Does every freightliner m2 106 have a/c issues??

[pearlpro]

I try and stay out of the dealer shop unless its something really major, as the one fellow recommended find a real AC specialty shop, they might not be big truck specialists but a guy who understands how these systems work instead of plugging in a computer, reading a screen and saying OH YOUVE GOT A BAD $$$$$.....then they replace it, and you have air for about a week untill the coolant leaks away, and they plug it in to the computer and say, OH YOU HAVE A BAD $$$$$$....I now look for a guy whose a Trained Mechanic not a screen reader....

So far my M2 has been working well, were looking to buy new Air ride seats and install a Power port, but we do most of our work ourselves, it helps to have been a Diesel/Trailer mechanic in a former life....

 

[davekc]

Thats the difference between a true technician and a parts changer.

 

[RETIDEPXE]

2007 M2 So far on my A/C;

-Condenser because of pin hole developed in side tube (gravel ping??)
-High pressure line my fault because I did not notice it rubbing on radiator support after
me reinstalling from replacing Condenser
-Compressor, dryer and expansion valve because compressor started making noise at
620,000 mi.s. Changed out as precautionary measure.

I realize fleet owners can't DIY it while the vehicle is on the road but for us O/O's, so much info can be found online and elsewhere. I found the Condenser leak by shooting some freon leak finder dye from wally world in the system and showed up right away. R134a freon is not too expensive either.

With a cheap A/C gauge set (instructions included), a $15 vacuum pump from Harbor Freight that works off of compressed air (from the trucks tank), and a few sockets and torx heads, these items are not hard to DIY.

Cost was some of my own time plus parts; All parts OEM purchased from FL dealer, Condenser $220, High Press Line $225, Compressor with clutch, pre-oiled $149.95, Dryer $29.95, Expansion Valve $34.95, a few washer seals $10.00 and freon $58.00. Should be good to go for another 620,000 miles. 620,000 divided by $728 tot equals about $0.0012/ mi. It just erks me what some of these shops get away with on labor charges, but I too understand overhead costs of running a shop, fixed, variable and payroll.....that's why I try to avoid them if I can.

Although I believe the M2 is bashed more so partially due to the vast numbers of them on the road, I do agree the plastic dash parts and some electrical harnesses are inferior. BTW, before you replace a A/C blower motor, be sure and check the plug at the motor. Harness got hot causing it to become loose, not too mention the harness is located where shoes can be shoved up against it on the passenger side. A slight squeeze on the female connector with a pair of pliers fixed it. Put my point is, most the A/C issues mentioned here are not M2 specific, or at least I thought 620,000 miles out of a compressor wasn't bad anyway. What say ye?

 

[JimF51]

Have to agree with Retidepxe. Freightshakers are so much more numerous, there are bound to be more issues and complaints.

Asked owner about the M2 I'm driving. Has only had one AC issue since he owned (a'04 he bought in '08), and that was this past spring. When sleeper was installed, and high pressure line from it was tapped into factory line, they didn't use a bracket to support it. Over the years, it rubbed against another surface, and wore through. New line installed, with a bracket, no problems since.

Truck has the smaller MB engine, 850+k miles.

 

[ttruck]

we replaced everythin excpt the lines over a 1000.00 and it works great the lines will go next i know but you will probably have to get special made deals good luck