Replacing A/C Accumulator myself or let automotive shop do it??

[ldyoung71]

I just found out that what I thought was just a small minor leak turned out to be a dryer accumulator being bad. My question is ease to replace myself vs. the estimate I just got from Firestone. $339.57 to replace accumulator, vacuum system, and refill with refrigerant. Anyone have experience doing this? Is the price they are charging too high? Is it easy to do yourself?

 

[csvt_33]

Mine sprung a leak, too, and I replaced it myself. Unless you have the proper tools to do the job(gauges, vac pump, spring-lock removal set), I would probably pay them to do it. $340 seems about right/not too much for the repair.

Figure alone that the cost of the above tools you'd need to do it yourself would run you around $200 (Well, you could go super el-cheapo and probably get closer to $100) + the cost of the part and 134a($100?), why not save yourself the headache.

If you do get the tools/ material you need and want to tackle it yourself, it isn't too bad. I just removed the front spash shield behind the bumper and was able to get at it. Don't remember it too well, did it like 6-7 yrs ago.

 

[ldyoung71]

OK.. Looks like I made the right decision. I told them to go ahead and get it done. You made a good point about the tools as well. I don't have any to work on A/C. Thanks!!