Bad A/C Compressor Seal
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Junior Member
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Mesa, Arizona
Bad A/C Compressor Seal
I've got a potentially expensive A/C problem, and I could use some advice.
A local shop replaced an obviously bad line leading to (or from) the compressor, but the system is still loosing coolant. The guys at the shop say that the leak is in the front seal on the compressor. They also say that there's no way to change the seal, and rebuilt compressors aren't available for 97+ F150s. The only option, according to them, is to buy a new compressor. In order to maintain the warranty on the new compressor, they'll have to replace several other A/C components as well.
They estimate the cost for all of this at around $900. Naturally, I'd like to find a cheaper solution. I live in Mesa, Arizona, so A/C is an absolute necessity. I asked about using a compressor from a junkyard, and they said they'd install it if I can get one; of course there's no guarantee with a compressor from a junkyard.
Do I have any other options?
A local shop replaced an obviously bad line leading to (or from) the compressor, but the system is still loosing coolant. The guys at the shop say that the leak is in the front seal on the compressor. They also say that there's no way to change the seal, and rebuilt compressors aren't available for 97+ F150s. The only option, according to them, is to buy a new compressor. In order to maintain the warranty on the new compressor, they'll have to replace several other A/C components as well.
They estimate the cost for all of this at around $900. Naturally, I'd like to find a cheaper solution. I live in Mesa, Arizona, so A/C is an absolute necessity. I asked about using a compressor from a junkyard, and they said they'd install it if I can get one; of course there's no guarantee with a compressor from a junkyard.
Do I have any other options?
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 254
Likes: 0
From: central california
the seal is replaceable. but alot of the time they will leak if the comp is worn out. like a bad front bearing. causing to much play. but it is replaceable. and if the comp. did not come apart on the inside. like metal in the sys. you can just put a comp. on it. but yes allmost all aftermarket parts. do want you to replace other things to cover there but and yours. and your local ford dealer will have a rebulit comp. just a note. alot of folks work an a/c sys. but alot of them do not really understand them. so they get in a rut. and thats how it is. and mom and pop shops. have to do things to keep the warranty on that part good. like put those other parts on. i see guys everyday that have been doing a/c work for years and years. that dont really have a clue. my guess to you is if this is the shop that you get all of your work done. talk to the guy. and see what you can work out. if its just a place you stopped by because they do a/c work. than get a second look at it by another shop. good luck.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Tow a 6X12 trailer full of my shop equipment relocating to Florida from Ohio - my '99 F-150 5.4L 4X4 performs flawlessly. 2 days later (95 degrees and 95% humidity), the AC gets noticeably weak over the course of 3 days. I knew it was leaking coolant, just wasn't sure where. Sure enough, compressor. I did some checking - the front seal seems to be a real problem on this series of compressor. However, there is not a TSB that addresses this issue that I've been able to find. Given the climate I had no choice but to bite the bullet, drop the $800+ for a compressor, receiver/dryer (really does need to be changed when the system is completely opened) and a recharge. Got a 12 month / unlimited mileage guarantee on P&L. AC is blowing ice cubes once again. Hope this one lasts longer than 4 cooling seasons!