I just got my 2002
MCS back from the dealer yesterday with a power steering pump replacement at 42K miles. The ps pump had some sort of internal failure that caused it to run all the time, even when the engine was off and the car locked down: which driained the battery.
At about the same time the a/c stopped working, and I thought it was maybe do to excessive loads, who knows- it was not well thought out on my part.
Anyway, the technician reports back that the "a/c line damaged (from evaporator to condensor)" with an estimate for $1100 to replace it.
He also left me with an even longer list of needed workt:
Oil pan gasket -which I know I can do myself for $25- $685
Both control arm rubber mounts torn $800
Strut mounts torn - passenger side really bad- $740
Needs alignment after above work: $200.
So up to 42K miles my
MCS was trouble free, and suddenly -after paying almost $1K for the power steering pump - I am facing another $3K, at least according to the dealer.
I'm a somewhat competent diy guy, done timing belt changes, shock and spring replacements, that sort of thing on Audis and VWs. I really bought a new
MCS to avoid working on another car, but I guess it has come to this
.
First question: Though I might go to a a/c shop to get the system recharged, is replacement of the evap-condensor line a reasonable do it yourself task for me? Any idea why they would charge $1100 ?
Second question: are there any tasks on the whole list that, in the interest of saving my labor time, should be done together?
I guess the time has come to buy the Bentley. Another other suggestions gladly welcomed.
Thanks very much,
Tom F.
Damaged aircond line between condenser and evap..$1100...plus more problems! 
