Replacing AC condenser on a 2016 Leaf S

[dorkshoei]

I don't think you will have enough oil left in the compressor after pulling vacuum for extended time to worry about. Just use the correct amount for filling an empty system. A little extra oil may slightly reduce the cooling capacity, but probably not noticeable on the LEAF. The main thing is to get the leak repaired and the system fully clean and dry. Are you planning to replace the accumulator? It might be a good idea since the system was open so long. Good luck with your repairs.

I was most concerned about debris being left inside the compressor. But it doesn't sound like one should actively flush the compressor so I guess you remove, drain, try to get as much oil out as possible and hope for the best.

After I have it all back together I'll want to pull a vacuum (I'll do it for a long time to boil off any condensation) and then verify it can hold vacuum before recharging.

As for the accumulator, I thought that was only on the model with the Heat Pump.

But to your larger point, the dryer on the Leaf is part of the condenser assembly so I've decided to replace the condenser even if the issue turns out to only be the high pressure pipe. a) I've already bought the replacement condenser b) I suspect after being open so long it needs a new dryer.

Thanks for the help.

[GerryAZ]

I apologize, I did not read the non-heat pump part of the service manual carefully. It looks like the dryer is in the liquid tank which is a separate piece, but mounted to the condenser. Since the first part of the manual shows an accumulator, I assumed both systems would use one. In any case, the dryer (liquid tank in your case) should be replaced since the system was open for extended time. Good luck with the repairs, I will be following this thread.

[dorkshoei]

It looks like the dryer is in the liquid tank which is a separate piece, but mounted to the condenser.

It's all one piece. A/C Condenser and Receiver Drier Assembly

[GerryAZ]

Interesting--there are two different exploded views in the service manual for 2016 S. The view I looked at before shows the tank as a separate item, but another view shows the condenser with liquid tank as one part. The view with the tank separate shows O-rings (and tightening torque) for the connections at the bottom of the tank.

[dorkshoei]

Interesting--there are two different exploded views in the service manual for 2016 S. The view I looked at before shows the tank as a separate item, but another view shows the condenser with liquid tank as one part. The view with the tank separate shows O-rings (and tightening torque) for the connections at the bottom of the tank.

There was a change over in April 2016. Mine is the pre April.

I also bought an aftermarket model not OEM. It is pre April fitment.

The OEM fiche shows 4 diff condensers, pre/post April 2016 S and pre/post Jan 2016 SL/SV.

[dorkshoei]

Plan is to try and tackle this next weekend May 7th/8th. Have plans this weekend.

I have the replacement high pressure pipe, replacement condenser, ND11 oil, R134a, R134a can adapter, 1 gallon flush solution, flushing system, compressor, manifold gauge set and vacuum pump.

The only minor concern I have is o-rings. Service manual says to replace whenever you remove/reinstall any hose and I believe you need to use HNBR for a/c.

I'm not paying $2+ per o-ring that Nissan charges.

I picked up this pack of HNBR o-rings. They're an in-stock item so I can get more if I run out but my concern is that it won't contain a size I need.

If anyone knows of a chart that specifies Nissan o-ring part# -> size I'd appreciate a pointer so I can be sure I have all the sizes I need before starting.

[dorkshoei]

Well !#$%.

The condenser I purchased which was for Leaf S manufactured prior to April 2016 does not fit. The upper left mounting bracket is different which I immediately noticed but the bigger issue is that the bend of the left side exit tube is different so it doesn't mate to the high pressure tube It is not a one off defect as looking closer I can see the same issues on the website image.

According to my dealer:

Code: Select all

   Leaf S  From 04/2016.
    921003NF0B 

    Leaf S To 04/2016.
    921005SA2A 

They reconfirmed my car was manufactured 10/2015,

Looking at the 2015 fiche, the condenser was 92100-3NF0A and that shows as superseded by 92100-5SA2A which matches the above for pre April 2016.

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You need to remove the right front wheel to access the lower high voltage shield bolt and also the lower compressor mounting bolt. The compressor needs to be removed/installed from below through the wheel cavity - so adding new oil is best done after it's re-installed (using a fill tube).

Getting the front bumper off was fun, the manual is useless, fortunately this video helped to figure out the tabs and the hidden screw:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6rj6_927iM

Before this you need to remove the charging port and bracket. Again the manual isn't really helpful as it has you bouncing back and forward. I removed based on intuition.

You need to remove the "safety plug" which is located in the passenger compartment:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MJ_WjDVOrI

You can replace the condenser without having to remove and drain the radiator, it takes some wiggling but it can be done.

I'm off now to flush out the evaporator which is under the dash. Access is basically right behind the electric motor. PITA location. A 1970 pickup like in the Autozone video this is not

Here are some pics in case it helps others:

[SageBrush]

Also "may" isn't will.

A bank 'may' charge you interest on a loan.

The guy was trying to help you. Try to not be dense.

[dorkshoei]

I'm off now to flush out the evaporator which is under the dash. The hoses connect to it at the headwall, basically right behind the electric motor. PITA location. I reinstalled the old broken high pressure hose and also still have the flexible high pressure hose. I'm hoping I can just flush through these as trying to get in behind the motor (as you can see them doing in the autozone video above) is going to be really hard and messy. A 1970s pickup truck this is not

I used AC Pro Flush solution. Part# CQS-11GAL. $40 for a gallon. I barely needed 1/2 gallon.

According to the schematic, the high pressure tube (metal) from the condenser is the input to the evaporator and the rubber tube (to the compressor) is the output.

I installed both tubes (metal and rubber) to the headwall connector. The compressor is still removed so I put a plastic container in it's place and routed the rubber tube into it. I connected short length of plastic tubing to the metal tube and forced the cleaning solution in through it.

Pushed it through until it was coming into the output container. Then left for 10 minutes. Then used compressed air through the metal tube to clean it out.

Repeated the process with new flush until it came out clear.

[dorkshoei]

Also "may" isn't will.

Try to not be dense.

@SageBrush. Take a hike.