Is there a 'how-to' anywhere? I was hearing a high pressure hiss after some spirited driving at the weekend, looking through the front lower grille I can see what looks like Radiator coolant weeping out of the bottom - nearside I think, will have to go and look again once it's hot - of what I thought was the radiator, but if I'm understanding this right, the air-con condenser sits in-front of the radiator so that's what I'd be looking at through the lower front bumper grille? Clio 182 FF
AC condenser is in front of the radiator, if a stone punctures it then you will get a hiss. You should see marks on the front of the condenser where the oil thats added to the system is staining the condenser as it runs down. if there is still a bit of pressure in the system then you will see bubbles if you spray a bit of soapy water on it.
Its an easy swap, this guide assumes you have bought an AC condenser that comes with the drier fitted already, which most do.
Remove the plastic covers over the valve on the AC pipes, there will be 2, a High and a low pressure one, one is bigger than the other.
Wearing protective gloves and eye protection, give the centre of the valve a press with a long screw driver (its the same as a tyre valve) and see if you get a hiss, if you do, its still got gas, if you don't its empty.
if its got gas, It would be possible but extremely irresponsible to the environment and illegal to just vent it to atmosphere so of course it would be wise to get a garage to remove the gas.
Once its empty remove the front bumper, drain the coolant system by disconnect the 2x radiator hoses (top and bottom) from the radiator, disconnect the connector to the radiator fan and the AC pressure switch (bottom right hand side). Remove the top cross member that has the bonnet latch on it (2x 13mm nuts at either side and 2x 13mm nuts on the front - These 2 don't need removed just loosened as the holes are slotted)
remove the 10mm bolt from the 2x AC pipes to condenser and give them a gentle wiggle/twist until the pop out. now you can remove the radiator and AC condenser from the car as one unit.
When off the car, attach your new rad and AC condenser together and swap the radiator fan and AC pressure switch over and refit to the car.
Replace the rubber Orings on the AC fittings or grease them up if in good condition and re connect, these don't need to go mega tight, you don't want to strip the threads.
You want to get it regassed as soon as possible to keep the drier in good condition since it now has moisture in the system from the air which will be removed at Regas
once the garage has regassed the system its worth spraying some soapy water over all the joins and connections to make sure everything is happy and no leaks (bubbles!)
My local garage are £60 to regas the system but do me a trade price of £30 if they are literally just doing a vacuum and gas and its up to me to ensure its all sealed etc so they don't do any leak testing
