Condenser Replacement
Also called AC radiator replacement
The condenser sits ahead of the radiator and dumps the heat collected from the cabin. Because it faces the road it collects dust, insects and stone damage, and in local conditions it corrodes and leaks at the tubes. Replacement restores cooling lost to a leaking or blocked condenser. It will not fix weak cooling caused by a tired compressor, a blocked expansion valve or a fan that is not running.
Signs you need this
- Oily wet patch or dye trace visible on the front of the condenser
- Refrigerant lost repeatedly after refills
- Visible impact damage or heavy corrosion on the front face
- High-side pressure abnormally high with poor cooling
- Cooling drops badly in slow traffic
Not all of these have to be present, and one of them on its own can mean something else entirely. That is what the diagnosis is for.
What the job includes
- Leak confirmation on the condenser before replacement
- Refrigerant recovery and front panel or bumper removal as needed
- New condenser fitted with fresh O-rings
- Receiver dryer replacement, which is required once the system is opened
- Fan and shroud inspection while the front is apart
- Vacuum, recharge by weight and cooling test
How we do it
Prove the leak
Dye or an electronic detector confirms the condenser is the leak point rather than a hose, seal or service port.
Recover and strip
Gas is recovered and the bumper or front panel is removed to reach the condenser mountings and lines.
Replace and reseal
The new condenser goes in with new O-rings and a new dryer, since an opened system absorbs moisture quickly.
Vacuum and charge
The system is vacuumed to check it holds, then charged by weight and tested for vent temperature and pressure.
How we work
The same on every job, which is why we can write it down.
Diagnosis before quote
We find the fault first. A price given over the phone for a noise nobody has heard is a guess.
The price is agreed first
You approve the work and the cost before a spanner is picked up. Extra work means another call.
Parts you can check
We tell you whether a part is genuine, OEM, aftermarket or used, and what each one costs.
Old parts returned
Ask and we will hand back whatever we replaced. It is the simplest proof that the job was done.
Book condenser replacement
Fill this in and a person will call you back to confirm the time and the price. Only your name and one way to reach you are required.
You send this
Takes a minute. No payment, no obligation.
We call you
To confirm the car, the time and the location.
Tell us the car and the symptom
We will arrange a mechanic at your location, or a slot at the nearest workshop. No payment until the price is agreed.