.

 

Have the system evacuated, and fix it. Then bring it back to recharge the system.

That'll save a few bucks.

 

Ouch! The OEM part number with both seals is shown to be 88703-04020 and available from a couple of online dealer discounters for $80ish + shipping, approx. $30ish.

 

Is there a Tech High School around you? If you don’t mind a bunch of 16 YO’s touching your truck.

 

My Local AC shop on any job on the books must test for leaks and all leaks must be repaired prior to charging the system.

if not it does not get repaired the vehicle leaves with a empty AC system.So things can get expensive.

These laws change all the time so who knows if it is Federal or State

 

In my mind, the AC is probably not something you want to mess with yourself. You could always try purchasing the parts and have them install them, though.

 

AC is as simple as rebuilding a Engine or Differential you just need to understand the theory and have the tools to do the job.

 

you need UV dye in your PAG oil to detect the leak with UV flashlight and/or yellow UV glasses
-an A/C charge machine to do things like recharge, vacuum, fill. Like $1500; most people don't have. Some shops charge $100 for recharge

I still have not learned what parts cost. Like what it's like to be a parts counter guy/work in parts.
In terms of what is the base price, how much it is marked up, and why.
But yes. If you found the hose for $100 and they charge $200 for it, they marked it up at least $100.
Maybe they found it from WorldPAC for $50 then upcharge to make a profit.
That is half of how shops make money.
No they will not accept a hose you provided. There is no warranty with that.
If WorldPAC gives them a shitty hose they can hit up WorldPAC to have sent them a replacement to address that. That is not possible when you're handing them parts.

The serpentine belt spins your compressor at all times. The A/C system is filled with refrigerant (certain grams number) that has aerosol'd oil droplets (PAG oil) for lubricating it.
If you drive with it empty, that will run the compressor dry without oil and burn it up. Adding more cost.

Good advice.

People usually remove or un-power the compressor when doing that. Such as by finding a shorter length serpentine belt that bypasses it

wouldn't call it hard
the $1500 machine is hard

yep. Everyone has a $1500 RobinAir R134a machine in their garage.

The law does not change. It is federal.
R134a causes holes in the ozone layer. You're not supposed to charge a leaking system because the R134a will leak out into the atmosphere. And cause a hole in the ozone layer. Not as much as R12.
That is why it's not legal.

 

It all comes down to each Shop some are glad they don`t
need to chase parts.

Others have a no outside parts policy.

 

Buy a vacuum pump and a gage set from Harbor Freight and replace it yourself.
We replaced the compressor and condenser on my son's car a few years ago and the saving more than paid for those two items, even if I never use them again. I've used the gages a few times since. I have to watch a youtube video every time I use the gages since it's only every year or two.

 

If $1500.00 was the most expensive for tools I spent I could agree To me that is still cheap if your going to do the work you get the tools at least I do.

 

Well, I too have suffered ac leaks and I have been totally without AC cooling in my 2012 Tacoma.

So whenever something suddenly does not work when I awake in the morning, I warpedly think that some hanky panky is involved and that I have been visited by night gremlins with vandalicious tendencies towards me and my truck. These thoughts make me feel mad and miffed. So I think like a gremlin. If someone wanted to yank my chain and reak havoc with my happy thoughts, they would choose something easy like yank on like my ac suction hose. The longest and most cattywampusly shaped hose that leads from evaporator connections on the firewall squirming around the front of the engine before looming over the compressor and sucking the life out of it. And since I really do use the AC alot, I might replace that, the compressor, as well.
Long story short, a Denso unit #471-9196 compressor has been connected to a new Carquest suction line from Advance Auto.
This system does not cycle at all, like the previous compressor did at low fan speeds. The air is cold and the evaporator doesn't seem to be icing up..so I accept that things are once again alright. My wee dog Bree seems content with it. It cost me around 650 US dollars to complete as a do it yourselfer. It is very quiet. I trust others can find and do this for half the price I paid. Wee dog Bree needs her air. Thank you for your time.

Almost forgot...Success pics, part numbers, and details along with parts I broke to follow with link, if alright.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/suction-line-and-compressor-replacement.720574/