The AC went out on my 2000 Cavalier almost 2 years ago and before it went out I noticed a metal on metal noise every time I turned it on. Once it finally stop blowing cold air I figured I would see if it was low on refrigerant and it was fully charged. So today I finally went and had it checked at Firestone and I was told the compressor, accumulator and condenser needed to be replaced which would be around 2 grand. My question is does it sound like I am being lied to or is it totally possible for all three of these to be bad? Also If I replace the compressor and accumulator and it was the condenser that was bad will it hurt the new stuff I just put in? Thanks in advance

 

the metal sound was probably form the compressor failing and if you replace the compressor yes you need to replace the condenser and accumulator...along with flushing the system

 

the orfice tube is probably full of crud also. The compressor went for **** and the condensor is full of debris from the comp. the accumulator is standard practice to replace when the system is opened and the dessicant becomes moisture saturated.

 

Thanks for all the information glad to see they were being honest about it. Looks like I have a lot of work to do. The compressor and accumulator are easy for me to change but that condenser is going to be a straight up bitch. Anyways thanks again