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Replaced everything on the A/C system at a local shop three years ago this month. Took to another shop in town and they say the compressor is leaking and I only have 1 lb. of R134A in the system. They want to replace the compressor with a rebuilt compressor from Global for $295 and labor to replace and recharge will be around $485 (sounds a little high to me). I can get a Denso 471-8121 New Compressor with Clutch from Amazon Prime for $120. They will do the labor for the same price mentioned above. Any advice on the Denso product would be appreciated. Also, any advice on replacing the compressor myself and just having them charge it? The current compressor is a Murray from O'Reilly and is out of warranty. I have done my own A/C work prior to this 2003 Ford. When the sun goes down tonight, I will verify the leak. Thanks for any advice.
Removing and replacing the AC compressor on a 6.0 is a pain in the ***. Depending on your perspective $485 for removal/replacement AND recharge may seem like a bargain.
I got a “Factory Air” brand compressor from Advance Auto for $180, which included a new dryer and orifice tube...both of which I think you should replace if you’re replacing the compressor.
It’s been working great, but I’ve only had it in a few months.
Getting to that sumbich is the hard part, it’s buried and you pretty much have to remove the radiator, fan, shroud etc to get in there and remove the mounting bolts which are super close quarters with the crossmember.
I dont recall removing all that when i did mine. I was doing the whole ac system so i had the fender liner out and i think i pulled the fan shroud. I know i didnt pull the radiator or fan.
I did as John and trunk. Removed the inner fender. The bolts are in a crazy tight spot. After fighting that thing for hrs I went to the parts store and picked up this wrench. Super easy job with it.
