How to: Replace A/C Condenser

[polishmafia]

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.



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.



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.



See the alternator?



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.



Once you have it out, put in the new one (which for me, won't show up until Tuesday GDIT!)



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.

[finald8ta]

if ur gona do this you should replace the dryer and expansion valve, and new o-rings since you have the system open.
just my 2cents
they sell a kit for the o-rings

[foxbrand]

I'm not sure if I might have over looked something, but do you have any thoughts of how to safely discharge the pressure from the system?

[finald8ta]

take it to a shop that can do that for u

[Hevymetalg]

if ur gona do this you should replace the dryer and expansion valve, and new o-rings since you have the system open.
just my 2cents
they sell a kit for the o-rings

Where? Every time I go to the parts store it not on their computer. Thanks.

[finald8ta]

really
hold on ill do a search

[jimmy_o2]

Ill also add if ur gonna leave the system open for a while make sure u cover up the holes to minimize moisture entering the system.(painters tape will work or plastic bag and zip tie it)

[finald8ta]

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par.../N-jeanpZ91sje

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par.../N-jeanpZ91sfu

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par.../N-jeanpZ91tam

some of it might be special order butt its better to have them be replace, i kno here i have a company i can get a whole a/c kit, includes compressor, oil, o-rings, drier, expansion valve as a kit for i think 600$ and it comes with a warranty

[finald8ta]

Ill also add if ur gonna leave the system open for a while make sure u cover up the holes to minimize moisture entering the system.(painters tape will work or plastic bag and zip tie it)

yes, i knew i forgot something

[oakrdrs187]

What's the Temp like in Minnesota?

[polishmafia]

Last week it was in the mid 90s with 90% humidity. Extremely hot.

[oakrdrs187]

Last week it was in the mid 90s with 90% humidity. Extremely hot.

UUGGHH!!!, 90% humidity.... make me wanna drop my pants in front of a fan at max speed. Can you say "its balls hot out!"

get that condenser going asap.