So the AC in my 98 XJ is useless. I used a cheap re-charge kit which worked for about 5 days before it was blowing hot air again. So obviously I have a leak somewhere. Because I've hit so many things with the front of my Jeep I think it's the condenser (It isn't straight anymore..) but not sure. What's the proper procedure to replace the condenser, I already have one on my parts Jeep that I know works. I'm not sure how in depth this job is. I've read that you need to replace a bunch of other AC components as soon as you open up the system, what are they? I want to make this a DIY job since I can't afford the mechanic's labor. Any special tools I'll need to rent from the local autozone or whatever?

Any help is much appreciated, AC systems are not my forte

Thanks

 

First off just in case there is anything left in the system your going to want to take it somewhere and have it drained. As for replacing things after opened I replaced the compressor on my durango about a year ago after it seized up and only replaced the dryer for good measure. You want to make sure to add some pag oil and have a vacuum pulled on the system after its all back together before you charge it again and you should be golden.

 

Ok so after watching a few youtube videos I think I have it figured out. I'm going to try and rent manifold gauges and a vacuum pump from the local parts store, and I might replace my shrader valves too for good measure. I watched this video here which really helped in understanding how to put a vacuum on the system and properly recharge it.

 

My 1996 takes 1.25 pounds of refrigerant to recharge. Find out what yours is.

 

Whatever you do. Make sure that you don't skip having a vacuum pulled on the system once you get it back together or you may be changing out the compressor in the near future. Not pulling the vacuum can cause the compressor to seize up after a short time. I made that mistake when I was 16 and never forgot to pull the vacuum again.

 

Thankfully autozone had the vacuum pump and a brand new set of manifold gauges for me to rent. But after switching out the condenser and the shrader valves the system still will not hold a vacuum so I'll probably just be without AC for a while longer unless I do some more in depth leak detection.

 

you can pull a vacuum on it again and put a bottle of uv dye in it. buy a pair of those fancy glasses and it will show you were the leak is. itl show bright green and if youl get it somewhere its not suppose to be the dye washes off with soapy water. the dye is pretty cheap and so are the glasses. you also may want to replace your accumulator while your at it if it is old. The old accumulator will have no desiccant (those silica drying beads) left (possibly).

 

I just did this about 3 weeks ago on my 95 XJ. Ordered a replacement condenser and 2 new lines (both coming from condenser). Then had the a/c re-charged and now it works and blows cold air. Sometimes old rusty lines leak and seize. I recommend new lines if they look in bad shape. They are pretty cheap...