AC repair charges.

Hello

I left my honda 1995 accord for AC maintenance at a local Midas. The
guy is saying the discharge hose is leaking and quoting 168$ for
replacing it (including parts) and another 110$ for complete Evacuation
and recharge + $40 for Freon.

I feel this is kind of way too much - what will be the normal charge
for these services?

Thanks,
theZone

 

You're asking the right questions. First, I would not go to Midas for AC
work. Next, I would have the Tech show me where it's leaking using a
little bubble soap. The evacuation charge seems high as does everything
about the job. I suspect you have a minor leak such as a bad O ring at a
hose connection point. Very common! You might be able to get by with
adding a little of the factory R-134a Refigerant(not freon). It's less
than $8 a can. Good luck.

 

While the system is open have him replace all the O-rings too. Eleven years
old is the right age for O-rings to start failing right and left, and you
don't want to have to pay that $150 for evacuation, recharge and Freon again
any time soon. There should be a dryer filter in the system somewhere too.
AC repairs are a killer if you have to go back every year, and this is
really unnecessary.

This estimate does seem high to me, but I don't know where you live. Call
another local shop for another one. "Replace discharge hose, recharge
system, (O-rings, filter)--how much?"

Earle

*** ***

 

I would never repair/check my AC at Midas.

 

Also, do the repair shops mark up on the price of the parts also? And
is that ok - and if challenged will they give the pruchase price for
it?

Thanks,
theZone.

 

I agree wholeheartedly. I would ask around to find a good mechanic in a small
shop before I ever let Midas touch my vehicle. I'm not a big fan of the
automotive repair national chain shops anyway.

 

You're kidding, right? In the good old USA, everybody that touches anything
marks it up.

Your best bet is an independent local with a good reputation.

Earle

*** ***

 

LOL. Looks like me taking the car to a Midas was a mistake.

Does anyone have a good recommendation for an independant local shop in
Dallas area?

Thanks,
theZone.

 

I agree. I take mine to shops that do only air conditioning. Not
where it is a sideline. Not familiar with Dallas area. Look in
yellow pages for a non-chain A/C specialty shop.

 

One likely place to find out is an auto parts store. "Where can I get AC
worked on in this area? Who is good?"

Earle



*** ***

 

if you feel like driving to denton, there is a great shop there call Tommies
HiTech, right off I35.
LOL. Looks like me taking the car to a Midas was a mistake.

Does anyone have a good recommendation for an independant local shop in
Dallas area?

Thanks,
theZone.