Well the rebuild on the A/C on my 95 960 is moving along. Could not afford to rebuild everything all at once. Did the compressor, evaporator, orifice tube, accumulator/receiver dryer last year hoping that was all. Unfortunately the system leaks still

Three questions.

First, I plan to replace the condenser shortly. I have generally bought genuine Volvo with a 20% discount I have through an association membership. Have found better fit and far fewer problems going genuine. Better to go Volvo, or which after market condensers are good? I hear bad things about Air Products, but good things about Nissens

Second, do I need to replace the 3 pressostats as well?

Third, an a/c shop that did some work last summer said the rf 134 refrigerant is 'smaller' and is prone to bleed through the high pressure hoses. Is it a good idea to replace the a/c hp hoses as well?

The Volvo a/c has been brutal. I have had the car for ten years, but only has good a/c for two summers. I hear that Volvo a/c only lasts for two years if you are lucky, which is brutal. Ideas appreciated here.

I have not had to replace the condenser in either our 95 960 or 98 S90 so I cannot comment on brands. But, I must say that I have found the OE parts I have had to replace to be of excellent quality.

I would not replace the three pressure sensors if they are not malfunctioning, and I would not replace the hoses if they are not leaking or damaged. If they are leaking, you will likely see an oily/grimy residue at leak locations.

DEWFPO
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1998 S90 083,228 and 1995 964 154,100

Thanks for the post. I am strongly leaning toward the original Volvo condenser.

Re the hoses, the a/c shop that recharged last summer had a sniffer that seemed to sense refrigerant along the hoses. The shop said the 134 is smaller particulate size, and so can leach through the hoses more than the old refrigerant. That or a tech at the shop got refrigerant/oil mix on the hoses after evac and recharge.

The pressostats work as far as i know. The rad fan comes on as normal, and I have kept them greased and so they are not likely rusted. How can I test these once off? Any idea what new ones cost?

Thanks here.

Your 1995 came with R134a from the factory so the stock hoses are made to handle it. The 3 pressure sensors on the condenser of the 95 960 run about $40 each, the pressotat on the receiver/dryer is about $30. FCP is having a 15% off sale on orders over $249. I've ordered plenty of OE parts from them, you just have to state that you want OE Volvo parts when you call them.

DEWFPO
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1998 S90 083,228 and 1995 964 154,100