Hi
I was wondering if it is possible to do a DIY air-con condenser change.
We've had two quotes with one just under £500 and the other between £450 - 600 depending on whether the part is a cheap pattern with 0 warranty or a genuine one with 1 year warranty.
I don't know how much work it involves but condensers are on eBay for £160 and about the same from AutoVaux.
According to Haynes it looks like a couple of hours reasonably straightforward work to get access to the condenser & dryer BUT I have no idea how to disconnect their pipes from the rest of the AC system and more importantly perhaps how do you reconnect the pipes to give a good seal? Haynes says you need to get a qualified person to replace o-rings. Is it really hard to change the o-ring or is it hard to obtain them?
Thanks
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In the past I have used Advanced Radiators (www.adrad.co.uk ) - their parts seem to be of good quality and an Omega condenser is listed at £134 inc. VAT.
To change it the old gas (if there is any left) would need to be extracted. Then remove the condenser. I don't **think** the rad has to come off on the Omega. You would also be advised to fit a new receiver/drier (I think they are under £50 for an Omega). Then of course a flush & re-gas is required.
Even assuming labour at £60/hour your quote does seem high. How about trying one or two other fitters?
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I had my car re-gassed the other week.
The mobile service said at the age of my car a new condenser might be required. The cost varied with the supplier of the part and the model of car but said £180-£220 for Focus sized car, £240-£260 ish for Vectra/Mondeo and £300-£360 for Omega sized. This is a local Falkirk company so it might be worth trying a few independents where you live and see what they want.
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Condensor replacement on an Omega requires removal of the coolant rad and all the associated pipe work ,cooling fan(s) and gearbox cooler pipes (if auto).Always best to replace the o.ring seals and filter drier which is attached to the condensor .hth
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elekie&a/c doctor
Indeed that does help.
Could you advise what type of o ring seals i would need and how I would fit them? Would they be likely to come with the new condensor?
Also how do you undo the pipes to the condensor? Is it a nut type fitting like you'd find on a domestic house radiator?
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Thanks for the suggested part supplier.
I forgot to mention it is a pre-facelift 97-98 year
The two quotes obtained were from independent specialists listed on HJs FAQ page. There is one more on the FAQ local to us who I will try.
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GM in common with most car manufacturers use a variety of male/female threaded union connectors together with the more modern "pad" type joint where the 2 faces of the joint are of male/female construction but held together with 1 bolt,and sealed with an o.ring.Condensors do not usually come with the reqd o-ring seals ,these have to be bought seperately.You will also need torx/star drive tools to complete the job.hth
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