- Joined
- 31 December 2023
- Messages
- 15
- Reaction score
- 4
- Points
- 3
- Location
- Victoria
- Website
- www.youtube.com
- @auditt3.6
The A/C has never worked on my Silvia, and I was originally told it was likely either a failed compressor or a leaking condenser core. I took it to a local mechanic who quickly confirmed the issue because as soon as they attempted to refill the system, the A/C refrigerant poured straight out of one corner of the condenser.
Coming from working on VAG cars, I was half expecting this to turn into a painful job involving pulling the entire front end off the car. To my surprise, that wasn’t the case at all. Replacing the condenser on an S15 is actually a pretty straightforward process.
In the video, I run through what needs to be removed or loosened to access the condenser, including disconnecting the top and bottom radiator hoses and removing the engine undertray — which also revealed a fair amount of A/C oil. From there, the entire S15 radiator assembly comes out in one hit, including the radiator, shroud, and A/C fan. I then cover the A/C condenser core mounting and removal, including a clear view of the leak itself and a look at the random electric fans attached to the condenser. The receiver drier unit is also shown, along with some useful installation tips for the replacement condenser, including the O-ring sizes used.
Interestingly, the replacement receiver drier came with a few quirks. It was labelled as a Subaru Forester part on the receipt, but listed as a Nissan Pathfinder in the supplier’s printed reference book. Despite that, fitment was correct for the S15. The video wraps up with the condenser and receiver drier installed and the A/C repair for the Silvia completed and ready for regassing.
Coming from working on VAG cars, I was half expecting this to turn into a painful job involving pulling the entire front end off the car. To my surprise, that wasn’t the case at all. Replacing the condenser on an S15 is actually a pretty straightforward process.
In the video, I run through what needs to be removed or loosened to access the condenser, including disconnecting the top and bottom radiator hoses and removing the engine undertray — which also revealed a fair amount of A/C oil. From there, the entire S15 radiator assembly comes out in one hit, including the radiator, shroud, and A/C fan. I then cover the A/C condenser core mounting and removal, including a clear view of the leak itself and a look at the random electric fans attached to the condenser. The receiver drier unit is also shown, along with some useful installation tips for the replacement condenser, including the O-ring sizes used.
Interestingly, the replacement receiver drier came with a few quirks. It was labelled as a Subaru Forester part on the receipt, but listed as a Nissan Pathfinder in the supplier’s printed reference book. Despite that, fitment was correct for the S15. The video wraps up with the condenser and receiver drier installed and the A/C repair for the Silvia completed and ready for regassing.