Beauski100
SILVER Star
Surely there is a better way!?!?
HELP! Shop quoted $900 to replace A/C Condenser (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Beauski100
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Mike6158
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That does seem high. If you price the refrigerant recovery system and gauges (from SnapOn) it would take many condenser replacement jobs to turn a profit...
FYI, that’s what I paid my local Indy shop to do it (with a new Denso condenser)
I was quoted ~$500 from a radiator shop in Waco, TX because we were on the road when it went out. They couldn’t get the part that day so they were able to get the compressor going again and I just didn’t turn off the car until we were completely done for the day. Amazon has the Denso compressor for $263. Your estimate seems way high unless you live in downtown San Francisco or something.
Do it yourself. It is probably just an o-ring but you can easily swap out the condenser while you are the.
I bought a new Denso condenser from Rock-Auto for $133. The o-ring kit from amazon.
The auto parts stores have the vacuum pump as part of the free loaner program.
It takes about 2 hours start to finish and all in it was under $200 on a 2002 LC
I bought a new Denso condenser from Rock-Auto for $133. The o-ring kit from amazon.
The auto parts stores have the vacuum pump as part of the free loaner program.
It takes about 2 hours start to finish and all in it was under $200 on a 2002 LC
Question was about condenser, not compressor.
With shop markup, you are going to pay about $300 for the part, $150 for the vacuum and recharge, and $350-450 for the labor. So the price is not out of line for shop work.
No O-rings at the top right side of the condenser. Top left, bottom right, looking from front, which is what I am assuming they would be doing. Driver/passenger side would be a more helpful description, though.
Well that’s an important difference. Read too fast I suppose.
Condenser is super easy. Just afew bolts and it drops right out the bottom. The Denso from Rock Auto comes with the drier and precharged with oil. Pick up some Nylog blue sealant for the hardline fittings. Rent a vacuum pump and gauges. Chris Fixx has an excellent tutorial on Youtube on evacuating and recharging the system or take it in for the recharge. Hell, even if you buy the gauges and vacuum pump you'll still save $500
BadReligion
SILVER Star
Agreed. A DIY condenser replacement is not bad at all. I had ZERO AC experience and with some help in the form of written instructions from a forum member I was able to replace my entire AC system (compressor, condenser, both evaporators, and expansion valves) and charge it up. Just the condenser will be easy, allow you to purchase some new tools, and still come out ahead on the cost. I have heard bad things about cheap gauge/pump rentals so might as well buy your own.
I have an 03 LX with rear air so you will want to check the PN on the condenser itself. Nylog Blue is a must. Even though the new condenser comes with the drier, who knows how long that has been sitting on a shelf absorbing moisture, so for an additional $20, a new, sealed drier is recommended.
condenser (denso) Amazon product ASIN B001DCFESM
nylog blue - Amazon product ASIN B008HOSQQQ
drier - Amazon.com: Denso 478-1500 Receiver Drier: Automotive
gauges - Yellow Jacket 42007 Series 41 Manifold with 3-1/8" Gauge, 60" Plus II Standard Fittings, psi, R-12/22/134A: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific
vacuum pump - Amazon.com: Robinair (15500) VacuMaster Economy Vacuum Pump - 2-Stage, 5 CFM: Automotive
pump oil - Amazon.com: Robinair 13203 Premium High Vacuum Pump Oil - 1 Quart: Automotive
refrigerant - Amazon.com: DuPont 3 Cans R-134a Suva A/C Automotive Refrigerant/Freon R134a (12oz Cans): Automotive
PM me if you have any questions.
Condensers come plugged and filled with nitrogen. When you remove the screws holding the plugs in, you should hear a "pop" as the nitrogen is released. If it does that, the dessicant hasn't ever been exposed to air. If you don't get a pop, return the condenser.
