C30 AC : - Best quality condenser?

2.4TSE · May 2nd, 2022, 16:11

My wife has owned her C30 T5 for eleven years and we are about to replace the a/c condenser for the fifth time; despite a protective mesh and me checking for salty debris trapped between the condenser and the intercooler, they fail after two to four years. In contrast, I have owned my V70 2.4T since new in 2003 (so it is over 19 years old and well over 180,000 miles) and everything about the a/c is original bar one re gas and re-shim of the compressor clutch just because I felt that both would be wise. Hey ho.

Each time so far I have fitted a OEM Volvo/Ford item to the C30, but is there a better one that will last longer that you can recommend and if not, a cheaper one of equivalent longevity?

Many thanks!

Edited to correct a spelling mistake.

iainmd · May 3rd, 2022, 11:00

Sadly I doubt it. We're the same. 2009 V50 on its 5th condenser. I've had OEM, NRF and I think the current on is Delphi. None of them last more than 2-3yrs max.

I fitted mesh to the lower grille after the last change in the hope it might make a difference. Only time will tell. Unfortunately I think it's a design issue rather than quality of component and it's part and parcel of owning these cars :-(

2.4TSE · May 3rd, 2022, 17:30

Thank you, Iaian. At least I know I am not alone in the boat of not having discovered a better product. In my experience, the mesh sadly makes no difference; as you say it is just poor design (probably including wafer-thin material).

Unless another VC forum member has a better idea I will simply buy the cheapest condenser I can find when I come to have the work done in June (I live abroad normally but the car is kept in the UK for when we need it)

Cheers.

domhart10 · May 6th, 2022, 09:56

You are best with OEM, its more than upto the job its just not positioned in the correct place.

Im on my second one which has lasted 4 - 5 years so far.

These can go for so many reason. Driving too close to the car infront in wet conditions ... bugs ... are you jet washing your car and pointing the hose at the front?

When jet hosing mine I stopped angling the hose at the front of the car and now across it and mine has been fine for a while. They are just very fragile there without much protection sadly.

May 2nd, 2022, 16:11	#1
2.4TSE Master Member Last Online: Mar 29th, 2024 18:03 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Stratford-upon-Avon	Best quality condenser? My wife has owned her C30 T5 for eleven years and we are about to replace the a/c condenser for the fifth time; despite a protective mesh and me checking for salty debris trapped between the condenser and the intercooler, they fail after two to four years. In contrast, I have owned my V70 2.4T since new in 2003 (so it is over 19 years old and well over 180,000 miles) and everything about the a/c is original bar one re gas and re-shim of the compressor clutch just because I felt that both would be wise. Hey ho. Each time so far I have fitted a OEM Volvo/Ford item to the C30, but is there a better one that will last longer that you can recommend and if not, a cheaper one of equivalent longevity? Many thanks! Edited to correct a spelling mistake. __________________ 2003 V70 2.4T SE \| Owned from new \| M56 \| Bilstein B4 \| Nivomats \| BSR PPC \| Ferrita Exhaust \| Poly small bush in lower torque mount 2008 C30 T5 SE Sport R-Design \| Dynaudio \| BLIS \| Winter Pack \| Towbar \| Parking Control \| Keyless \| 18" Atreus Last edited by 2.4TSE; May 2nd, 2022 at 16:14.

May 3rd, 2022, 17:30	#3
2.4TSE Master Member Last Online: Mar 29th, 2024 18:03 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Stratford-upon-Avon	Thank you, Iaian. At least I know I am not alone in the boat of not having discovered a better product. In my experience, the mesh sadly makes no difference; as you say it is just poor design (probably including wafer-thin material). Unless another VC forum member has a better idea I will simply buy the cheapest condenser I can find when I come to have the work done in June (I live abroad normally but the car is kept in the UK for when we need it) Cheers. __________________ 2003 V70 2.4T SE \| Owned from new \| M56 \| Bilstein B4 \| Nivomats \| BSR PPC \| Ferrita Exhaust \| Poly small bush in lower torque mount 2008 C30 T5 SE Sport R-Design \| Dynaudio \| BLIS \| Winter Pack \| Towbar \| Parking Control \| Keyless \| 18" Atreus

May 6th, 2022, 09:56	#4
domhart10 Volvo S40 Last Online: Yesterday 22:51 Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Chichester	You are best with OEM, its more than upto the job its just not positioned in the correct place. Im on my second one which has lasted 4 - 5 years so far. These can go for so many reason. Driving too close to the car infront in wet conditions ... bugs ... are you jet washing your car and pointing the hose at the front? When jet hosing mine I stopped angling the hose at the front of the car and now across it and mine has been fine for a while. They are just very fragile there without much protection sadly. __________________ ----------------------------------------- Current: 2009 Volvo S40 T5 Progress Thread: https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=271945 Previous Volvo: 2008 S40 SE Lux R Design 2.0D

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