Is it a bad idea to only replace the compressor (with oil)? My compressor has had a leak for a long time and got worse this summer. What badness can happen if I don't replace the dryer/expansion valve? Seems sites that sell compressors won't give a warranty unless you replace everything.

I could try replacing the gaskets(err seals), but the thing is 12 years old so I figured I might as well replace it.

 

Its best to replace dryer, and expansion valve with the AC compressor... Especially after 12 years... I did mine in the 93Z 4 years ago when my AC went out...

I bought the parts and had a shop install, flush, and vacuum... Best investment in this Texas heat...

Cost around 700 parts and labor...

 

Thx, I'll probably do it myself, unfortunately for mother nature, I think all the freon got out so I'll put it together myself, then take it to a shop to vacuum and recharge.

Still I'd like to know the exact reason why they all should be replaced. I guess the expansion valve can wear out and junk accumulate in the drier? (what junk?)

 

My '98 Z28's compressor leaked for 2-3 years...it finally went out at the start of this past summer. I had it professionally done along with everything else replaced and the bill was a little over $900. I could've done it myself for around $500, but after reading horror stories of people who didn't get everything evacuated all the way out, etc., and then had to do it twice and it ended up costing a lot more, I decided this was something I'd rather leave up to the pros. I'm a pretty good shade tree mechanic too, even did the LS6 swap on my Z28, but AC work was something I didn't want to lose money on if I didn't get it perfect the first time...

 

LOL, I'm getting the feeling it's a lot harder than replacing some parts myself and taking it to the shop to get it flushed/recharged.