Aircon compressor needs replacing

[iand123]

Hi

Recently my 03 1.6 megane has been making a pretty loud noise and start. It does reduce in noise as i drive along for a bit, but is certainly louder than usual. Gaving read on here about the phaser pulley, i fully anticipated for this to be the issue. Went to a local renault specialis (Two Techs www.twotechs.co.uk - seem very reasonable and helpful if you are in the dartford area). He came out to listen and immediately said its not the phaser pulley. He then asked to put the ac on, and the noise went. He said that my air con compressor needs replacing otherwise it could completely break and cause a fair bit of damage.

He quoted me £440 all in, this is with a Renault Serviced compressor at £250. A brand new one was over £600 and came with the same 12 months warranty as the serviced option! Price also incudes a regas and gas as well as an aux belt. Said it will take 1.3 hrs to do and the labour is only £65 which i thought was pretty decent.

Has anyone else has this part replaced, if so what did it cost? Whilst im pretty happy with their quote (despite the obvious annoyance at having to pay for it in the first place) but, just wanted to compare prices if anyone else had it done.

Thanks

Ian

[dougieCC]

Mine makes a noise when aircon switched on, got it regassed last year and the noise went, but think I have a leak as its started again. I would stil get a second opinion from an aircon specialist.

Alan