Have a year old 997.2 where the AC Compressor stopped working. Brought it into the dealer and they said the compressor was actually damaged, likely by a rock or some other sort of road hazard. Dealer says its possible that a rock can get through front intakes and hit compressor. They found a hole in the actual compressor that looks like it was caused externally. They say they've seen it many times.

Since its damaged not failed, not covered under warranty. Going to cost $1800 to replace. Hoping insurance will cover.

Does this seem like a plausible explanation on what could have occurred? Seems like poor design if the compressor (or other parts) are susceptible to rocks.

 

Condensers are in front of radiators and can get damaged by rocks. Some here have used mesh protectors to minimise this risk. Although it is a design element of 911s, yes I would think it is damage and not failure

 

Thanks. I guess I meant condenser. :-) I'll have to look into the mesh protectors, especially if I decide to take the car on the track again.

Looks like insurance will cover, so will cost me the $500 deductible rather than the $1800. But still annoying!!!

 

Just happened to me and insurance did cover it. Only cost me $1,400.

Tom

 

+1 grill mesh. You'd be surprised at what ends up in there w/o the grill mesh.

 

price the condensor on pelican parts and ebay. you may be able to find a new one for less than what the dealer is asking. replacing it will require front bumper removal which is an hour of labor by a shop.

 

After what happened to TommyV44, I decided to put a mesh on the opening.

 

So is the compressor on the back side on the belt system like a normal car, or is the compressor electrically driven and at the front with the condenser coils (where the heat of the compressor refrigerant is dumped to the airflow)?

Or did the OP mean condenser coils when he said compressor?

 

Compressor at this time is bolted to engine and run by serpentine belt through an electric clutch system.