Air Conditioning compressor reconditioning

Just been through this with a friends father. From what I've found out air con units were never built with repair in mind. That is complete overhaul not just the bearings. The person who told me is in the business and said I could go either way but he had not had much luck with them. Had tried from various places but said he had a high return so now pushes using new compressors even though the margin is less for him there are much fewer returns. He said basically they can only replace the minor components and if you get one that's already done a few hundred thousand K's then...........

Go for a new one or just go to the wreckers if you don't want to spend much money, probably outlast a recon one and if not it'll be a quarter of the price. The quoted price sounds high, he quoted me $800-900 fitted for a new comp, gased, new dryer etc.

just had my a/c checked out by a mob in Newcastle. and I highly DO NOT recommend them. (won't name them .. yet)
i had a noise appearing every so often when the a/c was on.. and they narrowed it down to the TZ valve (valve which changes liquid>gas ?or vice versa?). anyway, quote from them was $450 to replace valve.
then went and saw my 'mate' at another a/c place (opposition of the highly NOT recommended mob above) and he said that he'd order in the TZ valve in for me $100max.. we'll do the changeover with my mate this saturday morning (Cost= 1x carton of beer.... and take it back on monday and he'll re-gas system for $100!
also. i checked under the bonnet after visiting the 1st mob... and one of the two caps (must be release valves in the gas line?) was sitting nicely on my 2nd battery.. hence not where it should be!.. and the other was nowhere to be seen. back in the car i was straight down there and did a please explain to them!. anyway..
TZ vavle is ordered will let you know of outcome!

Hi bbuz
If you need to buy another compressor use only a new unit, reco units do not last. Make sure to use ONLY R134a gas, do not get talked into any other gas. Make sure the condensor is clean and not blocked with bugs,grass etc. Get your system checked by a good auto a/c mechanic to make sure the system is not overcharged, this is a very common mistake when mechanics charge by the sight glass or by weight. Ask the mechanic who did the regas if he added oil to the compressor, this must be done every time the drier is changed. Make sure the viscous coupling is working correctly.Hope this info helps you.
Waynet.