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2013 Expansion Valve Leak/Failure/Replacement

5.1K views 3 replies 3 participants last post by  Jon89  
#1 ·
Local dealer (Koenig) says testing A/C system today for reduced performance resulted in leak found at Expansion Valve...necessitating replacement. Service writer said part was relatively cheap (not in stock), but with 7 hours labor the bill would be ~$1200! They'll disassemble while waiting for the valve to arrive, so should be on the road the day it arrives. About 65500 miles on the rig.

I believe that figure is gawdawful high...but haven't any wisdom or experience with failures of A/C system components. Two previous Foresters (2003 & 2007) went over 150K miles without issues of any kind...which made me a believer.

What is the reality, here? Is this a common failure? And is that a reasonable figure to repair?

Thanks for looking...wlw
 
#2 ·
Biggest labor part isn't replacing the part itself but evacuating the system (recover the refrigerant); [doing the part replacement]; setting a vacuum to confirm no more leaks; re-charging the system.

That said, 7 hours seems rather generous... Did you call around for second opinions?
 
#3 ·
No...I didn't.

They were in the middle of Oil & Filter change, plus replacement of drivers cab weather strip.

I don't love Koenig, but haven't that essential level of trust for any of the other ''we work on all makes'' shops here.

I do understand about all the ancillary labor items...I wonder what their shop rate is?

I'll know soon enough, I suppose. Thanks! wlw
 
#4 ·
I have always found that the best and most affordable A/C work is performed by A/C shops. They have the equipment and experience to diagnose and perform the repair more quickly than any dealership, therefore saving time and money.

The only time I have allowed a dealership to service an A/C issue is when the vehicle was still under the factory warranty.