Hey guys, I have to replace my ac condenser because it got a hole in it and leaked all the coolant out. I see how to take it out and how to replace it but not sure on what is the proper way to go about filling it back up. Can I use the cans you can get at the auto parts store or should I bring it in somewhere for them to do it? Any help would be appreciated.

 

take it to an ac shop it a system fill will cost you about $75. The cans are expensive and filling the can will not evacuate your system which you need to do.

 

you should change the drier/accumulator too

 

Okay I'll take it to the shop to get filled then. I thought about replacing the drier but my truck only has 75k on it and I don't use the ac much living in SoCal so I figure it's probably fine.

 

anytime you open the system you need to replace the dryer...take it yo a pro.. or you will be buying a $500 compressor soon.

 

I 2nd what TechRep says, you can only leave a system open about 15 minutes then the drier is toast. Have the shop replace it just before they evacuate/recharge the system.

 

Okay so just replace the drier and condenser? Anything else or should I be good to go after I replace those?

 

Okay just got back from my shop, $800 estimate to replace the condenser, drier and evacuate and refill the system. But my question is, should I use oem parts or can I get auto part store parts? I have a fleet account at pep boys so I get everything there 30% off and it would save me almost $300.

 

Last question lol, can I change the condenser by myself and then take it in to get everything else done?

 

Sure. Since the system is "open" from the damaged condensor, you can install the new one, plus the dryer, then take it to a shop that can evacuate then add the required compressor oil and freon back in.

And parts from NAPA are good quality, they stock OEM or OEM standard quality.