AC condenser replacement

[hu5ker555]

2008 S60 2.5T, 240k

Over the past year, I've had to refill my AC refrigerant several times. It would last for a few weeks, but that's it. Took it to my local import (mostly Volvo) specialist and they detected a major leak at the condenser. Had it replaced for $1400 out the door. Just sharing this experience for others. Hope yours doesn't need replacing...

[vtl]

Mahle condenser is $172. AC vacuum pump and gauge kit is $132. PAG oil is $12. Two cans of R134a is $26. $342 total for DIY. And you have pump + gauges in your tool chest. And most of PAG oil left.

I replaced two condensers, easy DIY job.

[cn90]

For years I find AC service to be grossly overpriced!
If you add parts and labor together, it never makes any sense for car owners.
It makes sense for the shop though (I am being sarcastic)...

So glad I do my own AC work now.

[firstv70volvo]

2008 S60 2.5T, 240k

Over the past year, I've had to refill my AC refrigerant several times. It would last for a few weeks, but that's it. Took it to my local import (mostly Volvo) specialist and they detected a major leak at the condenser. Had it replaced for $1400 out the door. Just sharing this experience for others. Hope yours doesn't need replacing...

With the condenser right out there in front it takes all the rocks and other flying object hits so can easily develop a leak. The $1400 is also a hit the wallet but nothing surprises me these days and living in CA it would probably be an even higher bill here. The only good thing about repairs costing so much where I live is it allows me to justify buying new tools and still come out ahead, still very expensive though. I now have all the A/C tools including a recently purchased used recovery machine and recovery tanks to do all my car and home A/C maintenance and repairs. If you think car A/C repair costs are high just wait until you have to fix or replace your home A/C, refrigerant costs alone are outrageous and keep going higher, especially for older refrigerant types. It's quite the racket and you have to now get certified to purchase R134A in larger quantity and for home refrigerants you have to be certified to buy any quantity of refrigerant. Because I take care of so many family cars I buy r134A in 30lbs tanks because in CA you're charge a $10 deposit for every R134A can you purchase, which is a pain. Sorry for the rant but A/C related repairs and the A/C industry in general is a frustrating and expensive racket.

[vtl]

Because I take care of so many family cars I buy r134A in 30lbs tanks because in CA you're charge a $10 deposit for every R134A can you purchase, which is a pain. Sorry for the rant but A/C related repairs and the A/C industry in general is a frustrating and expensive racket.

So I thought, but I have R134a tools now, while newer cars are R1234YF And it is 3x the cost of R134a, with less thermal transfer efficiency. This government makes sure you always pay.