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My condenser, after tolerating 209k miles of driving, is very much bent and looking worn...I'd like to replace it with a new one. They are relatively cheap from what I see ($85 ish), I was wondering how hard it is to replace myself, knowing I'll need a vac/charge after.

It's not difficult to R&R, it comes out through the engine bay so the radiator needs to be removed. It would also be a good time to replace all the seals in the system that you can, including the compressor seals and bearings if it hasn't been already.

I've never had to work on a system that wasn't already broken and empty, so I don't know anything about draining the system.

System has a one year old compressor.

At the time the Compressor was replaced, did you replace the drier and orifice tube filter as well?

If you replace the condenser you will need to add Pag 150... I forget what the requirement is... But I think its 2oz for the condenser..

I also agree on replacing what seals you can..

I have to be honest in saying I don't know a single thing about this system. I was hoping to unplug old condenser, replace, plug new one in...drive to shop and vac & refill done. Can you be a bit more descriptive in these "seals" (as in where they are/what they are) and what PAG 150 is?

There are diffrent sections of tubing for your a/c system and where they meet there needs to be seals so your freon doesnt leak out. These seals get dried out over time and eventually leak freon. So you need to change the seals and add whatever pag oil it calls for. The oil lubricates the seals and the compressor. Pag oil keeps the seals from drying up and the compressor working smoothly

You will need to have the r134 refigerant removed properly, with the proper machine. Most AC and radiator places will have it. Once the system is evacuated, you can replace the condensor. Be sure to replace any o-rings you encounter with the proper o-rings. I think they are green in color. Once you have the condensor replaced, it will be time for a vacuum test and a re-charge of the system. 30-45 minutes is recomended for vacuum test. If the vac test passes, be sure to charge the system to the proper level, and add pag oil. If the system was not completely out of oil, which you will not know (unfortunately), I would add 1 or 2 ounces of oil during the re-charge process.

Chris in Aguanga

I wouldn't bother to replace it unless it's leaking. Once it starts leaking I would worry about replacing all of your seals but otherwise I wouldn't worry about it. If something doesn't seal up right after you take it apart you'll spend a lot of time and money trying to find out where it's leaking at.

Also it is recommended to replace the accumulator any time you open up the system. It acts as a filter for the freon and takes moisture out of the system. They're cheap (~$20).

Some compressors come pre-oiled. If you didn't see anything on the compressor or in its box telling you to add oil then I wouldn't worry about it. If you had someone else install it for you then I'm sure they took care of it and you also wouldn't have to worry about it.