The Nissan Path

Last summer AC wasn't blowing enough cold air. Couple of weeks ago got it checked @ pepboys. Was told a leak on rear expansion valve and core evaporator. They recommended they will apply 'system stop leak', recharge and then observe if refrigerant will hold up. I approved the job and was charged $260.

It worked for 1 week and then the AC stopped working. Brought it back to pepboys and was told compressor clutch is not working and compressor needs to be replaced. Also, replace rear core evaporator and rear expansion valve since they were leaking the first time.

Total parts cost: $690, total labor cost $670. I won't be charged for the refrigerant since it was covered from my first visit.

Questions:
1. Should I complain about the compressor being busted as a result of their 1st job. My car has only 72k miles on it. Premature for the compressor breaking down?

2. I know the parts are overpriced, I looked up at partsgeek.com and the total of the three parts is $300. Is the labor cost also overpriced? If yes, what's the reasonable labor cost?

3. How do they know the rear core evaporator and expansion valve are leaking? I've read on some forum that the AC rear aluminum lines are easily corroded and are common to leak on pathfinders. Is it possible that's my leak Problem and not the evaporator?

Thanks in advance for your replies.

I also have an a/c leak probably in the rear a/c lines i havnt found the exact leak but going to start searching for it soon as summer temps are creeping in.

I just saw this. Maybe this link will help others who have the same rear AC problem.

http://autocheckauto.ca/articles/pathfinder/

I'll find a auto AC specialist and show them this write up

Thanks for the research i will be using this.

What did you guys do?
I have rear AC leak. I am told blocking off Rear AC is only feasible solution, since replacing entire line is only real fix and is very difficult to do.

Anyone can help? 96 degrees and I am melting.
Will the block off still get the car cool in the rear?

Did anyone do the line repair and have it last?

As long as the rest of the line is not corroded, replacing the bad section is totally feasible if you have a shop with equipment to do so and a competent mechanic to perform the repair. It's not much more difficult than repairing a brake line only the parts are obviously a bit bigger.

I ended up getting the rear ac blocked off. Mechanic welded the line together- since I could not find a block off kit.
So far nice and cool -at least the front is.