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New AC condenser replacement tips?

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by JimNH, Jun 10, 2017.

  1. Jun 10, 2017 at 4:58 AM
    #1
    JimNH

    JimNH [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Nashua, NH
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    Kenwood bluetooth double din head unit trailer brake controller K-Z sportsmen classic 16RBT travel trailer!
    2009 Double Cab TRD Sport

    I just ordered a new AC condenser - Denso brand - from Northern Foreign Auto in NH. I pick it up on Monday and plan to install it next week, then take the truck to someone to get it recharged. Toyota wanted about $1200 for this - wayyy too much money. The Denso part was $145. Autozone had a Spectra brand (aftermarket) condenser in stock for $166.

    From what I have read, it's a pretty straightforward pull one out and put on back kind of job. Do I need to drain the radiator coolant (read somewhere that you have to but why)? (the charge in the AC system is already gone) Any other things to watch out for?

    I also think I might add a wire mesh grill "stone guard" to the front of the condenser (or behind the front grill of the truck) to prevent this from happening again. Does someone make such a thing or just fabricate it?

    JIM in NH
     
  2. Jun 10, 2017 at 5:08 AM
    #2
    Clearwater Bill

    Clearwater Bill Never answer an anonymous letter

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    A few OE parts from fancy trucks
    You should install a new accumulator as well.
     
    AustinWest, blu92in99 and Hobbs like this.
  3. Jun 10, 2017 at 6:41 AM
    #3
    Bebop

    Bebop Old fashion cowboy

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    I believe the accumulator is built into the condenser. The trick isn't installing it, anybody can do that. The trick is using new o rings on the lines lubricated with a little bit of pag oil and get the system into a deep vacuum before recharging the system with a proper amount of freon. Don't use those little suicide cans. If you don't have a vacuum pump or a recovery unit take it to a shop and have them do a deep vacuum like 1 hour or maybe longer. The deeper the vacuum the colder it will blow. The vacuum removes air and moisture from the system. Moisture is a refrigerant contamination. Don't want that
     
  4. Jun 14, 2017 at 2:24 PM
    #4
    JimNH

    JimNH [OP] Well-Known Member

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    yes, i think the accumulator/dryer is part of the condensor already. I'll have to check out the o-rings adn PAG oil things you mentioned though - thanks. I plan to have a local shop recharge the system.

    JIM
     
  5. Jun 14, 2017 at 3:33 PM
    #5
    CurtB

    CurtB Old Timer knowitall

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    Pedantic mode on ;) An accumulator is in the low pressure side of an AC system. A receiver/drier is in the high side. They both filter the refrigerant, but they have a different purpose in the refrigerant cycle.

    /off :deadhorse:

    edit: and I, and all of my peers, call it freon. Why? Coz it's easier to spell. ;)
     
    Jimmyh likes this.
  6. Jun 15, 2017 at 1:51 AM
    #6
    fender6145

    fender6145 Member

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    Just had mine changed on my 2009 DCLB and got condenser from rockauto ( $130 CND shipped to my door) and took too local
    shop and had recharged and installed for $250 CND. Working great again! I am in NS, Canada.
     
  7. Jun 16, 2017 at 4:23 AM
    #7
    JimNH

    JimNH [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Kenwood bluetooth double din head unit trailer brake controller K-Z sportsmen classic 16RBT travel trailer!
    thanks - I am picking mine up today and I'll get a quote to install or I'll do it myself tomorrow.
     
  8. Jun 16, 2017 at 4:33 PM
    #8
    JimNH

    JimNH [OP] Well-Known Member

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    OK - i picked up the condeser today. I need to go get some PAG oil at Autozone, and maybe the o-rings if they have some. i'll start taking it apart tomorrow!

    There should be no reason to add oil to the compressor just becasue I blew the charge - right?
     
  9. Jun 17, 2017 at 7:30 AM
    #9
    JimNH

    JimNH [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Kenwood bluetooth double din head unit trailer brake controller K-Z sportsmen classic 16RBT travel trailer!
    Do I have to remove the radiator?
     
  10. Jun 17, 2017 at 6:00 PM
    #10
    JimNH

    JimNH [OP] Well-Known Member

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    All done. Going in the morning to have the system recharged. To do this you have to remove the grill, bumper cover, horns, and trunk latch, as well as the bracket in the center under the latch (which is the only reason you have to remove the bumper cover - bummer). You do have to unbolt the radiator to push it back a bit out of the way to slide the condenser panel out, but it's not necessary to drain or remove it.
     
    Last edited: Jun 18, 2017
  11. Jun 18, 2017 at 11:40 AM
    #11
    JimNH

    JimNH [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Kenwood bluetooth double din head unit trailer brake controller K-Z sportsmen classic 16RBT travel trailer!
    Works! $146 plus $212.

    Pep Boys charged me the $212 to vacuum test and recharge the system. Wife is very happy since it was 90 and humid today.
     
    Last edited: Jun 18, 2017
  12. Jun 18, 2018 at 7:14 AM
    #12
    regular_cab_taco

    regular_cab_taco Member

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    Just getting ready to do the install myself. I order the denso radiator with the black plastic mounts already installed.

    A shop quoted me 3.5 hours for the install. Is it necessary to remove the radiator or can I get to everything from the front?
     
