A/C Condenser Installation Tips

[Aracobuilt]

As soon as it arrives, I am getting ready to replace my A/C condenser. I was wondering if it's best to take it out from the front after removing the transmission cooler and condenser fan or if it's best to loosen the radiator and slide it up between the radiator and cross member. I also read somewhere else that it could also be removed from the bottom. Has anyone else done this job before? What are your thoughts?

 

[Patassa]

As soon as it arrives, I am getting ready to replace my A/C condenser. I was wondering if it's best to take it out from the front after removing the transmission cooler and condenser fan or if it's best to loosen the radiator and slide it up between the radiator and cross member. I also read somewhere else that it could also be removed from the bottom. Has anyone else done this job before? What are your thoughts?

Easiest way for me was to remove the radiator.

 

[Aracobuilt]

Easiest way for me was to remove the radi

Thanks, I was hoping there was a better way. I was trying to avoid losing the coolant, and having to fill and bleed the system. Not the end of the world.

 

[Patassa]

Thanks, I was hoping there was a better way. I was trying to avoid losing the coolant, and having to fill and bleed the system. Not the end of the world.

There probably are other ways but this was pretty quick. I didn't drain the block, just the radiator, put it right back in, parked on a hill, burped the air bubbles until they were out then back in business. Vacuuming the AC system, trying to estimate the right amount of oil and recharging the system was much more of a pain for me.

 

[Aracobuilt]

Patassa, thanks for your post. I'm expecting my condenser to take longer than usual to arrive due to the 4th of July sales some toyota dealerships are having on parts.