Air conditioner repair near me

jassrnj wrote:
My 2004 Holiday Rambler has developed a squealing noise. My local Rv dealer wants to install a new ac compressor for $1500. I need another opinion and don’t know who to trust in my area. I’m willing to drive a reasonable distance to get a through inspection of the problem and another estimate. I’m located in Bath PA zip code 18104.

if it's the chassis air then I'd seek out a dealer of whomever makes the chassis...ford or chevy. at least call them and if they don't/won't give you an estimate see if they have a referral.

if its the roof top? camper care edinbirg ohio about 10 miles west of berlin lake ,most honest dealer I,ve ever met ,nice mom,pop shop. 330 947 3210

If I were you, I would just call a regular AC tech and let them check it out and tell you what it needs to be done. The dealer is probably the last place that I would go.
Jerry parr

Before paying 1,500 to repair it, look at buying a new one.
End of season coming and a lot of sales going on. You can get a new one and installed for less than $1,000.

Get up on the roof,(Be sure to take a can of silicone spray with you.) remove the four phillips head screws holding the shroud on and remove it. Find the squirrel cage and look at the shaft where it comes out of the motor. You'll most likely find a good amount of dirt and lots of rust. Clean the shaft and squirrel cage of any debris and dirt and liberally apply the silicone spray. Have someone turn on just the fan, no A/C and see if it quiets and/or stops completely. If it quiets, turn everything off, clean the shaft and cage again. Spray again and try it again. These A/C units are probably the most neglected part of our coaches. They should be lubed just like your coach, at least annually....Dennis

I got a feeling he is talking about the chassis air. I can't see a dealer changing a compressor in a rooftop air and at $1500,00 you can get a new rooftop and have it installed for that kind of $$

jassrnj,

Based upon your description, I think you mean the chassis air too.

First of all, can you tell us what chassis your motorhome is on?

Second of all, are you home or travelling on the road?

Next, does turning off the A/C with the dash control stop the squealing? If so, then disconnect the clutch wire to the A/C compressor, you'll shut off the clutch and it will freewheel keeping the A/C compressor disengaged.

If the squealing stops, then keep the wire disconnected, the A/C compressor can no longer be engaged, and you are good to go for as long as you want. You won't have chassis air, but run your generator and fire up the roof top unit. Not perfect, but it should work to keep you mostly comfortable in the rig if you have the vents pointing up front.

If the squealing doesn't stop, that most likely means your A/C clutch is failing and that is going to require more immediate attention. I would NOT drive too far if this is the case.

If, by some chance, your rig is on a Workhorse chassis, I know there is a work-around where you can bypass the A/C compressor by using a smaller serpentine belt. I had to do that on ours when my clutch burned up about 5 miles from a campground we were heading to. I was able to bypass it and still use the rig until I got the situation fixed properly. If you're handy with tools and do your own work, it's not too bad of a job, even at a campground. If you need to bring it to someone, show them the bypass "option", if you need to travel and want a quick, cheap fix.

If it's the clutch, the clutch CAN be replaced by itself, if you're lucky, and you don't have to change the compressor. In my case, however, trying to remove the old clutch damaged the front A/C compressor seal, so I ended up changing out the compressor. THAT is not a normal do-it-yourselfer type job UNLESS you have the proper tools. It's not difficult, but you do need access to A/C tools (gauge set & vacuum pump) and R-134 refrigerant.

Good Luck,

~Rick

ON EDIT: Ok, I believe from reading some of your recent posts you have a Workhorse chassis. Read post #13 on this thread for some details on how to bypass the A/C compressor, if that's what you decide to do. I also made a post on these forums a while back about the
belt and pulley numbers needed. Click Here.

And this thread will show the proper belt-routing with either the A/C compressor or without the A/C compressor: Belt Routing Diagrams.

Try the nearest mobile RV repair.

jassrnj,

IF you end up needing a new compressor, they're about $250 or so from most autoparts stores. However, apparently there were several different compressor models installed on the 8.1's over the years, so finding the right one is sometimes a bit tricky. I believe the clutches by themselves were in the $40-$50 range...give or take.

If it's just the clutch, the refrigerant does not have to be evacuated and the repair is much simpler. If the compressor has to be changed out, then the system needs to be evacuated, the compressors have to be switched. Then a vacuum has to be put on the system and checked for a couple of hours to make sure there are no leaks. Then the new R-134 can be installed.

While $1500 sounds like a lot, from what I remember, that's probably in line with what many places would charge. They'll probably whack you $500-$800 just for the compressor, then for the refrigerant and, of course, labor.

Good Luck,

~Rick

Replace the compressor and the belt tensioner bearing at the same time. If you have 134a, the amount of refrigerant and oil must be absolutely correct, it is best to have an automotive specialty shop do the charge.