2009 R3 = Clutch in AC Compressor is burning - $2k? WTF
 

I just bought this car. it has 69k miles on it and seems to run fine but it is making a weird noise and smells like burning metal. Took it in and they said the Clutch in the A/C compressor is bad.

Anyone else have this issue with their series II RX8?

I have a couple questions...

1 - can I just get a shorter belt and avoid the a/c compressor as a temp fix?

2 - can I just buy a used a/c compressor for cheap from Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market and have it installed to fix the problem?

Thanks!!!!

1 no
2 yes

Any harm in driving it the way it is, or will that clutch lock up and cause the belt to slip or break?

Thanks!!!

Probably
Just dont turn on the a/c

You would be better to take the belt off... Stupid A/C comes on at the strangest time without warning...like defrost :)

Will a used a/c compressor have all the parts in it. I suck at mechanical crap. I'd need to have a mechanic install it but I found one at a junk yard off of a 2011 for $125

Thanks

Basically you should be OK.

The system will need to be evacuated and the proper amount of oil and refrigerant added. You should really put in a new receiver/dryer as well..it's kinda like the filter for the system

Definitely not a 2K job though :)

Thwy may be able to swap the clutch in situ, withoutde gassing problbly not but its worth asking

Thanks for all the replies. I panicked and Got a rental instead of driving it

Who would be able to do that kind of work that you mention? My Mazda dealer quoted me the $2k deal. Fail.

Thanks!!!!

There are often shops that specialize in A/C repairs...there is nothing special about the A/C in the 8, Any competent shop should be able to do it...or have a go to person they use to deal with A/C repairs

Any RX-8 Compressor will install...

You can buy the clutch assembly separately new @ $585 (F151-61-L10B), or with the complete compressor assembly @ $897. (F151-61-450A)...these are genuine online prices for parts.

You really are better off spending the extra on the complete unit, as extra time (cost) is needed to remove old clutch drive and install....but a new clutch drive could be installed without recovery + evac which is extra cost, time, materials....there could be problems though with access with a clutch only install....and then after all that what if the old Compressor is wonky too?

I would definitely go with the complete comp, and you must have the full recover and regas done as Dan said, the system oil has to be measured accurately out of the old compressor storage and the same level of new oil MUST be in the new compressor before install.

Receiver dryers are not available separately, the tank only comes as part of the Condenser F151-61-480 @ $461, I would just do the complete compressor assembly and forget the Condenser.

IF you go down the second hand road for parts, and a used compressor, unless it is low mileage, be careful, in a junk yard I would personally not touch any system AC parts if they have been exposed to moisture (ie other parts taken off the AC leaving it unsealed for days/weeks).
It will be more trouble than it is worth in the savings.....or you could be lucky?

Contact a competent independent AC repair shop and ask, how much, they should be able to quote a fixed price, then go on what you want to spend...EDIT: Don't let an AC shop cut/modify pipes to add in a separate dryer, unless you don't plan on keeping 8.

Thx. ^^^^

what if you removed the AC completely as an investment for other components, just use 3M Crystalline tint as a replacement.