Aircon failed after testing by main dealership

[E250_MK]

A strange issue happened recently. I noticed last month during one of those hot 28º days that the aircon didn't seem very cold. Time for a re-gass I thought, as it had been 2 years since it was last done. So when the car was going into the dealership for another issue I asked them to check if it needed a re-gas. After that one day the aircon was fin. A thermometer in the vents while aircon was on read 3.8º which is normal. So I began to think it was just a very hot day and might not even need re-gassing.

When I collected my car the dealership told me they did a pressure test in the aircon and found it was leaking from corroded lines, and gave a price of over £1,000 to fix. I was surprised, and decided to think it over. Driving out of the yard I noticed a new noise from the engine. When the aircon was on, there was no noise, but when off there was a vibration which I can feel in the car. I asked the dealership what had happened. They had a look under the bonnet and said it was likely the compressor bearing.

I am quite annoyed because this appears to have happened while at the dealership. It seems quite an unlucky coincidence that the bearing went while they had it for 2 days.

Am I being overly suspicious, or is this the sort of thing that can happen when they pressure test an aircon system?

 

[Blobcat]

I’d like to think it’s a coincidence - testing systems can put them under additional strain.

Is this a garage you have a good history with?

 

[Botus]

there is little they could break

the bearing on the front of the ac pump is made of chocolate and the condensers leak after 9 year of gentle use - cover in salt every winter and don't wash it off every few days, expect it to die much faster

 

[rifiki]

The AC has never been fixed on my 2005 CLK. Its's on all the time summer winter.

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

I my experience A/C compressor’s bearings generally start to complain at >100k miles especially if the pressure has dropped through lack of coolant and lubricant

 

[Botus]

mine was gone at 50k, same location on an audi they spec a bearing 2mm wider (which is about 13% bigger) - designed to FAIL !!!

 

[rayhennig]

Time for a re-gass I thought, as it had been 2 years since it was last done.

This is a relevant question, I think. Not trying to hijack the thread.

2 years seems very short a time. My system was brought back to life after some years by PCS in Horndean. This was in 2018. It's still blowing cold after 5 years so I'm pretty chipper.

Incidentally, compressor is now at 470K Kms, the original one.

What is the normal interval between re-gassing?

RayH

 

[NJS5]

OP hasn't put his location in his profile.

If within reasonable distance of Horndean, I too would recommend PCS.

NJSS

 

[rayhennig]

If within reasonable distance of Horndean, I too would recommend PCS.

I'm in the Dordogne. Is he closer?

R

 

[E250_MK]

An update on my aircon issue:

I bought an second-hand replacement conoressor from eBay for £70.
Got a mobile mechanic to install it for £100. He couldn't re-gas it, but the grinding vibration noise is gone.
The broken compressor that he removed makes a metallic 'clinking' sound when I shake it, so something has broken off inside, or something had gotten inside.
Got Autoclass to check the aircon system for leaks and to re-gas it if possible.
Autoclass found no leaks and re-gassed it for £120.

So I have working aircon again for a fraction of the cost that the main dealership quoted (which was over £1000)

I'll see how long it lasts and if any leaks spring up.

My E250 is coming up to 200k miles, so it seems I've had a reasonable run so far.

 

[mattkh]

I bought an second-hand replacement conoressor

Very happy for you.
What is the brand name of the compressor please.,?
And the model number. Thanks.

 

[E250_MK]

Very happy for you.
What is the brand name of the compressor please.,?
And the model number. Thanks.

The replacement ia a genuine Mercedes part (Mercedes part number A0032308711), which is Denso brand (Denso part number 447260-5992).

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

Great result, we’ll done