Thread: AC Condenser - any bolts, screws?

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  1. #1 AC Condenser - any bolts, screws? 
    SE Level Member rob11715's Avatar
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    I'm replacing the condenser on my 98 Regal. It seems to be in there tight. Are there any bolts or screws to remove or is it just held in place by the radiator? Maybe I 'm just not pulling on it hard enough? I'll be getting the new one on Wednesday so I'd like to have this one out already.

    I searched and found a few threads on replacing it but none mention how it's held in.
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  2. #2 Re: AC Condenser - any bolts, screws? 
    GrandPrix Junkie
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    Here is a post from a Regal site that may help:

    It is really all up to you and how confident you are about your skill and work, after doing things a couple of times it becomes pretty routine and easier, but the learning curve at the beginning of any project is higher. If you choose to tackle the A/C keep in mind it is a sealed system that requires extra care in not exposing the components to dirt or debris and if it leaks can give you more problems down the road as well. So are you ready?

    U will need some things to make this happen, if u have freon in it the system will need be evacuated first and foremost, if not u can go ahead and start, on the na and Supercharged engine the condenser is located at the front of the vehicle. It is tucked into the radiator support. You will need to remove the front engine mounts, remove upper and lower rad hoses, catch as much coolant as possible from the lower rad hose. I normally jack the car and put on stands so i can work from top and bottom and have clearance.

    Remove radiator fan assemblies, radiator, disconnect ac hard lines, if u do not have it evacuated u will b inhaling freon and pag oil when u do this! Also letting freon out into atmosphere is illegal, remove the condenser and then reverse your steps and wa-la, u have condenser again, after install the system will need to be brought down to a vacuum to check for leaks, I highly recommend replacing the oring washers that go between the hard lines and condensor, if no leaks add some freon to the system and u should b good to go, I hate doing a/c stuff cause I don't have the machine, but I have a friend who works at a shop that has one, he usually sucks it down and refills it for me if need be, a shop will probably do that for u, but they would rather u pay them to do it all.
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  3. #3 Re: AC Condenser - any bolts, screws? 
    SE Level Member rob11715's Avatar
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    Thanks. I came across that but it just says "remove the condenser". Doesn't say how it's held in. I assume it's just held in there by the radiator but want to make sure before I start pulling harder on it since it seems in there sort of tight (maybe because it's been in there for 22 years).
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  4. #4 Re: AC Condenser - any bolts, screws? 
    SE Level Member rob11715's Avatar
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    Anyone know this?
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  5. #5 Re: AC Condenser - any bolts, screws? 
    GT Level Member mguzzo's Avatar
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    the condenser is not bolted, it fits into some grommeted holes and wedges into place at the top with some rubber insulators.

    remove the fans
    remove the radiator
    evacuate the condenser (if it isn't already empty from leaking)
    Disconnect the lines
    Pull it out

    Reverse the steps to reinstall. Be sure to seat the fans into their slots when reinstalling so you don't rub the radiator.

    You can do a condenser swap without removing the radiator, you have to remove the fans and then push the radiator towards the engine.

    think about replacing the accumulator / dryer, it's cheap insurance.

    Replacing the orifice tube is a little more difficult, it's up under the brake booster.
    --
    "Silver Bullet" 98 GTP Coupe: Stock, rust free, and broadsided.
    Old '98 GTP Coupe: VS Cam, 3.0, S2IC, 42.5#, TOGs, N*/LQ4, Corsa. it once ran a 13 flat
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  6. #6 Re: AC Condenser - any bolts, screws? 
    SE Level Member rob11715's Avatar
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    Thanks for confirming. I assumed this but didn't want to start really yanking on it hard only to find out there's something else holding it in.

    I'm replacing everything except the evaporator and the line from the condenser to the evaporator (the one with the orifice tube). I figure with that line disconnected to replace the o-rings it might be easier to get at the orifice tube? It's not a daily driver so I can take my time.
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  7. #7 Re: AC Condenser - any bolts, screws? 
    Turbo is the way to go. BillBoost37's Avatar
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    Like mentioned... just wedges that are then held in by the two radiator top brackets and radiator.
    I drink..so consider that when reading my posts.

    2010 Audi A6 Dual IC's
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