Replace AC Condenser - What do I need to watch out for?

Hi,

I just had the AC re-gassed on my 99 V8 RR, and the garage said - no vacuum, hole in condenser - that'll be £600 please.

Now, the condenser seems to be available for about £100, workshop manual says.
1) Remove grille - looks pretty straightforward
2) Remove front bumper - looks just as straightfoward
3) Remove & replace condenser
4) Put it all back together again.

So, it looks like I can save myself £500 here.

Before I start taking bits apart, I'd appreciate any hints/tips do's and don'ts for this procedure.

Thanks,
Mark

its dead easy mate ive just done mine a couple of the bolts are a bit of a pig to reach but otherwise no problem just watch out for the litttle rubber o rings on the ends of the pipe they can stick inside the old condenser .
i bought mine from island 4x4 an excellent price and free delivery £99.00
a bloody huge saving on £600.00 i reckon , go for it mate.
rick.

Ah, excellent. I've just bought myself a condensor and was planning on doing it tomorrow. Do you definitely need to remove the front bumper?

I'm also a bit worried, that, after shelling out the money for the condensor, something else is going to leak when I take it back to be gassed! Is anywhere else likely to deteriate as much?

Matt_P38 said:

Ah, excellent. I've just bought myself a condensor and was planning on doing it tomorrow. Do you definitely need to remove the front bumper?

I'm also a bit worried, that, after shelling out the money for the condensor, something else is going to leak when I take it back to be gassed! Is anywhere else likely to deteriate as much?

Click to expand...

brace yourself mate i started with a leaky condenser then, a faulty pressure switch then finally 2 alloy pipes from the evaporator oh and not forgetting the air dryer/type thingy that takes all the crap out of the system all in all about £375.00 ish but, in saying that no one can be as unlucky as me if i feel in a barrel of tits i would come out sucking me thumb good luck anyway oh by the way no need to remove the bumper
rick