I have a 2004 f150 5.4 (new body style, not heritage)
I need to replace the AC condenser. I have not found any helpful videos and I do not believe I have seen a forum on this topic yet. Please post link if there is one.
I am wondering if this can be replaced DIY? I have seen a couple crappy YouTube videos of guys doing it but they never mention evacuating the AC system. But I have also read that a tech has to evac the system and then recharge it.

I am wondering your guys thoughts on this? Can this be done by myself or do I need to bring it to a garage for a tech to do the job?

 

You can definitely do it yourself, but you'll need the right tools. You should be able to watch condenser replacement videos for any vehicles to see how it's done and to decide if you want to.

 

You will need access to a vacuum pump hoses gauges . But knowledge is key , a full vacuum is impossible to achieve. The ac gauges are very rough readings, you really need a micron gauge I usually try to get below 500 microns on a mini spilt . I don't do a lot of car ac . The good vacuum will cause the moisture in the system to boil and vaporize then get sucked out by vacuum . As you let it sit after shutting off vacuum it will climb some due to minute leaks and water boil off .
Its a judgement thing micron gauges are not terribly expensive either. Clean new oil in vacuum pump is a good thing . Cloudy means its got water in it . The inline filter on system should be changed to prevent blockages , specs call for a new dryer which is basically a can with silica gel to absorb moisture, lube all o rings with the proper refrigerant oil for system. Dry orings dont work well , moisture in system is toxic to system . Don't overfill refrigerant .

 

Once you get the freon sucked out anybody can do it