So last fall my compressor blew out and I am getting some estimates to get it repaired.
I am having a lot of conflicting estimates and was hoping you all could help me out.

One estimate replaces the compressor, dryer, and fluid.
Another replaces the compressor,condensor, expansion valve, and fluid.
A different one recommended just replacing compressor and fluid.

When the compressor went, there was a loud bang and all the fluid leaked out, but also you can see cracks on the compressor, so it was like it grenaded.

I obviously would like to spend as little as possible since I cannot afford this at the moment, but I want it to be fixed properly.
What would you guys go with? And what parts do you think would need to be replaced?

 

Compressor blew out, replace.
Fluid gone, replace.
Dryer exposed to atmosphere, replace.
Expansion valve likely contaminated by compressor explosion, replace
That leaves the condensor, likely contaminated by compressor explosion...the million dollar question is, does it leak? If it leaks, replace it...if it doesn't, it's your call. If the condensor is weakened and fails in a little while, it's a replace it, replace the dryer (possibly), and replace the fluid...so what's the cost of the condensor replacement now vs. testing, and then flushing, and then waiting and seeing if no leak. As a side note, a lot of sources suggest replacing the condensor rather then flushing it as the newer units have too many small holes to flush reliably.

I'd say the "cheap" way is to replace the minimum possible and expect to pay a lot more down the road, the "expensive" way replaces the whole thing and is done with. Over a couple of years, the expensive way is likely to be cheaper.

 

Would this be a difficult DIY? I know I could do it, but I have never flushed an a/c system, but know I could easily do the replace of the parts.

 

Flushing isn't difficult, but on newer systems, with smaller orifaces, it usually fails. The evacuation of the system after reinstall and before charging that takes some specialized equipment.

If you can find a willing store that will evacuate and charge the system after you've done the replacement, they would not warranty the results. It's unlikely any store would agree.

 

I remember a couple years back someone posted a DIY here. The compressor clutch broke off, causing everything else to fail.

 

i have done a couple of these and all you have to replace is the a/c compressor and condensor and give it a good flush and your set

 

I am rebuilding my A/C in my 2004 TSX now. I purchased a kit which included a new compressor, drier, expansion valve, oil and liguid flush ($275.00). I was told by the A/C shop that evaporators and condensors should never be flushed. So I purchased a new condensor for $80.00.
That now leaves the only original components to be the high and low pressure lines and the evaporator. It did not look like I had the "Black death-compressor blowing apart) so I flushed the evaporator with clean compressed air only.
I have reinstalled the expansion valve and evaporator in the vehicle and am now going to flush the two lines and install the new compressor and condensor within the next few days.
I will post as this job progresses. I be glad to answer any questions.

 

Has the evaporator been pressure tested? The only cleaning I would recommend for an evaporator would be external; spray with a water/detergent solution, let sit for 15 minutes or so, then (very) gently wipe/work the exterior with a soft cloth and water, and then gently rinse. Make sure your fins are in good shape.

How do you plan to evacuate the system before charging?

 

I have not had the evaporator pressure tested, but do not feel that is an issue with it, so I just blew out the old oil/residue with some compressed air.
When I get to the stage that requires the evacuation of the A/C system, I am going to "rent" a vacuum pump from autozone, hook it up and let it run for about an hour before I charge it with R-134.
Anything I should look out for?

 

Leaks in the evaporator...but I guess the vacuum pump will find any.