AC Condenser replacement

Zach Lucas · April 25, 2019

Hi Everyone,

New to the forum, but wanted to jump in as I just had the same issue with a 2014 w/ 67k miles. Ordered the new AC Delco part on Amazon for $134 shipped to my door. Local mechanic's shop quoted $500 for the labor. DIY or pay up? What do you guys think?

jrob56 · April 25, 2019

1 hour ago, Zach Lucas said:

Hi Everyone,

New to the forum, but wanted to jump in as I just had the same issue with a 2014 w/ 67k miles. Ordered the new AC Delco part on Amazon for $134 shipped to my door. Local mechanic's shop quoted $500 for the labor. DIY or pay up? What do you guys think?

After watching video probably take me 1-2 hour with a beer mixed in. I dont know about you, but I dont make 250-500 an hour yet at my day job.

Edited April 25, 2019 by jrob56

Sierra Dan · April 25, 2019

hardest or most time consuming aspect would be recharging the system.

I would do all the labor and just pay someone to charge it back up.

BatmanLT · May 2, 2019

I want to know why in the world the truck owners have not been reimbursed for these repairs????

I think there is a reimbursement program for the SUV owners

My condenser went out last year approximately 72k

good thing I had a extended warranty

JFREED · June 4, 2019

These parts are trash and GM knows it. I had it replaced by the dealer, it worked till the warrantee ran out and went bad. They wanted $1300 the first time but GM had some assistance program (I think it should be a free recall) so I paid a few hundred. Now the new one has gone out and it’s out of warrantee. Poor quality and service

Sierra Dan · June 4, 2019

11 hours ago, JFREED said:

These parts are trash and GM knows it. I had it replaced by the dealer, it worked till the warrantee ran out and went bad. They wanted $1300 the first time but GM had some assistance program (I think it should be a free recall) so I paid a few hundred. Now the new one has gone out and it’s out of warrantee. Poor quality and service

Honestly the aftermarket makes a better condenser than the GM branded unit. Even the assistance program cannot touch the lower cost of replacing it yourself

Funny how they slap a piece of aluminized tape in the upper right corner and call it a fix.

Edited June 4, 2019 by Sierra Dan

JFREED · June 4, 2019

Yeah it’s disappointing for sure. Unless I own something else under warranty they won’t ever touch another vehicle I own.

Yotaman · June 5, 2019

I kinda hope mine in my 2014 SLE goes out before April 2021 when I lose my extended warramty…… sad thinking but I almost prefer to do it myself only once with a aftermarket part. Ohh GM....neva again

Yotaman

rcmiller · June 7, 2019

Condenser leak on my 2015 with 66k. Planning to pick one up from NAPA today. Anybody that has done this job - did you also replace any o-rings/seals? I see they have an o-ring/seal kit for the whole system.

2kwik4u · June 10, 2019

On 6/4/2019 at 10:59 AM, Sierra Dan said:

Honestly the aftermarket makes a better condenser than the GM branded unit. Even the assistance program cannot touch the lower cost of replacing it yourself

Funny how they slap a piece of aluminized tape in the upper right corner and call it a fix.

Just had my AC Condensor replaced at 74k miles. Extended warranty covered it (and some other issues I was having).

Can you elaborate on what this tape is. It sticks out like a sore thumb in the grill when looking at the truck from the front. What is this tape? What the hell is it doing, or supposed to be doing? This is the first I've seen of it mentioned online.

I questioned the dealer about taking it off/removing it. Service Writer (who is NOT very strong in the technical details area) said "It's there for thermal absorption".......as a mechanical engineer, I can tell this answer is complete BS. He did say "You can paint it black if the appearance bothers you, but don't remove it"

Here's some pics to show where/what the tape is:

Thanks in advance!

Edited June 10, 2019 by 2kwik4u

Sierra Dan · June 10, 2019

The elaboration is this...

GM engineers came up with this fix to help prevent "stress cracks" from forming where the condenser and round tube dryer meet.

This was derived in lieu of a new beefier designed unit. Cost cutting measure i'm sure.

That is why IMHO a good aftermarket unit is a better option than this "upgraded" factory condenser for those who are replacing themselves.

Sierra Dan · June 10, 2019

On 6/7/2019 at 11:38 AM, rcmiller said:

Condenser leak on my 2015 with 66k. Planning to pick one up from NAPA today. Anybody that has done this job - did you also replace any o-rings/seals? I see they have an o-ring/seal kit for the whole system.

YES. I recommend Replacing the two Seals where the a/c lines connect to the condenser.

Napa, Autozone have a full kit for around $12 or i think you can find the two gaskets at the dealer for $4-$6 each.

2kwik4u · June 10, 2019

1 hour ago, Sierra Dan said:

The elaboration is this...

GM engineers came up with this fix to help prevent "stress cracks" from forming where the condenser and round tube dryer meet.

This was derived in lieu of a new beefier designed unit. Cost cutting measure i'm sure.

That is why IMHO a good aftermarket unit is a better option than this "upgraded" factory condenser for those who are replacing themselves.

Wait, so you're saying that the tape there is meant to work as a structural connection to help eliminate cracking in the area? Like a gusset of sorts? Surely not?!?

ksiesel · June 10, 2019

2 hours ago, 2kwik4u said:

Wait, so you're saying that the tape there is meant to work as a structural connection to help eliminate cracking in the area? Like a gusset of sorts? Surely not?!?

I believe the purpose of the tape is not to be structural help, but instead to block off part of the cooler so there are less thermal cycles in that area. Essentially, it allows that part of the cooler to maintain a more constant temperature with less highs and lows (those are a key driver in thermal fatigue cracks).

2kwik4u · June 11, 2019

14 hours ago, ksiesel said:

I believe the purpose of the tape is not to be structural help, but instead to block off part of the cooler so there are less thermal cycles in that area. Essentially, it allows that part of the cooler to maintain a more constant temperature with less highs and lows (those are a key driver in thermal fatigue cracks).

That makes better sense, but still feels like a 1/2 way fix. Thanks GM.

Is the reflective surface doing anything in this process, or is it just blocking airflow? Can I stick a can of spray paint in the grill and at least get the eyesore somewhat hidden?