AC condenser replacement

[Jvan]

My AC condenser in front of the radiator is leaking badly and in need of replacement. A check of suppliers show at least $370 while other Subaru condensers are under $100 (more like $60-$60). Can't believe that the AC condenser is SVX specific; has anyone used a condenser from another Subaru model (year) or from a different manufacture like Nissan/Mitsubishi,which are sources for SVX components?

[SubaruPartsGirl]

You are correct, they are SVX specific and I am not aware of any other models that would work due to line attachments and such. I see a Silla brand on Rock Auto for $60 but they only show one left. The Subaru condensers are always super pricey but they are still available. We sell them for $315 and they take 3 days to arrive on the stock order.

[Jvan]

Thanks SubaruPartsGirl. I ordered the last one from RockAuto.

[SubaruPartsGirl]

You're welcome, good luck with the repair!

[Blacky]

You were very lucky to find one. Silla hasn't made any new ones for a few years.

[Jvan]

I am lucky that RockAuto had the condenser in stock since it was the last one. I received the condenser on Saturday and recontacted my mechanic to schedule the installation. He said it was time consuming since he needed to remove the front bumper and related parts to get to the condenser. I thought that he would have enough access by just removing the grill but he said NO.Has anyone had to replace the condenser and can tell me how difficult it is? He can't even check for more leaks until the condenser is installed and I don't want to find out that the evaporator needs to be replaced as well (That requires removing the dash). Any info on difficulty of installing the condenser will be appreciated.

[SVXMAN2001]

BS, no need to remove the front bumper. i installed an entire new ac system two years ago myself. I am no where near an experienced mechanic, just know the svx. remove the radiator and you have immediate access to the condensor.

[Tireiron]

If you're good, you don't even have to remove the radiator. You can unbolt the top supports and lift the condenser out and then slip the new one in from pushing the radiator towards the engine. All you have to remove is the grill to access the two bolts holding the condenser. The lines are accessible from the engine bay on each side of the radiator. Obviously draining and removing the radiator is much easier, but you won't actually be able to do the job by removing the front bumper as there are supports in the way.

To sum up, the proper way to do the job is to drain the coolant, remove the radiator with fans attached, remove and replace the condenser and then reinstall the radiator and fill and burp the coolant system.

Although like I said, you can remove both fans and then carefully press the radiator towards the engine without draining anything and slide the condenser up and out.

[Jvan]

Thanks for both responses. I have removed/replaced the radiator when I installed the aluminum radiator from the group buy years ago. I'll give it a try and of course the AC system will need to be recharged.

[Blacky]

It needs to be vacuumed and then make sure it holds vacuum. It can then be recharged when it's under vacuum. That way all the moisture and air is removed.

[Jvan]

Can I replace/install and then have the garage vacuum/recharge or does the vacuum have to be done before removal? I do understand (for the environment protection), that if there was gas in the AC system, it would need to be vacuumed before disassembly but since the condenser leaked badly, I don't think there is any gas in the AC system.

[Blacky]

It just needs to be done for the installation.