Should the car air conditioning compressor be repaired or replaced if it's broken?
3 Answers
If the compressor is only stuck due to poor lubrication or lack of lubrication, has minor refrigerant leakage, or issues like slipping and abnormal noise, repair can be considered. Otherwise, if the compressor has severe leakage or the electromagnetic clutch is burned out, it is generally recommended to replace it directly, as the repair work would otherwise be more extensive. Below is additional information on reasons why a car air conditioning compressor may not work: 1. Circuit system failure: Short circuits or open circuits in the circuit directly cut off the power transmission path, preventing the electromagnetic clutch from properly controlling the compressor's operation. 2. Lack of refrigerant: Refrigerant and refrigeration oil are mutually soluble and circulate back to the compressor through the system. If the Freon in the refrigerant is depleted, it will lead to insufficient oil return, reducing the compressor's lubrication effect and causing it to seize and fail. 3. Mechanical wear of the compressor: Long-term operation under high-speed load conditions may cause premature mechanical wear of compressor components, rendering it inoperable. 4. Over-tightened drive belt: An over-tightened drive belt can directly cause the compressor to seize and stop running, so it's important to regularly check the belt's tension. Conversely, if the belt is too loose, it will cause the compressor's power transmission to slip, resulting in intermittent cooling and reduced performance.
My car's air conditioning compressor broke down a couple of days ago. At first, I thought it just needed a Freon recharge, but after inspection, they said the compressor piston was damaged. I asked the repair technician, and he said repairing compressors nowadays is particularly troublesome, especially if there's internal wear or oil leaks—they usually fail again within a few months after repair. Although replacing the entire compressor assembly is more expensive, it comes with a longer warranty and includes replacing the dryer and filter. My car is already four or five years old, and considering long-term peace of mind, I ultimately chose to replace it. Honestly, repair is cheaper but riskier. If your car won’t last many more years anyway, repairing it to make do might work, but for the long term, it’s better to just replace it with a new one.
Last summer, I encountered the same issue—the compressor seized up, causing the AC to completely fail. I spent quite some time weighing whether to repair or replace it, as the decision largely depends on the extent of the damage. If it's just a seized bearing or a short-circuited solenoid valve, replacing individual parts for a few hundred bucks might suffice. But if the entire internals are burnt out, a full replacement is the only option. Back then, I did the math: repairing would cost around a thousand including parts and labor, but it's prone to recurring issues. On the other hand, a brand-new compressor costs just over two thousand with a two-year warranty. Plus, metal debris from the old compressor can contaminate the piping system, so replacing it and cleaning the lines simultaneously can extend the system's lifespan. Therefore, in most cases of compressor failure, replacement is the wiser choice—don't risk bigger losses for minor savings.
