Quick car help. wifes car at dealer right now

[Chad4000]

A/C went out in the car. car is at ed bozarth dealer. they are apparently telling her that the "the entire axle of my a/c compressor broke off and fell out the bottom of my car….." (quote from wifes email)

umm... im not exactly a mechanic but what the fuck are they talking about right now? could be talking about the pully assembly? but wouldnt that have resulted in the belt coming off, thus resulting in more problems like the car dying etc?

2005 ish chevy malibu hybrid (dont tell everybody around town its a hybrid ok lol).

[Ronin13]

A/C Compressor axle? Yeah sounds like they're trying to scam the hell out of your wife... tell her to get outta there and go to a different mechanic. At least that's what I'd do.

[OtterbatHellcat]

A compressor can lock up and blow apart the clutch and shaft, and the pulley can remain in tact....thus the belt will stay on.

Seen some weird stuff happen like that, but it does and can happen.

[Chad4000]

A/C Compressor axle? Yeah sounds like they're trying to scam the hell out of your wife... tell her to get outta there and go to a different mechanic. At least that's what I'd do.

uh thats my first thought too....

[Chad4000]

A compressor can lock up and blow apart the clutch and shaft, and the pulley can remain in tact....thus the belt will stay on.

Seen some weird stuff happen like that, but it does and can happen.

why would they have used the term axle? do I just not know anything about AC compressors?

[OtterbatHellcat]

What's the estimate for replacement?

[Chad4000]

What's the estimate for replacement?

standy by.. emailing wife.. dont think we have a number yet

[OtterbatHellcat]

I'm assuming they meant the shaft. Tomato tomAto.

[Chad4000]

"ok, just spoke with the guy. He said the a/c compressor has a front clutch, and I guess that front clutch shaft broke completely in half. He said he's never seen the part do that before. Basically said it means it was a failed part, which is not common at all but can happen. He said either the rod broke off inside or the shaft of the clutch itself just broke apart.

Having to replace the entire compressor, as it is all one "part" and you can't piece a new clutch portion back on…."

[Chad4000]

she said the estimate was $1100.................................. lol.....