So, the appliance guy says the compressor in our 3 year old refrigerator took a shit. We called Sears and wouldn’t you know, the warranty expired at the end of July. Fridge is a Kenmore Elite. But in looking at the compressor, it’s an LG. Fucking Frankenstein appliance from the store. After a little research it seems this is common in LG compressors.

At any rate, I went online and it looks like a new compressor is about $300. The appliance guy says it’s $700 labor to install the new one. $1000 damn dollars to repair a 3 year old fridge that cost $1800. Is this guy out of his mind or is this the going rate? If it’s the going rate, I’m saying they’re all out of their damn minds.

I’m pretty handy, but have never done copper pipe brazing and it’s out of my league.

What’s the consensus here?

Thanks,
CT

The labor sounds very high. After you cut out, dismount the old one, braze in the new one and mount it, you do have to vacuum down the system for an hour prior to recharging with the appropriate Freon (necessitating a vacuum pump and a/c gauges to do it correctly).

Kenmore doesn't make appliances, just rebrands other peoples. I'd get another quote on the phone from someone else, if it's close to the first, buy a whirlpool fridge and replace it.

Going through the exact thing. Cheaper to buy a new one. No one in my area will work on a LG product.

Shot you an email that may help if you decide to purchase new.

In regards to the repair, you need to braze everything in place, pull a vacuum, then charge with Freon, oil, clamp the charging tube and braze closed. Not sure if all the tubes are still Cooper, if some are galvalum, or steel, it may require some research to get the correct flux and rod.

It looks easy by an experienced HVAC guy... the hard part about appliance repair is knowing the experience level of the tech. Just make sure they have a good warranty on the repair.

Note to self - when buying new fridge, verify no LG components (actually, not too fond of Samsung appliances either).

I’d buy a replacement. After it’s repaired it will still be a piece of shit LG.

Thanks for the replies. Looks like I’ll be buying a new one. Will an appliance shop buy the POS with no compressor or should I just have the delivery crew haul the old one away and cut my losses?

Thanks,
CT

quote:

Originally posted by ChasinTails:
Thanks for the replies. Looks like I’ll be buying a new one. Will an appliance shop buy the POS with no compressor or should I just have the delivery crew haul the old one away and cut my losses?

Thanks,
CT

Probably not, but try calling them. If you cut the coils out and compressor and split up (separate) the metals, you'll probably get about $50 for it at a scrap yard.

I’d have them haul it off