Hole in A/C Condenser

I have visited this forum for a while, but this is my first post. I am hoping someone may be able to shed some light on an issue I am having with the A/C in my '06 Tacoma.

A few days ago my tacoma's A/C stopped blowing cold air. I took the truck to the local Toyota dealer and after recharging the ac and adding dye, they told me that my A/C condenser has hole in it which is allowing the freon to leak out. They told me it would cost $1500 to fix. $1100 for the part, and $400 for labor. I about hit the floor when I heard that and told them not do anything. Once I got the truck home I started pricing A/C condensers. It looks like a new A/C condenser can be easily found through common channels (autozone, napa, etc.) for less than $200. Is the dealership honestly marking the part up that much, or am I missing something? Is it possible that they meant the compressor, not the condenser? Does anyone here have any experience replacing an A/C condenser? Is it a DIY job?

Thanks for the help.

Mike

 

Bump

 

Based on what little I know, when the system's opened up to replace a major component like the condenser it's usually not just the condenser that needs replacement. There's also a dryer and sometimes a valve they have to replace. So be sure to get prices for all the parts needed.

Part of the job could be a DIY; but when you put it together you will need a pro with the right equipment to, at the very least, put a vacuum on it and recharge. There are a few gotcha's too. Prolly better to let a pro do the whole thing unless you REALLY know what you're doing.

That said, I think you could get the work done a lot cheaper at an independent shop who'll not force-feed you OEM parts from Toyota.

 

I have removed the condensor. Pretty easy. Just need to plug all the lines to keep contamination from getting in the system. I would take it in once it is back together and have a proffessional put a vacuum on the system to remove contaminents and fill with freon. I too need to buy one still. If you look online for factory price you will see that is the price for just the condensor. I plan to go to napa or similar before next summer

 

Thanks for the replies.

Given that my A/C condenser has gone out after only 60,000 miles, I place no value in Toyota OEM parts. There is no way I'm going to pay six times more to have a Toyota condenser installed. I've found a well-respected local mechanic who will allow me to buy the part and they will only charge for labor to install, vacuum the system, and recharge it. Is there any difference in terms of quality between Napa, Autozone, etc. parts?

Thanks for the help.

 

Look on Amazon.com for the part. I bought a brand new AC compressor there for 277 shipped! Everyone else wanted at LEAST 600 bucks for it.

 

And don't quote me on this, but when I had the compressor replaced, everyone told me that i needed a receiver drier. however, when the mechanic went to replace it, he said it's built into the condensor.

 

i just hit 65000 miles on my 2010 Tacoma and have the same issue. i believe you have your numbers mixed up. The toyota dealership quoted me $1400 but i believe the labor is 1100 and the parts are 300.
the reason is to get to the condenser you have to remove the whole dash.

 

The condenser is the part in front of the radiator. The evaporator is the part that is behind the dash.

 

ok so im dumb
wish it was my condenser.
i bought a toyota because they not supposed to have issues this early

 

Incorrect...condenser is in front of the radiator. Evaporator is under the dash and a pain in the ass to get to. If it is the evap be ready to dig deep...either in work or your wallet.

 

yes I'm not in anticipating the work. Again the truck is only 6 years old you wouldn't expect this from a
Toyota!

 

If dealer said its your evap I would consider a second opinion before you dig in. May be all for nothing as could be some other part failed.

 

i have thought that but i talked to a mechanic and explained to him that i can smell the freon in the cab and he said thats what it sounds like. i might get a second opinion though,thanks

 

Might want to check the valve and seal at the firewall before committing to the evap. If its leaking there then it could be your source of freon smell.

 

Yep! The TXV is accessible from the engine bay. And as far as the smell... freon or R134A has no smell at all. You 'might' be able to smell the refrigerant oil.

Make damned sure the leak is in the evaporator before you tear the dash apart. If it is the TXV gasket... well that gets removed when the evap is pulled. It will be replaced in any event.

 

Check the drain tube of the evaporator under the truck on the passenger side..... if it has oily residue on it at the end, your evap 'could' be leaking.

Evaps are fairly bullet proof and out of harm's way. The condensing coils are the ones that are out in the open, ready to take a stone and leak out.