  13. Aug 26, 2018 at 6:25 PM
    #13
    jellybelly22

    jellybelly22 New Member

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    3 inch spacer lift, rockcrawler series 87 black rims on 33" mickey thompsons, flowmaster 40 series muffler cut off 3/4
    I have a 2007 Silver Toyota Tacoma 6cylinder

    I Just completed the AC condenser unit replacement this morning.

    First - I purchased the Spectra premium AC condenser #7-3393 from auto zone (total $180).
    • The unit's side mounts are compatible with the plastic brackets from the original unit.
    • The new unit's top mounts are not compatible (still trying to figure out if i need to buy aftermarket mounts).
    • You should also make sure to purchase new o-rings as they did not come with the new ac unit from spectra. ($33 made by a co. named Murray - comes as a kit from oreillys, autozone, etc.)
    As far as installation goes.
    • I started by removing the grill.
    • I then removed the bolts holding the hood latch (and zip tied the hood latch out of the way)
    • I then removed the bolts holding the horns in place.
    • i then removed the bolts from the lines feeding the condenser.
    • I then removed the bolts holding the metal center bracket.
      • This metal bracket is an impediment to pulling the condenser unit out and is connected to the bumper cover.
      • I did not find it necessary to remove bumper cover and metal bracket (i merely just pulled it back as i slid out the condenser)
    • It was necessary to unbolt the radiator (4 bolts two on the left side, two on the right).
    • I then took the plastic mounts from the old unit and placed them on the new unit and slid the new condenser unit in.
    • I will replace the o-rings next and reconnect the lines going to the condenser.
    • I will reattach everything above and then take it to local shop to have it vacuumed and recharged.
    Simple process, took me 2 hours.

    I was quoted $850 and 3 1/2 hours of labor.
    Will end up spending just over $300 with recharge and parts.
     
  14. Sep 24, 2018 at 5:40 PM
    #14
    fla_sun

    fla_sun Well-Known Member

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    I just installed a NAPA condenser. It also needed some help with the top mounts not fitting correctly. I had some double sided tape which when placed under and around the inside of the top mounts worked great to stabilize the condenser. Otherwise it would have flopped around inside the mounts. Next time I'll get the (duh) Denso.
    @jellybelly22 good details on the install! I have the external transmission cooler so that had to be unbolted but hoses not disconnected. Removal and install around 1.5 hours max.
     
    Last edited: Sep 24, 2018
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  15. Sep 6, 2019 at 1:47 PM
    #15
    Yucel

    Yucel Well-Known Member

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    Where did you order the Denso? Just Napa, AutoZone ? Just trying to figure out if they carry Denso
     
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  16. Sep 30, 2019 at 6:45 AM
    #16
    Benny123

    Benny123 Kid from the late 70s

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    Replacing everything worn, broken, and rusted.
    Thanks all for the tips on replacing the condenser. Ill pass on another. When I unbolted mine it had these rubber/metal seals. They are harder to find and more expensive than the green ones. What I found interesting is that the dealer said they were out of production in 03, yet they were on my 05. I didnt believe it til I saw it for myself. See lower left corner of image

    Screenshot_20190930-094219.jpg


    http://www.japan-parts.eu/toyota/us...l/8718_heating-air-conditioning-cooler-piping

    Update: I couldnt seal the system on the passenger side (high pressure side) I used a standard o ring on the low side and had to bite the bullet and buy the metal washer/oring on the passenger/high side. I used one from this set. https://m.autozone.com/cooling-heat...stem-o-ring-gasket-kit-mt2583/607299_0_0?aqs=

    So if you find metal washers when you undo yours, ignore Toyota parts dept and use the metal ones.
     
    Last edited: Oct 3, 2019
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  17. Sep 30, 2019 at 6:47 AM
    #17
    spitdog

    spitdog Well-Known Member

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    Thanks, I need to replace mine next spring so this will help.

    Also where did you get your condenser?
     
  18. Sep 30, 2019 at 6:51 AM
    #18
    Benny123

    Benny123 Kid from the late 70s

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    Replacing everything worn, broken, and rusted.
    Yeah both my 4runner and Taco condensers went out last week. (WTF?) during the heat wave. 99 degrees driving home in rush hour traffic. Builds character as the old men say.

    I learned alot about ac systems in the past 7 days. I, fortunately, did all work except evacuation of the system myself. Lots of good tips here and saved approx $800 between the 2 vehicles. Pag oil, dye, and oring kits got double duty at least.

    @spitdog I ordered my Denso from Amazon for $75 shipped. Rockauto has them as well.

    Denso 477-0839 A/C Condenser https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PYR1QT8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_taa_HYGKDbWY10WG2
     
    Last edited: Sep 30, 2019
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  19. Sep 30, 2019 at 9:37 AM
    #19
    spitdog

    spitdog Well-Known Member

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    Thanks Benny!
     
  20. Dec 9, 2019 at 9:52 PM
    #20
    Bosshoag

    Bosshoag Well-Known Member

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    I'm here for knowledge folks, please feel free to inform me. Expedition Essentials Track Mount Weather Tech floor liners and window vents K&N air filter Summit Dakars in Matte Bronze -25 offset King suspension from Filthy Motorsports MESO customs white/red interior lights and MESO customs gasshole
    So over one year later now.... How cold is that AC?! I see you didn't do anything with PAG oil in your description (like douse the connections prior to connecting) and I too intend on taking it to a shop to get vacuumed and recharged. I hope you're cold as gold. I'm going to follow this to a "T" with the exception of getting my condenser from NAPA. Hopefully I don't have issues with the connections like the guy who posted shortly after you.
     
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