How to: Replace A/C Condenser
NOTE: This is only a general guide. If you break something, neither I nor TGC or anyone on the entire internet, or anyone in general is responsible for any damage. Use this guide at your own risk.
So the condenser on my car went out and sprung a leak. Heres a quick tutorial on how to remove it.
First, you can see that my car had a/c dye added to it the last time I recharged it. Here is the condenser out of the car, and you can see where the dye leaked out and ran down the side.
http://www.polishmafia.com/gtz0711/1.jpg
First things first - Make sure the system is NOT UNDER PRESSURE! If your a/c system has a leak, it may have lost it, make sure there is no pressure in the system.
Next... Remove the bolts that hold down the radiator brackets. There are two on either side.
http://www.polishmafia.com/gtz0711/2.jpg
Next... Remove the one nut and one bolt that hold down the high pressure and low pressure lines that go to the condenser. They are easy to remove, and (on the V6) are right next to the alternator.
Here they are removed. Undo the bolt and nut and pull the away gently.
http://www.polishmafia.com/gtz0711/3.jpg
See the alternator?
http://www.polishmafia.com/gtz0711/4.jpg
After they have been removed, push the radiator back and gently pull the condenser up and out of the car.
Here is a shot of what the hookups on the condenser look like.
http://www.polishmafia.com/gtz0711/5.jpg
Once you have it out, put in the new one (which for me, won't show up until Tuesday GDIT!)
http://www.polishmafia.com/gtz0711/6.jpg
But until then, either don't drive the car or don't turn on the a/c. Also, watch out for a/c dye... it is a pain in the ass to remove from skin and clothes.
To install a new one, just follow this tutorial in reverse. Get the system evac'd and recharged, and you are good to go.
