Bad design, or bad luck?

[iff2mastamatt]

After my air conditioning recently failed in my '18 BRZ, I brought it to the dealer for a warranty repair. The dealer notified me that the A/C condenser had a huge hole in it, likely from road debris, and would not be covered under warranty. Given that the car is relatively new, I'm mulling some options for repair as A/C will be essential for me in the DC summers. Has anyone else ever has this issue on their BRZs especially the '17+ models? Should I chalk it up to bad luck and move on? Let me know your thoughts.
A/C condenser damage

[NWFRS]

Those usually hit my windshield.

[Opie]

It's bad luck...good news is if you are mechanically inclined you can replace the condenser and recharge the A/C yourself pretty easily and cheaply. Most auto part stores loan the vacuum pump and A/C gauges for free.

[Sapphireho]

Wow. Do you have a grill?

[iff2mastamatt]

Originally Posted by Opie

It's bad luck...good news is if you are mechanically inclined you can replace the condenser and recharge the A/C yourself pretty easily and cheaply. Most auto part stores loan the vacuum pump and A/C gauges for free.

I appreciate the suggestion, as the repair quotes seem to be around $750-$1000 around my area. The part is about $160 but most labor rates run $150 per hour around here.

Wow. Do you have a grill?

Yes, you can see it in the image url. I'm considering adding some zip ties to prevent this from happening again.

[Opie]

Originally Posted by iff2mastamatt

I appreciate the suggestion, as the repair quotes seem to be around $750-$1000 around my area. The part is about $160 but most labor rates run $150 per hour around here.

You can get a new TYC Condenser on Amazon for around $90 (new Subaru Condenser is $360), 16oz can of R134a refridgerant is around $20, loan the A/C equipment will result in $110 in parts, removing, replacing and recharging the A/C will take you 2-4 hours and save you $640-$890.

If you were closer I'd do it for you for $100 if you bought the parts.

Good video's for what to do after you've replaced the condenser:
Pulling a vacuum to remove moisture and air from the system prior to recharging it

Recharging using a can of freon:

FRS/BRZ requires 12oz (+/-1oz)

[p1l0t]

Yeah that sucks. It's something easy enough to watch a quick youTube video and replace though I imagine. If it's anything like the WRX you only need like a flat head and a socket wrench to do the whole job. EDIT: oops I guess a compressor is a little different than a radiator haha.

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[ToySub1946]

There's really no such thing as bad luck. But there is Shit Happens.

This is Not a common occurrence. My FRS has been round trip across the USA 5 times with no such problem...but I do have plenty of nicks, scratches and lost paint due to flying objects, including rocks thrown by Nebraska State Lawn mowing equipment (roof damage), tiny pieces of pebbles caught in wiper blades (locally behind an open semi-trailer in the rain) which caused scratched windshield. Just keep looking forward in life....

It won't Buff Out, but it's not Totaled either.


>All should be covered by collision insurance. You just must pay the deductible.<

>If your collision deductible is $500 or less, probably best to call your insurance company.<

As shown in videos above you need special equipment in order to evacuate the system even if you can replace the condenser yourself. There's probably an additional part needing replacement...a desiccant, which would be within an a/c receiver-drier or accumulator.

[Opie]

This is true, insurance will cover it...less your deductible.

[p1l0t]

Originally Posted by Opie

This is true, insurance will cover it...less your deductible.

And then jack your rates for 5 years because you filed a claim...

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[evomike]

Originally Posted by ToySub1946

>All should be covered by collision insurance. You just must pay the deductible.<

>If your collision deductible is $500 or less, probably best to call your insurance company.<

this would fall under a comp claim if reported correctly

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by p1l0t

And then jack your rates for 5 years because you filed a claim...

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If you can say it was moving and hit you then it would be comprehensive and (usually) won't affect your rates. Pretty hard to make a convincing case in these circumstances though.

[Yoshoobaroo]

Originally Posted by evomike

this would fall under a comp claim if reported correctly

Only if the rock was moving when you hit it.

And they will still jack your rates for 5 years for a comp claim.
Sorry, I meant 'you won't be eligible for a few discounts'.

[Opie]

Stick an arrow in it and tell them you found it that way...