6th Gen ('00-'05): AC Condenser
Monte Of The Month -- January 2016
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 2,293
From: Pacific NW
Hey Keith
Not that difficult but does require special tools and equipment. I did mine with some help from my HVAC buddies that use the tools everyday.
To do it right, when replacing the compressor you also need to recover the refrigerant (illegal to discharge to the air) which requires a vacuum pump and recovery tank. That refrigerant then gets recycled. You also need to replace the accumilator (receiver/drier) which is the decant tank that absorbs moisture and keeps it out of the rest of the sytem. Also replace the expansion valve which is a bit of a challenge because the brake booster needs to be removed to get to it. Any o-rings in fittings that you take apart need to be replaced. All these can be purchased in a kit like this: New AC Compressor Drier Kit 1997 2000 Chevy Venture 3 4 include Car Year | eBay
Then the lines need to be chemically flushed and dried. After the parts get replaced the compressor needs to refilled with PAG oil and the R-134A refrigerant needs to weighed to the proper amount before adding under negative pressure with a vacuum pump and the charge pressure read with a Hi-Low A/C manifold gauge set up.
In short, it's not really a job for the do-it-yourselfer unless you know the right guys with the right equipment. As a plumber I know a little about A/C and the company I work for has HVAC mechanics that work with A/C systems everyday that carry the tools on their work vans. If you don't know anybody like that I think you'd be better off leaving it up to a shop.
Not that difficult but does require special tools and equipment. I did mine with some help from my HVAC buddies that use the tools everyday.
To do it right, when replacing the compressor you also need to recover the refrigerant (illegal to discharge to the air) which requires a vacuum pump and recovery tank. That refrigerant then gets recycled. You also need to replace the accumilator (receiver/drier) which is the decant tank that absorbs moisture and keeps it out of the rest of the sytem. Also replace the expansion valve which is a bit of a challenge because the brake booster needs to be removed to get to it. Any o-rings in fittings that you take apart need to be replaced. All these can be purchased in a kit like this: New AC Compressor Drier Kit 1997 2000 Chevy Venture 3 4 include Car Year | eBay
Then the lines need to be chemically flushed and dried. After the parts get replaced the compressor needs to refilled with PAG oil and the R-134A refrigerant needs to weighed to the proper amount before adding under negative pressure with a vacuum pump and the charge pressure read with a Hi-Low A/C manifold gauge set up.
In short, it's not really a job for the do-it-yourselfer unless you know the right guys with the right equipment. As a plumber I know a little about A/C and the company I work for has HVAC mechanics that work with A/C systems everyday that carry the tools on their work vans. If you don't know anybody like that I think you'd be better off leaving it up to a shop.
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 12,605
From: Mentor, Ohio
I've replaced the condenser (which my car had no freon in it to recover) and I had a professional recharge it when I was done.
if you are doing the condenser, It's pretty easy, just take your time. Also, replace all o-rings and seals. I had a large AC o-ring/seal variety pack to use when I did mine.
if you are doing the condenser, It's pretty easy, just take your time. Also, replace all o-rings and seals. I had a large AC o-ring/seal variety pack to use when I did mine.
