I have a 2004 TL with Automatic with 87k on the Odometer. I took my car to my local mechanic yesterday and he advised that my AC compressor is going. To replace AC do you normally have to replace all AC filters, compressor, hoses and flush?

I was told there is metal coming out of compressor which will result in complete AC part replacement. My local mechanic is cheaper that Acura and I plan on using his assistance but wondered if anyone else had experienced this issue?

On another note I need to replace my rear brakes, what type of pads are recommended? Dealer stated Ceramic's can damage rotors, what is best type of pad to use on TL that is not raced, just daily driving?

 

The Tl comes with ceramics from the factory and on top of that ceramics are usually easier on the rotors than any other pads. You need to find a new dealer lol. Akebono makes the factory pads. I suggest Duralast cmax gold ceramics at autozone. These are a great stock replacement pad with low noise, low dust, and a lifetime warranty.

At 87k you should not have to replace the factory rear pads. I did mine around 90k only because I needed a more aggressive pad and you could not see a difference in wear from the 90k ones and the new ones. Make sure you don't have a stuck caliper.

 

What exactly is the compressor doing to where its needs to be replaced? Depends on what its doing to know exactly what needs to be replaced or what not. Normally when replacing the compressor, you should definately change the drier.

 

Depending on how badly the compressor contaminated the system is the question. The system can be flushed and filters can be added to the high/low side to prevent contamination from any metal particles that might be missed, along with a new accumulator, and depending on the severity, part replacement may be the answer. Make certain that the compressor has failed in this manor before the large cash outlay.

As far as brake pads, run of the mill pads would be fine on the rear, see Rock Auto for various choices.
Use code 90FB82EAE879 for an additional 5% discount at Rock Auto.

 

How did your mechanic know that the compressor was on its way out? Did you have it diagnosed for poor performance and he found out that way? Did he say you did anything wrong or if there was some sort of maintenance you should have done on it? Just curious since I've owned a few cars all the way up to 200K miles without ever needing the compressor replaced. Some have had to have the system evacuated and recharged and one had to have a leak fixed and some sensors replaced.

 

When my AC comes on it is louder than the normal engine fan i.e. very loud. I never had an issue with AC previously but took car in to get pollen filter changed out and ever since it sounds like I am standing next to a home AC unit on full blast. My mechanic stated the grinding sound coming from AC area was the compressor and due to the noise he suspects that entire unit needs to be changed.

I tried to find via the internet what type of rear brake pads are on the TL and could not. Thanks for letting me know that Acura uses ceramic's. I have only owned car for 40k and have it regularly checked out so hopefully issues is not calipers just vehicle being 8 years old.

 

They likely either dropped something down into the fan (the inside fan) when changing the filter or didn't seal up the door that holds the filter. I highly doubt it has anything to do with the compressor. It's probably a free fix. Turn the AC off and the fan on and see if it still makes the noise.

Regardless of age, the pads should not be worn out yet. Have you checked for yourself to confirm?