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03-10-2016, 01:57 PM | #1 |
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Norcal people: Suggestions needed for AC Evaporator replacement
So my A/C stopped blowing cold air the other day. I drive the car a couple times a week and it was working fine just a few weeks ago. After doing some research the worst case scenario and most common problem is the AC evaporator leaking. And it seems like it is not a DIY type of thing since you need to take out the dash, etc..
For those in the Bay Area that had to replace theirs outside of warranty, can you recommend a place that did it for a good price? I know I'm expecting to pay at least a couple thousand from the past threads I've found on here. A lot of people have said it is no worth it to get it done from an independent shop b/c of the dash removal. Suggestions and estimated costs would be appreciated. I still have a couple months before I really need the AC to work so I'd like to plan beforehand. Thank you |
03-10-2016, 03:10 PM | #2 |
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Seems like a pretty invasive process. Alex (Flipm3) just did his himself in Chicago, maybe he can give you some better insight if you PM him
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03-10-2016, 04:14 PM | #3 |
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03-10-2016, 05:53 PM | #4 |
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I have done 2. It's a long but not an impossible job. I really enjoyed it. Have you seen the YouTube videos? Once we change the evaporator and we had everything in place, we took the car to an AC shop to charge and test. I think we have run with luck bc both charged and had no leaks for several years. If you are into DIY you should give it a try. Not only you wil saves one money but you wil learn a lot.
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03-11-2016, 04:48 PM | #5 | |
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03-12-2016, 10:23 AM | #6 | |
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03-14-2016, 10:42 AM | #7 | |
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02-10-2019, 03:38 PM | #8 | ||||
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Would you help me with some ideas? I cannot retire the dash metal support frame. I took out the top 2 screws, the 4 ones in the driver side above the steering mount, 2 on the passenger side plus 2 more on the driver side (4 last ones on each extreme of the support), and one bolt by the glovebox mount. According to the manual I am not missing any screw but the frame on the driver side is not moving!! I am fearing metal to metal soldering, but I am chicken out on applying more force. Any ideas? |
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02-10-2019, 04:29 PM | #9 | |
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Do you have a photo of where you are now in the process? Just in case this helps https://youtu.be/KVpp8CFcfVI
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02-10-2019, 04:34 PM | #10 | ||
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02-10-2019, 04:43 PM | #11 |
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You did this step? #3
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Last edited by Timujin; 02-10-2019 at 04:50 PM.. |
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02-10-2019, 05:00 PM | #12 | |
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02-10-2019, 05:11 PM | #13 |
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Dangit. I am 99% sure I need to do this and have been reading and watching all I can find. Good luck.
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02-17-2019, 08:31 AM | #15 |
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Hi! It seems that some parts of the TIS Manual are incomplete because I was getting crazy on not being able to remove the dashboard support frame, and checked the ISTA Service Manual. It turns out that there are more screws!!!
Well, I finally replaced the evaporator. Before re-installing everything I scheduled for tomorrow a visit from an AC Technician, just to test if the system is sealed and perform a vacuum pump on the system. I torqued everything as advised in the TIS and ISTA manual, so I am pretty sure the AC system is sealed. Even though, I don't want to take any chance and wait for the technician. I am doing this for 2 reasons: 1. A vacuum pump and a manifold are tools needed to check if the system is properly sealed. It costs too much and the use I can give for these tools in the future is very limited. 2. Dismantling everything is not difficult (provided you have the CORRECT manuals); but is is time consuming. Even taking out the steering column is easy (I didn't mess up up the airbags and steering wheel, ISTA did not say it was necessary, though youtube videos said it was). So, this is the point you don't want to screw up. Afterwards assembling everything is easy. I will be happy to share my manuals after I finish the process. Thanks all for your help and comments! |
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02-17-2019, 10:33 AM | #16 | ||
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02-17-2019, 01:20 PM | #17 |
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I cannot say. I mean, being an aluminium-like piece it was dark (blackish color), decolored I would say, and smelly. I couldnt see a crack or a leak, but these leaks only reveal under gas pressure.
BEWARE of these issues if you do this: 1. There are two part variants for E92 M3 evaporators: one made by Valeo while the other made by Denso. You must find out whivh one before you make DIY. Having the wrong part can be a pain in the butt. 2. The dashboard support frame had some superficial rust build. I choose to clean it with some WD40, spray some degreaser and protect it with rust oleum anti-rust metallic primer. |
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03-16-2019, 12:00 PM | #18 | |
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03-16-2019, 08:09 PM | #19 | ||
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have you started yours? |
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03-16-2019, 10:25 PM | #20 | |||
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Congratulations on your A/C work.
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03-22-2019, 10:34 PM | #21 | ||||
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03-23-2019, 12:12 AM | #22 | |||||
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I will check this out!
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