1999 Honda Civic Metal Filings in AC System

1999 HONDA CIVIC
140,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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EDWPTRSN
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Last June at approx. 130000 miles, my AC started making a grinding sound and the compressor is an excessive load on the engine. Took it to a Honda dealer to investigate. They reported that there are metal filings circulating throughout the AC system and the entire system needs to be replaced at approx $1800. AC still cools, even at low speeds.

Does this sound right?
Is there a cheaper repair than $1800?

Thanks
Feb 9, 2009 at 3:48 AM
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KHLOW2008
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 41,812 POSTS
Hi edwptrsn,

Normally when compressors fails or are failing, moving parts might shear off due to lubrication probelm and these would result in the metal filings.
Under these circumstances the filings would be in the system and the only way to clean the system is to replace the complete system as per Honda or any other dealers.

Replacing the compressor is ncessary and others apart from maintenence items can be cleaned. However there is no way to completely clean out the system and any residues left in system can and will cause premature compressor damaged.
Feb 18, 2009 at 7:39 AM
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