a/c compressor
 

Hi, need help understanding what needs to be done to replace a bad a/c compressor. 1994 LS 400 air conditioner started making a terrible racket, like I am dragging a bicycle under the car. Took it to a mechanic who said it is the a/c compressor and quoted $1500 to fix. Problem is the car is my son's who lives in Hawaii for another month and then will be selling the car, so hard to put that much into it at this point.
Today I was driving and the serpentine belt quit turning, I knew because the power steering went out. I would think that means the a/c compressor seized. I found reman compressors between $189 and $400. Does the whole a/c system need to be replaced or ?
Any help or suggestions would be really appreciated.
Mary

Compressor, Drier need to replace, Condensor (need to be clean), cooling coil needs to be check if there is leak.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...-91-ls400.html

Check out that thread!

My opinion would be; if you're gonna sell it you don't want to put too much into it b/c you can't raise the price by the amount you just put in. I would get the cheapest reman A/C compressor (if that is the true problem) and find a cheap mechanic to install it. I'm sure there are mechanics out there looking for side work, pay him $40 - $50. It shouldn't take but an hour to install, and then recharge it, if you want to, or tell the new buyer it needs to be charged.

Thank you DeanShark for your help, again. I certainly agree with your thought process. I found a mechanic who will charge $290 for labor including the charge and freon or the current gas and a reman compressor for $168 plus shipping.

Fencera thank you for your reply and the link. Hopefully we have better luck the first.

Mary