Finally at 199k the original compressor went out. It didn't come to me as a surprise I was just trying to get every last mile out it. I purchased a compressor last month because I was planning on changing it when the car hit 200k. I figured 13 years and 200k I got what I paid for.

So now the question is should I change the condenser since I have to pull it out anyway to install a drier. I am a stickler when it comes to
a/c systems so I always change out the pressure switch when I do a compressor but since this is my car I am thinking about just changing the condenser also. What would you do?

 

i would not change the condenser,, just make sure you flush the a/c system ,,,If you have the extra money then go for it ,,

 

If the compressor imploded internally, then you should at minimum flush out the condenser, the lines, and the evaporator until you see no metal shavings.

When my TSX compressor failed, I opted to replace the condenser and got a used evaporator. It was worth the money to have a reliable a/c system in Texas.

 

Ok so I went and got a condenser, switch, valve, and drier. They should be here tomorrow. RockAuto is the best. I vacuumed it down today and I'll be pulling everything apart in the morning and should have the parts delivered by the time I'm done taking the condenser out. I'll let you all know how it goes.

 

I finally got everything back together. I decided to change the evaporator also so a complete new system under $300. It is up and running with no issues.

 

I just noticed something today while driving the car for the first time since I fixed the a/c. Before I replaced the compressor I was trying to chase down a very noticeable engine vibration. I had one mount that was bad so I replaced it but it did not fix my issue. While the car was idling today I noticed the vibration was gone. I read a few threads awhile ago about the same issue I was having but there was no solution after changing all the mounts and a few other parts (dealership trying to find the issue).

I have found out now that the cause was the compressor itself. It had always cut on real rough and loud from since I can remember. I don't remember it being so rough when I first bought it in 06. The new compressor is so quite you can barely tell that it's cycling now and no vibration at all from the engine other that what it should be doing normally. So I solved two issues at the same time inadvertently.