air con condenser replacement MAZDA 2 Hatchback (DL, DJ)

Yeah mate, did mine last summer on my Mazda 2 – proper pain tbh. @Thement is spot on, you basically gotta strip the front end. Bumper off, radiator support loosened... took me a full day in the driveway with a mate helping

@n. e. I'd honestly say unless you're really handy with tools and have time, let someone else do it. My brother tried on his and ended up calling breakdown cause he couldn't get the radiator clips back properly 😅

Front bumper removal isn't too bad actually, lots of clips and few bolts. The tricky bit is getting the condenser out without damaging the radiator – they sit right next to each other. Make sure you've got the AC system evacuated first or you'll have a bad time!

@Ryan Phillips I'd budget a good 4-5 hours if you're doing it yourself first time. Need to be careful with all the plastic clips on the bumper, they snap easy

Did this job on a CX-3 which shares same platform – condenser sits right behind front grill. You'll need new O-rings for the AC lines too, don't forget those or it'll leak straight away

@Katie Hill +1 on that, my neighbour bodged his and had to get it redone anyway. Cost him more in the end lol

The condenser itself isn't expensive, saw decent ones for like £60-120 depending on brand. But yeah the labour's the killer cause of all the dismantling

@n. e. If you do go for it yourself, mark where everything goes with your phone camera. So many little connectors and clips to remember! Saved my life when reassembling mine

@Thement How long did yours take at the garage? Thinking of booking mine in

@LiCoKe Exactly this – had mine done professionally, they evacuated the system, replaced condenser, refilled and tested. Took them about 3 hours but they have the proper kit​

@Molly Edwards Good shout on the photos! Also get some plastic trim removal tools, makes getting bumper off so much easier without breaking tabs everywhere