AC Condenser Replacement

[chris2879]

I posted last week about a leaky AC Condenser Dryer plug. When i called the dealer about this they said the entire condenser has to be replaced because Toyota does not sell just the dryer portion of the condenser. I see online you can get the condenser dryer kit for $15, which is much better than $100.84 that the dealer told me the new condenser will cost. Curious me wants to know what i am getting into before i drop the truck off asked how many hours the condenser replacement would be, they said 3 hrs @ $104/hr. How hard is it to get the condenser out, it seems like 4 bolts and it drops out the bottom, am i missing something?

How hard are these to replace? Also, should I just buy the $15 denso condenser dryer kit and just put that in and take it to them for evacuation and recharge? Furthermore, if i were to do this, how do i depressurize the system before changing the plug?

I am just not sure the track i want to take, and am really not feeling 300 bucks in labor.

Here is the link to my other post with a picture.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/117998-fluid-leaking.html

 

[kbeck2342]

Go to autozone and order one yourself. i had a rock hit mine and had to buy a new one. they are around 130 bucks. This price is for the entire unit. yes, 4 bolts and it drops out the bottom. I think i paid toyota here in phoenix az around 80 for the recharge/refill whatever its called.
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good luck

I am not sure if you can replace the cap/white piece on the unit. I would research that a little more if you are trying to save money. either way you have to recharge it. i would be a little leery of popping a new "cork" on the end of it because the system is pressurized but that just me.

 

[rfuree11]

It's not hard to do either. When it's time to charge it up, don't bother going to the dealer. Find a local body shop (they usually charge up a/c systems multiple times a day) and save a ton of money. If you don't feel like tackling it yourself, they can do it on the cheap as well.

 

[trickbiker121]

I just went to the dealer to diagnose the issue of hot air on driver side and cold air on passenger side. They stated that there​ is a leak in the condenser and needs to be replaced. They quoted me $900 to replace this but comparing it to your quote from the dealer and
the price of the CONDENSER ASSEMBLY - TOYOTA (88461-60091) I do not see how the dealer came up with that number.

 

[keakar]

all very good advice here, pretty much nothing to add to it other then be careful breaking fittings loose. only use 2 wrenches of the right size because the fittings are all aluminum with o-ring seals and its easy to bend or deform the nuts

 

[Benny123]

Im late to the party, but if anyone has done this... a few questions.

1. Did you have the system drained before removing this?
2. Did you replace the seals/rings?
3. Which brand did you buy, Denso?
4. Did it help after the freon refill?

I have a pretty clear leak and seeing it light up with the dye they placed last year near the driver side ac hose where it meets the condenser. Also a darker "oil spot" on the condenser.

 

[08TxRunner]

Im late to the party, but if anyone has done this... a few questions.

1. Did you have the system drained before removing this?
2. Did you replace the seals/rings?
3. Which brand did you buy, Denso?
4. Did it help after the freon refill?

I have a pretty clear leak and seeing it light up with the dye they placed last year near the driver side ac hose where it meets the condenser. Also a darker "oil spot" on the condenser.

1. Yes, at an A/C shop.
2. Yes, smart to do.
3. Denso from Rock Auto
4. Yes