cost of fixing HGT - mega bucks

[Phil Lee]

As much as I love my car - maintaining the thing is costing so much money. Just as I was expecting sort the cambelt out soonish, I have just discovered that the bearing on my aircon unit has gone, apparently it is "seizing" with the clutch. This was the diagnosis at Fiat specialists Continental Cars in London, they have suggested that I go to an aircon specialist to see if it can be fixed, or face replacing it at £470 for the part alone! Insurance is over £1000 next month for me (29yrs old, 10yr licence, 3yrs no claims, no accidents etc, NW London) - and service is around the corner at 42k. It really is becoming bit of a money drainer, even have to replace handbrake parts because the thing freezes in the cold....maybe it really is getting to me. Have been eyeing up a 4wd sports car like a 2nd hand S4 or Subaru Impreza - but feeling guilty at the same time!!

Has anyone had a similar problem with the aircon unit? can it be fixed or do I have to replace the whole thing?

cheers
Phil

 

[sandro]

Air con unit

Hi,

if you can get me the FIAT part number and the number on the unit i can check and see if i have a brand new one. We get FIAT engines on test here and they always have air con, alternators fitted which we dont use so take them off. If we do have one i can let you have it cheap. let me know if you are interested. My mobile no is 07779 086578.

 

[syedtaq]

Air-Con

The air-con compressor unit is serviceable. You can change the magnetic clutch if it does not click when switching on. Handbrake........maybe you need to grease at certain parts? (Not to sure). Cambelt, change it, don't wait.

Regards,

SYED.

 

[Phil Lee]

who?

Hi,

WHo would do it? i have no idea, and Fiat garages don't bother with that, they just change the whole thing.

please advise...

Phil
PS - you said to change the cambelt straight away - is this based on something happening to an HGT? I understand that they are not affected?