1999 RX300 AC problem
07-03-14, 08:27 PM
#16
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Location: California
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The question is do you trust their diagnosis?
If you do then it is all about parts and labor. Shop around to get a more competitive quote.
If you have the skill, tools and know how, the work can be done at home. Lexus requires a certain amount of oil at various places.
When you pick low milage vehicles you should expect problems with AC system, exhaust (cats etc) and various rubber parts. Oh check the date on the tires too. You may have good tread but the age can deteriorate the rubber.
Salim
If you do then it is all about parts and labor. Shop around to get a more competitive quote.
If you have the skill, tools and know how, the work can be done at home. Lexus requires a certain amount of oil at various places.
When you pick low milage vehicles you should expect problems with AC system, exhaust (cats etc) and various rubber parts. Oh check the date on the tires too. You may have good tread but the age can deteriorate the rubber.
Salim
07-04-14, 08:41 AM
#17
Moderator
The major bye product of hydrocarbon combustion is moisture steam). That steam stays in the exhaust system. Cars rely on heat of the exhaust to prevent condensation. Low milage based on brief distance driving usually has worst exhaust.
Then there are other factors like exposure to UV if the vehicle has not been garaged.
Salim
07-04-14, 11:01 AM
#18
I just fixed this today on my 2003 RX300 AWD
I replaced the compressor and changed the expansion valve.
The expansion valve is located on the DRIVERS SIDE of the vehicle. It is surrounded by a glued on THERMAL BLANKET. It must be torn off. I replaced mine with one from Home Depot's air conditioning and some zip ties.
The GAUGE CLUSTER must be removed. The EXPANSION VALVE is held on by 2 4mm Allen Head bolts. The additional 2 bolts must be removed from the evaporator to get the whole thing out. I also replaced the O-Rings with new.
2 hour job. AC is fine now.
I replaced the compressor and changed the expansion valve.
The expansion valve is located on the DRIVERS SIDE of the vehicle. It is surrounded by a glued on THERMAL BLANKET. It must be torn off. I replaced mine with one from Home Depot's air conditioning and some zip ties.
The GAUGE CLUSTER must be removed. The EXPANSION VALVE is held on by 2 4mm Allen Head bolts. The additional 2 bolts must be removed from the evaporator to get the whole thing out. I also replaced the O-Rings with new.
2 hour job. AC is fine now.
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tiguy99 (03-14-20)
07-04-14, 02:19 PM
#19
Moderator
I hope you did not cut any corners in evacuating and holding vacuum tests.
Salim
Salim
07-05-14, 04:02 PM
#20
Nope, I let it evacuate while I changed out the right hand differential output seal.
If say I let it evacuate for a good 2 hours at least. Probably overkill.
Holds vacuum, air is still cold today. I didn't let it sit but 20 minutes. It still held full vacuum, good enough. This thing is 11 years old and on it's way out.
If say I let it evacuate for a good 2 hours at least. Probably overkill.
Holds vacuum, air is still cold today. I didn't let it sit but 20 minutes. It still held full vacuum, good enough. This thing is 11 years old and on it's way out.
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