How to: C30 air conditioning condenser replacement

[v40bart]

The radiator assembly bottom bracket can be dropped on its bolts without removing them, makes easier to remove the condenser and offer the new one.

[scottaii]

Hi There,
Sorry to resurrect an old thread. However, my beloved C30 D5 08 has a big hole in the condenser (according the the garage). They have quoted the below:

Labour: £162 (+ VAT)
Part: £199 (+VAT)
Re-gas: £32.5 (+VAT)
Total of £472 (inc VAT)

I can't bring myself to pay that. So looking on-line I know I can pick up the condenser for around £80 delivered.

Looking at this thread it doesn't look like that hard a job (looks daunting seeing the whole front off the car though!). My main concern would be the tools that I would need and what sizing - Could you possibly list the tools that I would need?

Cheers all,
Scott

[mattievrs]

Originally Posted by scottaii

Hi There,
Sorry to resurrect an old thread. However, my beloved C30 D5 08 has a big hole in the condenser (according the the garage). They have quoted the below:

Labour: £162 (+ VAT)
Part: £199 (+VAT)
Re-gas: £32.5 (+VAT)
Total of £472 (inc VAT)

I can't bring myself to pay that. So looking on-line I know I can pick up the condenser for around £80 delivered.

Looking at this thread it doesn't look like that hard a job (looks daunting seeing the whole front off the car though!). My main concern would be the tools that I would need and what sizing - Could you possibly list the tools that I would need?

Cheers all,
Scott

Assortment of torx keys (t25 t30 t35), assortment of spanners and ratchets with extension bars (10 to 20), screwdrivers,needle nosed pliers and plumbers wrench.

That's about it I think.

[scottaii]

Thank you very much for the speedy response.
I think I would rather invest in the tools listed and have a go myself.

On a completely separate note, I currently have the standard 16" alloys that come with the R-design kit. There is a bit too much gap between the wheel and the arch for my liking.

What is the best alloy with tyre size configuration that will fill up the arches nicely without rubbing?

[woodman]

Originally Posted by mattievrs

Assortment of torx keys (t25 t30 t35), assortment of spanners and ratchets with extension bars (10 to 20), screwdrivers,needle nosed pliers and plumbers wrench.

That's about it I think.

Roughly how long did this take? I'm contemplating tackling it on my mum's C30.

[mattievrs]

Originally Posted by woodman

Roughly how long did this take? I'm contemplating tackling it on my mum's C30.

Around 2 hours not counting the driving to the aircon garage and waiting for it to be filled.

[darrennewbery]

Hey, just wanted to say a huge thank you for this post with all the step by step photos it made replacing my condenser pretty straightforward!

I couldn't seem to see any obvious damage with mine unlike your one with the dented edge but apparently it was leaking so fingers crossed when it gets all re-charged it'll work perfectly again.

Once again many thanks for the post, and for saving me a quoted garage repair bill of almost £700!

Cheers! :-)

[TylerDurdenK]

Great guide, but quickly looking at my C30 D5 the intercooler is in front of the condenser pictured here. This part looks very similar to the condenser but only has 7 rows of vanes.

Do you know whether it needs to be removed?

Thanks

[mattievrs]

Originally Posted by TylerDurdenK

Great guide, but quickly looking at my C30 D5 the intercooler is in front of the condenser pictured here. This part looks very similar to the condenser but only has 7 rows of vanes.

Do you know whether it needs to be removed?

Thanks

The car this was done on was a 2lt diesel which has the inter cooler Infront of the condenser, so I assume from what you're saying it's the same in your d5? If so, yes it needs to come out as shown from pic3 onwards.

[RPB]

Will be attempting this replacement on my v50 after this weekends drive to the Midlands. Sticky was an understatement!!