I recently took my car into a firestone repair shop about 2 months ago for a faulty trunk latch. When I came back for my car they told me I need three new tires and several new belts, including a new a/c belt. So I paid them over $600 to fix all of that. I hadn't had any issues with my a/c until I got my car back and suddenly it wasn't getting as cold, a terrible smell was coming from my vents, and the belts on my car were so noisy it sounded like i was driving a go-cart. I just took my car in and now they say my compressor is completely locked up, my a/c belt has snapped in half and its going to cost me over a thousand dollars to fix everything.

I HADN'T HAD ANY PROBLEMS UNTIL THEY "FIXED" MY A/C BELT.
Are they at fault for shotty workmanship or do I just have to fork over the cash?

I'm a young college student and I feel like I was completely tricked into shelling out way to much money. If you have any suggestions I would appreciate it. Thank you.

2003 Hyandui Elantra


(This post was edited by kjk09 on Jan 28, 2008, 2:57 PM)

WHAT HAPPENED!!!! You took it in for a latch to be fixed and they did more than that - was that authorized by you? If poor quality belts were installed or improperly it could have been the problem - hard to say now.

Can you spin (two things) the part of the compressor where the belt rides (belt off) should spin and coast freely. Then you should try (belt on or not) spinning the outer hub part with a rag and it should turn with resistance but will turn.

If the compressor really did seize it could take lots more than a new compressor to fix it. Debris would need to be removed from the system and other parts replaced. Hard to do for even $1000!!!!

T
Tom Greenleaf - MetroWest Boston - USA
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http://www.autoacsystems.com/tomgreenleaf/