Folks,

Since A/C is not blowing cold, I took my car to a local shop. They discovered a leak (using Dye) around the expansion valve. At first they called this the expansion block and were quoted over $700 for the part at the local Mercedes dealership. I believe that the dealer must have quoted them a new evaporator coil.

Anyway, I purchased from fastlane a new expansion valve ($25) using the part # that was on valve. I also ordered a new receiver/dryer ($35) as my CD's show that this should be replaced as well. I was thinking about replacing them myself, but will probably just take it back to the shop to have them do the whole job (including the recharge).

Is there anything else I should concern myself with?

Willy

I hope the folks at Fast Lane won't take this the wrong way, but will this shop install customer-provided parts? If they do and something goes wrong with the part, guess what happens next?

My normal Mercedes mechanic does not like to install customer parts. But since this was an A/C issue, I thought that anyone with A/C experience could do the job. I'm having a shop down the street do it for me and they told me that if I picked up the parts that they would install them.

Good point though. Would Fastlane take parts back? I'd like to know that for future reference. But since these parts were only $25 and $35 I could take the chance even with my budget! :-)

Willy

Fast something
 

Brothers of the Benz
My experience in returning part to Fast Lane has always been painless.
Your expansion block for $700.00 was for an evaporator cooling coil assembly. It also includes the gaskets and packing material.
If you intend on replacing this, dig deep into your piggy bank, $1600.00 to $3000.00 depending upon wheither it is dealer installed or independant.
Bringing your own parts to the party brings to surface lots of worms.
Suggest that your technican purchase the part where you got the best price, F.L. Then one person warrantees the work.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from The Spiderman in Houston!!!

Brother Don,

Can you think of any reason why I could not replace the expansion valve and the receiver/drier myself and then take it to the shop to have it vacuumed and refilled?

Willy

ok folks,

Thanks for your help.

The Expansion Valve and Receiver/Drier were replaced and we now have Air.

Willy