So, took the car in because I have this awful rattle under the hood when AC is on and the car is idling. This is the second time I have been in for it and the first go around I found out I had 2 toasted motor mounts. I upgraded to the XLR8 mounts and now I still have the rattle. Now I am told that it's the compressor bearings. And yes I know that I will have rattles because of the much stiffer mounts. I am also due for a timing belt...

Dealership Quote - $1,280 for the Timing belt and $561 for the Compressor bearings. Obviously I can get it done cheaper as I have searched this forum and found that some members had the Timing belt service done at honda for about $750.

Does it make more sense to have the whole compressor replaced instead of just the bearings? The car is almost 6.5 years old - I am the original owner.

 

By bearings, I assume you mean the clutch set? The clutch set discount price is $160, the whole compressor is $449. Labor cost should be the same (if not a bit less) to replace the whole compressor, so the difference in price is roughly $289.

Our compressors have proven to be pretty rock solid. Assuming the compressor itself is performing nominally, I'd probably not spend the extra money.

 

Yes I do mean the clutch set. Thanks.