Air Con: 850: Aircon Condenser replacement

[kbanga]

Hi,
I am new to this forum and look forward to networking with other members.

I have a problem with my Volvo (850, 1996, manual) aircon. I took it to a Volvo dealer who diagnosed the aircon condenser as having a leak and needs replacing. The dealer quoted me £500.

I can purchase a condenser for around £100 and do the job myself. The question I have, is it easy to replace the condenser? I know it sits in front of the radiatior, but do I need to drain the radiator and remove it first to get at the condenser? Or is there another way to get at the condenser? The hayes manual isn't much help.
Any help/guidance would be very welcome.

thx
kbanga

[Chris_Rogers]

Can't say I've every had to do one, there may be some clues here:

http://volvospeed.com/Repair/Radiator850turbo.php

The write up says the condenser stays in place when removing the radiator so it's possible the converse is true.

[simonc]

easy job rad stays in place, haynes maual details, worth buying one

[kbanga]

Thanks for your reply Chris. The url is certainly helpful.
I guess the condenser could be removed from the bottom of the car but I was hoping that some one on this forum could tell me for sure what is the best way to replace the condenser. Would I need to take out the radiator as well? The hayes manual doesn't discuss this topic at all.

Some one on this forum must of replaced the condenser? any tips are appreciated.

[kbanga]

Simonc, thanks for the replay. i have the hayes manual for the 850, which doesn't cover the topic, which hayes manual are you referring to? May be I am missing something here?