legacycentral bbs

In the UK air con was expensive when my Legacy Turbo was new in 1992, so to get it up and running I hope forum members can advise aftermarket products, at present I am looking at Impreza parts for condensor/dryers .

My air con has not been in operation for around 4 years - theres a hole/split in the condensor.. It does however has a number of recharge stickers showing it was working in the past.

I had a go at removing the old condesor the other day, no probs with the two bolts holding the air pipework but as regards lifting the old unit out it was solid .

Is the condensor held by concealed bolts from underneath? I had hoped it was just held onto the body via a rubber gromits. Am I just missing something here?


When choosing a new aftermarket condensor which makes do forum members go for? , NIssens part no longer made but should be able to be sourced from old stock anyone gone for another make?

As regards the dryer again what aftermarket dryers do owners choose, any suugestions about aftermarket suppliers which are tried & tested would be really helpful.


Comments suggestions welcomed

Did you check out any AC threads on this forum? This one seems to be pretty comprehensive:
http://bbs.legacycentral.org/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=49812

Here's a good one too: http://bbs.legacycentral.org/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=1083

It's been a while since I put my condenser in, but I believe it has the two upper bolts, then it's resting in place with two "studs" in rubber grommets on the bottom. I had the front bumper off when I installed mine, it's possible there are 2 more bolts at the bottom, can't remember exactly.

Thanks for your comments and links, I had read the second post but the information combined with the other will be a real help.
My issue is when |I take my 92 Subaru to a local garage their reaction is its not worth the effort = they prefer a eurobox to work on for quick return ££.
Any suggestions regards tried & tested replacement dryers either for Legacy or early Impreza would be welcomed.

I've replaced driers with ones from the local autoparts store meant to fit the Legacy and they've worked fine. If you can find one meant for your Legacy in the autoparts store that's what I'd suggest using. They're mostly all made in China now, but there's no moving parts inside and is just a chamber with desiccant in it.

Here's the offending item Sanden drier model 1518C - 201DE its the connecting fitting that appears to be the issue see photo size 190 L x 60 W. Any suggestions for a repalcement most welcome.

That thing looks in pretty bad shape. Are you able to find anything at a local auto parts store?

Worst case I could think would be to use a drier from another model Subaru and have custom lines made to match up to your car.

Josh, Good advice - get the fittings made up and use another drier from older Legacy.
The number of a/c specialists for Subaru a/c parts are few & far between in UK.
Once finished I'll let the forum know.

Sounds good & good luck!

I now tracked down a fully working a/c system just removed from a 1989 Legacy RS , my plan is to fit these items to my 1992 Legacy , any issues foreseen ?

Is it RHD like yours? It "should" work if you get all the parts with it. Based on my knowledge of USDM turbo legacys, Subaru changed minor things pretty much every year of the production run that made them not quite work right if you mixed and matched years.

The incompatibilities were all in the fittings from the condenser, to the compressor and to the firewall. I finally found a complete setup from a 93 (my car is a 92) and everything worked.

Mike, Thanks I'm going to go ahead based upon the photos of the a/c parts off the RS. I'll keep the forum updated