Condenser HVAC: Service and Repair

REMOVAL
1. Remove master cylinder cover, ABS unit cover and airflow meter cover.
2. Using the recycling and recovery machine (for HFC134a), drain the refrigerant.
3. Remove strut tower bar, air cleaner assembly, air duct and air inlet pipe.
4. Disconnect high-pressure flexible hose and high-pressure pipe from the condenser.

CAUTION: Cap or wrap the open ends of the pipe with a suitable material such as vinyl tape to avoid the entry of air.

5. Remove oil cooler pipe clips from left and right sides of the condenser.
6. Slide condenser up and remove it from the radiator clip.






7. Remove oil cooler from the condenser.






8. Remove front grille, battery, battery tray and radiator mounting bracket.
9. Remove power steering oil tank and canister.






10. Remove mounting bolts from condenser.
11. Slide condenser up and remove it from the radiator clip.
12. Remove radiator from the lower mount, move it to the engine side, then remove condenser between the radiator and the radiator core support.

CAUTION: Be careful not to damage the core surface of the condenser and the radiator.







INSTALLATION
Installation is the reverse order of removal. Note the following.


CAUTION: Replace high-pressure pipe and high-pressure flexible hose O-rings with new ones. Apply compressor oil prior to installation.
When pouring refrigerant, check for leaks.

High-pressure flexible hose mounting bolts
Tightening torque: 7.8 - 19.6 N-m (0.8 - 2.0 kg.m)

High-pressure pipe mounting bolts
Tightening torque: 2.9 - 5.9 N-m (0.29 - 0.6 kg.m)

Condenser mounting bolts
Tightening torque: 3.82 - 4.51 N-m (0.39 -0.46 kg.m)