My air conditioner on my 1996 855T stopped working last week. My mechanic said he found a hole in the condenser tubing under the front bumper. He speculated that it got hit by a rock, etc. My mechanic has been pretty reliable so I'm not doubting his assessment. We didn't talk about price becuase the car was in for other problems (check engine light, smog check, etc.).

About how much should I expect to pay for replacing the condensor? I can hear the "cha-ching" already...

Ask your mechanic if you can bring your own parts.

I would replace the dryer and orifice tube at the same time.
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'88 240, '92 745, '98 v70 -John, Tampa Bay

John --

I'm not familar with receiver/dryers. What does it look like? Is it directly in line with the condenser?

Eric

An aftermarket condensor should be in the range of $150 to 250. Replacing the condensor itself is not a big job; a few small fasteners and a couple of fittings.

A new receiver/dryer is a good idea to take up the moisture that's been introduced by the system being open (due to the leak). Add refrigerant and a couple of hours labour, and you're looking at $500 to 600 in a good independent shop, more at a dealer. If you get it done for less, you've got a good deal. (AC repairs are always pricey, and almost always inevitable.)

If you're a DIY'er, consider replacing the parts yourself and bringing it in for the refrigerant. It's basic plumbing, really. Or you might want to research aftermarket altenative refrigerants you can install yourself.

The receiver/dryer is the silver cylinder just under the passenger headlight in the engine bay. It removes moisture from the system. The orifice tube is cheap, and collects crud in its filter and clogs the system.
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'88 240, '92 745, '98 v70 -John, Tampa Bay

I do a fair amount of work on my car but I was wondering how much work is involved to replace the condenser/receiver/dryer i.e. am I removing bumper covers/air dam/etc? I do some work like tune ups, brakes, adding trailer hitches, but if it gets real involved or if its a pain to get at then I just let my mechanic deal with it.

I replaced the condensor on my 740 a number of years ago; I think there was a lower shield behind the air dam that I removed. Overall, it was quite straightforward.