Replacing Air Condenser

[cookiemonster17]

Has anyone ever replaced the air condenser for our cars...how hard of a job is it...my air condenser is crap and I have no a\c....my mechanic said I need a new one cause its leakin in multiple spots...its leaking cause after my accident with a deer, it was replaced with a crappy aftermarket one from the insurance company..the warranty on it expired after a year and its been a yr since the warranty expired...its just a costly job ifmy mechanic does it...any tips or advice on this would be awesome

Is it just a few bolts here and there, or is there more to it....all the freon has leaked out

[420sx]

Easy peasy, if hes referring to the "coil," which is commonly called the condenser.

If hes referring to the compressor (which is rightfully called the condenser), then its still easy-ish, but not as easy as the coil.

Are we talking about the radiator looking jawn? (thats right i said jawn)

[cookiemonster17]

Yea looks like the radiator but a bit smaller

[cookiemonster17]

and i seen a bunch on ebay...is he smart idea to stay away from any that are in a car being parted out and are there any brands that are def quality brands?

[Foolinaround]

napa for the condenser.

As far as replacement it should be evac system,drain coolant,unhook hoses,take out condenser.

[cookiemonster17]

There's coolant in the condenser too?...I thought that was only in the radiator...all the freon should be out due to the holes in the ccondenser

[Big_Jim]

What insurance company do you have? I have state farm, and any work that has been done by an approved shop by the insurance company is covered for as long as i own the vehicle. You may want to contact your insurance company to see if they'll assist in the repair.

[420sx]

There's coolant in the condenser too?...I thought that was only in the radiator...all the freon should be out due to the holes in the ccondenser

Usually you need to pull the radiator to get to the condenser.

Once you pull the rad, replacing the condenser is a simple unbolt, rebolt. Its pretty straight forward. Then when its installed, simply charge the a/c with a can of r134a from pepboys (which is equally easy to do).

[cookiemonster17]

What insurance company do you have? I have state farm, and any work that has been done by an approved shop by the insurance company is covered for as long as i own the vehicle. You may want to contact your insurance company to see if they'll assist in the repair.

i called my agent and he is currently in the works of seeing if my shop i went to is a approved shop...i need a new insurance company...selective isn't cutting it anymore

[cookiemonster17]

Usually you need to pull the radiator to get to the condenser.

Once you pull the rad, replacing the condenser is a simple unbolt, rebolt. Its pretty straight forward. Then when its installed, simply charge the a/c with a can of r134a from pepboys (which is equally easy to do).

o so i need to drain the entire radiator?...sounds like the most annoying part so far is removing the front bumper...hopefully can find a legit condenser on ebay...or even check out NEPA

[420sx]

If you buy all the materials and coordinate your schedule with mine, Id be happy to help you install it.

PS are your wheels blue now? If so I think I spotted you over the weekend @ street and mearns rd.

[cookiemonster17]

If you buy all the materials and coordinate your schedule with mine, Id be happy to help you install it.

PS are your wheels blue now? If so I think I spotted you over the weekend @ street and mearns rd.

Sounds good man...ill shoot you a p/m when I pick up all the parts

And not sure where mearns is at but I was on my way to doylestown on sat afternoon for a slammin burger joint...my wheels now are a plum purple so coulda been me

[420sx]

Lol yeah it was definitely you then. Like a deep blue/purple. Looked good.:thumbup:

[cookiemonster17]

when it comes to the flow in the condenser: "parallel flow" or "tube and fin flow", does it matter or is there no difference?

[cookiemonster17]

Am i gonna need some PAC oil too?...and i guess im gonna have to take it to a shop afterwards to get it vaccummed and filled with freon?

[420sx]

Am i gonna need some PAC oil too?...and i guess im gonna have to take it to a shop afterwards to get it vaccummed and filled with freon?

Nah its already empty. We just gotta fill it up. Its easy to fill since its already empty.

Not sure what PAC oil is.. can you clarify? The R134a freon comes with oil in it Im pretty sure.

Youre gonna need the condenser, one of the big cans of R134a with the hose kit, and a jug of coolant.

[cookiemonster17]

Alright...ill see what I can find out about the pac 10...and I don't think we have to drain the radiiator at all cause its ibehind the condenser...I'm gonnna purchase a condenser over the weekend and ill let you know when it comes in...hopefully we can knock this out next weekend or whenever ur free...I work during the day but its not hard to get the day off

[420sx]

I work during the day as well, m-f. So it shouldnt be too hard to coordinate our schedules.

The condenser is in front of the radiator, but it usually has to come out through the back. Meaning, the rad has to move to get the condenser in/out. Your car may be different, but thats how its always been in the past for me.

[Ridachu]

PAG oil is what you probably dont need as newer can of 134a have it...sometimes
smells delicious

and replace your accumulator or orifice tube..i would

chances are when you replace the condenser and refill your 134a youll realize your cold isnt as cold...cause your system is contaminated by the atmosphere...so replace the accumulator

[cookiemonster17]

you think it would be contaminated for how new my car is?...no idea where to find to find the accumulator tube at...but i did hear its prob good to replace the expansion valve screen...not sure how useful that would be too

[Foolinaround]

id replace the expansion valve/orifice tube and the accumulator/drier as well,for good measure.

[Ridachu]

you think it would be contaminated for how new my car is?...no idea where to find to find the accumulator tube at...but i did hear its prob good to replace the expansion valve screen...not sure how useful that would be too


once your a/c system has been open...internally(not from charging) its contaminated...look it up online took me a couple seconds to find a new accumulator...and of course the screen.

these are the 2 pieces that must be replaced once you open your a/c system in my opinion

[cookiemonster17]

o alright..im assuming the accumulator is right around the condenser some where?

[Ridachu]

o alright..im assuming the accumulator is right around the condenser some where?


usually tucked towards the rails on either right or left side...cant miss it

[cookiemonster17]

alright so checklist would be"
-Condenser
-PAG oil to add to the condsener if not already in the freon
-Can of R134a w/ hose (1 can?)
-Orifice Tube
-Accumulator
-Expansion valve screen
-coolant if needed

I heard its good to put a vacuum cap kit on the 2 lines on the condenser hoses to protect while switching from old condenser to new one

and does anyone recommend a store for these? I usually head to Advance Auto Parts due to it being local...but not sure if better prices can be found at pepboys, napa, national auto, or auto zone


and it won't be a issue to not vacuum out a new condenser?

[Foolinaround]

Napa is best.