Anyone know how you do this. There doesn't seem to be much in the way of bolts that connect the pipes into the condenser.

I've bought another Cat C car which needs front panel, radiator, condenser replaced but I've not taken a condenser off before.

I know there's a possible issue with the gas leaking out when you disconnect, but have no idea how to disconnect and reconnect.

Any ideas anyone?

If you do get stuck and need to call in the professionals, I used ac4cars.co.uk. Based in Swanscombe, Kent. That's if it's not too far for you. They have a workshop and mobile service.

If the ac has lost its gas in the accident then it's just like doing a radiator if not then it will need professionally removing, on reassembly make sure to use new "O" rings on the pipes.

John202020 said:

If the ac has lost its gas in the accident then it's just like doing a radiator if not then it will need professionally removing, on reassembly make sure to use new "O" rings on the pipes.

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And make sure the O rings are made from a material designed for use in automotive A/C applications. This is a useful guide to O ring materials and their uses.

John202020 said:

If the ac has lost its gas in the accident then it's just like doing a radiator if not then it will need professionally removing, on reassembly make sure to use new "O" rings on the pipes.

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Why does it need to be professionally done if it's holding gas?

jrkitching said:

And make sure the O rings are made from a material designed for use in automotive A/C applications. This is a useful guide to O ring materials and their uses.

Click to expand...

Anyone provide a link as to where these can be purchased from?

typecastboy said:

Why does it need to be professionally done if it's holding gas?

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Because it's illegal to knowingly release A/C refrigerant into the environment.

Oh I see. All I know st present is that it needs a new condenser presumably because it is damaged from the accident. This may be a stupid question but how will I know whether the system contains refrigerant without removing the pipes?

Not a recommended way, either filler connection has a valve like on a tyre, quick press with something will hiss out if still full.
I don't recommend this!
ask a few companies to see if they will charge you if it turns out to be empty, also at the same time ask re the O rings, or go to Fiat for them

Thanks guys, I'll have a quick press to see. But how about the actual removal of the pipe, is there actually a nut that you can undo?

typecastboy said:

Why does it need to be professionally done if it's holding gas?

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For the reasons JR mentioned. Just remember for future, irrespective of the fact that the vehicle may have suffered an impact which unavoidably involved the release of refridgerant, you won't know if there's any left in the system, so best bet, call out a mobile A/C specialist and have the system evacuated, or if the vehicle can be driven safely, take it to a garage or A/C specialist.

A couple of years back, my Saab condenser was destroyed by a very large stone smashing into it through the air scoop. I still had to take the car to my local garage who charged me a tenner to ensure the system was empty and only then was it deemed 'safe' to work on.

The bolts that fix the pipes are "banjo" bolts that have a hole in them, once degassed you'll easily see when taking them out, careful don't over tighten on reassembly aluminium and stainless steel

Car definately not drivable, legally anyway. Will look up a local mobile AC specialist. Have no idea what a banjo bolt is [emoji79] Cheers guys. Cancel that, I just googled banjo bolt. You learn something new every day.

See what you mean now. Car arrived today. The air-con was empty. Strange nut, doesn't even look like a nut, but a 10mm socket fitted on perfectly. Undone it very slowly, not a drop of gas in there.

Whole front of the car is off now ready for the new front to go on tomorrow.