Ain't nothing wrong with the countryside method of driving fast with the windows down.

Haha I've been doing that as best I can...but it's hard to drive any faster than 25 MPH in NJ XD

what kind of car is it? I've never seen a a/c compressor cost more than $300 for any car.

I have a Hyundai Santa Fe...and from what I've been told all compressors are expensive! And that comes from two people who have worked as mechanics! But I have no clue lol. Apparently this issue is common in older Santa Fes (mine is 2003). :(

There were 3 engine options for your year and it looks like the a/c compressor is different on all of them. Here's what I found:

2.4 liter 4-cylinder, $190.79 + shipping:
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/mor.....amp;cc=1415821 $208 + shipping

2.7 liter V6 (most common), $178.79 + shipping:
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/mor.....amp;cc=1415832

3.5 liter V6, $204.79 + shipping:
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/mor.....amp;cc=1422830

Use this coupon code the "how did you find us" to get 5% off the part cost: 2203381920036437


If your in MD I can install it for you, it is ridiculously easy to get to on the santa fe's and I have a/c recharging equipment. You'd have to also buy the R134a refridgerant though, probably around 3 cans at $15 a peice but then your a/c would blow cold again. That is, assuming the a/c compressor is the real problem & not something else.

:O Interesting! From what our mechanic told us, the compressor was definitely the problem, and we could go with a refurbished one, but it'd cost about the same in the long run, and may have problems still. >< We were told there is a leak, obviously big enough that the freon with stop-leak didn't solve the issue. I belieeeve my engine is the 2.7 liter V6 but I'll check that in the morning to make sure! But if I can get the part for THAT much cheaper, it'd be stupid not to. You know your cars, so it's nice having someone I can ask questions of. XD Do you know if those compressors you linked are new or used? And while I don't live in MD, I'm down there a lot. ^^ If we can work something out I'd be more than appreciative to have you install it! And of course pay you for your time. <3

those compressors are all brand new so if he is quoting you 800 for a new compressor he is smoking something or seriously ripping you off.

From my experience with a/c's, compressors DO go bad but that isn't the most common problem when your a/c blows hot. Usually there is a small leak in the system and all of the refridgerant leaked out. I have a 2005 Pontiac Vibe that didn't blow that cold when I first got it. I recharged the system with some stop-leak stuff and it blows decently cold now & hasn't leaked back out in over 2 years.

The most common problem with the a/c compressor is the clutch going out. When your car is running, it is constantly spinning the pulley to the compressor and a clutch engages/disengages the actual a/c compressor through that pulley (which is noticeable when you first turn the a/c on and are stopped, usually teh engine revs higher or the fans kick on when the compressor engages). Anyways, if the clutch is going bad it will sometimes squeal the belt when it engages. If the clutch is not engaging it could be 2 things: 1: there is low refrigerant /no refrigerant (very common) or 2: the compressor switch failed and is not telling the clutch to engage.

It may be possible that simply recharging your a/c system and using a bit of the stop leak (which has conditioners that revitalize the rubber seals in the system enlarging them and stopping the source of most leaks) that teh compressor may begin running fine and your system blows cold. But no way to know until you try it. Replacing the compressor can't hurt anything and is a better bet, but also costs WAY more.

Questions for you
1: Did your a/c blow REALLY COLD last year or only slightly cold? Has it been degrading over time to where it barley blows cold?
2: Did your belts ever squeal when the a/c engages in the past?

Okay, I have more info for you. First, the engine IS a 2.7 liter, and secondly, I was wrong on what he was quoting me for. Apparently the $800 is for everything...the new compressor (with a one year warranty), the labor, and all the extra stuff needed to make it run proper. They checked everything and all else was working fine, it was literally JUST the compressor that had a leak, and yes, we already tried the freon with stop-leak and that didn't solve it.

To answer your questions! Yes, the a/c blew very cold last year, it was just fine! It hasn't been degrading in any way. And no, the belts never squealed when the a/c engaged.

Awww *hugs* wish you lived close, could fix that up for a lot less, have all the tools!

Haha me too! My Dad has the knowhow, just not the tools! But the part itself would still be expensive...just sucks to have the labor tacked on as well! :(

Indeed, opted on one of mine to replace a 'non replaceable' bearing for 75 versus a 500 dollar pump.

*dies* Irreplaceable fooey, huh? That stuff is why I wish I had some knowhow about cars, so I could avoid being ripped off. My Dad keeps the cars happy most of the time, but when it's something he doesn't know well, or can't fix, we have to bite the bullet. ><

Hmm, just a little leak though? you can see leaks because they leave the oil everyplace, sometimes you can just re oil and add a little more refrigerant now and again.

I think ita more like a BIG leak...my Dad grabbed that freon with the stop-leak stuff in it just to see if a small leak was the issue (and thusly could be fixed)...but that didn't solve it. The mechanic onows what the issue is, but I didn't really hear the full story. All I know is he suggested a new compressor, and said the part wpuld cost $800. ;_;

Gurrr! :) the weirdest was the focus, the compressor leaked in the middle, was the first I'd ever see it happen. A compressor change is pretty easy for your pop, new compressor and dryer and then take to a shop to get vac'd out and refilled.

<3