Replacing a/c condenser

I need to replace one of the condenser as it's leaking from two places. The a/c shop where I'm going for de and re-gas mentioned that I need to replace the dryer as well. "It's like changing engine oil without replacing the oil filter" they said. Is this true, and absolutely necessary that I replace the dryer as well?

If the system has leaked and moisture has gotten into it then replacing the dryer is often required.

Any DIY how-to for doing this or is this strictly only the shop can do?

Any time you open an A/C system it is a good idea to replace the dryer. It is cheap insurance against future problems as the part is cheap compared to having the system evacuated and re-filled.

OK, you convince me. So far I haven't seen any DIY instruction for replacing the dryer. Is it very simple that no instruction exists?

Sorry for the delay in response. I've attached a pdf from the manual I use. I didn't look at my car but I think it is located in the cowl area beside the battery. They refer to it as a fluid tank - but it is the combination receiver/dryer. The receiver part is that it stores liquid refrigerant. Replacement is pretty straightforward. Hope it goes well for you. Cheers

Thanks for that, I've bookmarked this page under my "How-To" section. I don't think it is absolutely necessary to wet the O-rings with refrigerant oil since I won't have access to any?

When you take the old receiver/dryer out it will have some oil in it. Just turn it upside down and you'll get enough to wet the o-rings. Make sure they have some refrigerant oil on them before you try and assemble the fittings.

That's a very good idea. I suppose the old condenser will also has some left-over oil after the system has been de-gassed? BTW, the condenser has just arrived from the UK. Ordered online on Friday, and on the fourth day (including weekend) it arrives. 6000 miles later!

You know that in doing this work the system has to be evacuated and then charged. You can't just replace the parts and charge the system with the can of R134 that you can buy at the store. That is why this is a job usually done by a shop. You might be able to rent the equipment required.

Doug, yes, spoken with a shop (possibly the only one in Wellington!), and that's where I heard about the necessity of replacing the dryer as well. This reminds me I have to book a time with the shop for November when the bumper is off the car. Then I'll do my condenser and dryer replacement.

When the shop evacuates and recharges the system they will have to add more oil to the system. They should have a chart that specifies a quantity of oil to add for every component.

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When Dharn55 is saying evacuated he means evacuated. Not just apply a vacume then fill. It's a hold the system at vacume for at least half an hour to get everything out. Like he says you might be able to rent the equipment but it's not simple. Can's of store bought refrigerant have instructions not really to exact specs and the guages on toss away cans are a joke. For real filling you are going after both low and high pressures. I figure just take the shot from somebody that knows what they are doing with the specific system like the dealer. Here's what I got the other day. I think the compressor was dragging then the clutch melted down internals as far as I can figure since it threw melted plastic like a cotton candy machine. Hehehe not a pretty picture

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Well I'm hoping the a/c shop knows what it's doing. It is apparently the one used by (almost?) everyone in Wellington, even a Porsche Indy I called. Ouch that's nasty. I've seen several pictures of melted compressor's internal like that while searching web forums to learn about 996's a/c components.

Yah I'm getting a lot of stuff fixed in the a/c department too. Heck at least it's going to super cool now with a new compressor and stuff.

Here's the chart of the refrigerant oil quantities that remain in the different components in the system, after evacuation. Hopefully this will help when you take it to the shop.

Thanks scottie! I've printed both pages out (drier and this one) for reference when I'm doing the work next month. BTW, All Blacks v Canada this weekend, if you're following rugby....

Sorry for the late reply but I was out of the country. Don't follow rugby but we have a fanatic at work that took a month off and went to NZ so he could watch the whole thing!