If my 4th gen's AC went out from sitting too long (not a failure while driving, refrigerant/oil leaked out and it no longer holds pressure) does it need to have the condenser replaced when the compressor is replaced?

One auto AC expert I talked to said you have to do the condenser at same time and my usual mechanic says just replacing the compressor/dryer is fine. Car has about 245k miles.

Also is there a recommended place to get the parts? Was looking at this kit from RockAuto: https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...11443&pt=17507

 

Where is the leak?

Some driers are built-in to the condenser so the AC expert isn't exactly wrong. On a 4th gen however, the drier is a separate part so no need to replace the condenser. The local stores have the drier for about $20-25.

 

Yes was going to definitely do the dryer/compressor

The leak seemed to be at the compressor itself, car wasn't used for a couple months early during the pandemic, there was a pool of what didn't seem to be motor oil under the compressor, and then the AC didn't work.

Condenser itself is really reasonably priced as part of the kit - will go ahead since original is so old anyway.