AC Compressor Replacement
Get quotes from specialists near you
Australia's #1 booking site for car services & car repairs
Book now, pay later Interest-free payments
Transparent prices no surprises
*Available at select service providers. T&Cs apply.
Average rating for Car Air Conditioner Compressor Replacement
4.6 • based on 350 reviews of 199 businesses
AC Compressor Replacement
How much does a car air conditioner compressor replacement cost?
On average, an AC compressor replacement will cost $800 to $1200 or more, depending on the make and model of your car.
Because it’s a cornerstone component of your air conditioning, your AC won’t function if the compressor is broken. In many situations, the AC compressor lasts the whole vehicle life without requiring replacement, although failure is more likely after 150,000km.
What is an AC compressor?
At the basic level, an AC compressor is a mechanical pump. It pressurises and circulates the refrigerant in your car’s AC system.
In turn, the rest of your air conditioning system enables that refrigerant to cool the air that enters your car, but it all starts with the compressor. This cycle continues as long as the AC system is activated or the defogger is turned on.
If one of the internal parts in the air conditioning compressor develops a flaw, the compressor won’t function as it should or at all and will need to be replaced.
How do I know if my car's air conditioner compressor is bad?
A few things to look out for when you think your car's AC compressor needs to be replaced are:
- Loud humming noise, rattling or clicking sounds
- Warm air blowing through dash vents with the air conditioning system turned on
- Seized compressor clutch or belt.
- External leak detected by technician’s diagnosis
- Windows fog up in humid weather
How is an AC compressor replacement performed?
The technician begins by recovering the refrigerant from the air conditioning system, ensuring that any pressure is safely discharged.
Next, the serpentine belt is removed from the AC compressor clutch pulley, and the clutch itself is unplugged to prevent any electrical mishaps. The low-side and high-side refrigerant lines are then disconnected from the compressor body, allowing for free access to the unit.
The failed compressor is removed from its position, and a new compressor is fitted. The disassembled lines are refitted securely, and the belt and wiring are back in place.
The AC system is then recharged with the appropriate amount of refrigerant, adhering to the manufacturer’s specifications. Lastly, the technician performs a final check to confirm that the air conditioning system is operating correctly.
What is the life expectancy of a car AC compressor?
Typically, a car air conditioning compressor can last the lifetime of a car, or approximately 150,000km depending on how well the car is maintained. In saying that, it's important that you regularly check and service your car to prevent premature failure.
How important is replacing your AC compressor?
While the primary function of an air conditioning compressor may seem limited to cooling, it also plays a vital role in dehumidifying the air on defog settings. This ensures clear windows for improved visibility. A malfunctioning AC compressor is more inconvenient for the driver and discomfort for passengers rather than a safety hazard.
If you think your AC compressor needs to be replaced, get an online quote from a specialist today!
