Munday Mazda: "We replace about 1 A/C condenser a week."
 

A/C condensers are droppin' like flies here in Houston. The problem is all the rocks that get kicked up into the RX-8's front grill are punching holes in the condensers. It doesn't take hardly any hole size to create a leak that will ruin your condenser.

I stopped driving I-45 because all of the rocks among other things. Well sure enough, I drove it last Friday to get to a party during what I call high speed rush-hour (Traffic at 7PM is dense and fast) and I caught a rock.

The replacement was $800 parts/labor/tax. I thought about maybe getting it fixed some other way but I avoided the hassle and just bit the bullet and got the thing replaced.

I have already ordered the Racing Beat screens: http://www.racingbeat.com/FRmazda4.htm

-Mr. Wigggles

I knew about the screens but passed on it a long time ago. Reading all the horror stories recently convinced me to go ahead and drop the $100 for the screens. Fun little project to do on the car, and they look nice once installed.

I had to use zip ties to keep the oil screens on with the ms bumper though..

I've got the Hymee screens but have yet to install them. But damn! After seeing what you paid for replacement, I'd better get them puppies on asap.

First thing I did when getting the car was buy the oil cooler and AC condenser screens. Small upfront investment for an almost 100% eventual problem.

Where can you get the screens? Which brand is the most direct bolt in?

even mazda has a condenser screen now for the newer Rx-8s, but they are half height, covering just the bottom area.

Hey Mr. Wigggles, some insurance companies will pay for this to be fixed, at least that is what I have been told since I have luckly not had this problem yet.

Brice,

Yeah I thought about that too and I might still go that route. $800 is about the point where I don't want to make waves.

-Mr. Wigggles

The problem is they may increase your premium if you make an $800 claim, which sucks.

wonder if these screens would cover my ings frontend??

the main screen is fitted just over the condenser, so it's out of the way. the oil cooler screens fit into the rubber cover, so unless your bumper calls for the removal of the rubber shroud from the oil screens, it should be fine.

Even if the shroud needs removal (for the MS bumper) you can zip tie it in place.

You can see my oil screens in place here:

http://proxy.searchirc.com/speed/ms_bumper.jpg

Yeah,that wil work for me, thanks for the image :beer05:

Yeah I learned that lesson last year. Freeman mazda replaced my condensor for free, I took that a sign and went and bought the rb screens which I like how it is hidden for plain sight

Same happend to me in Austin and I got it replaced under warranty no questions asked. I love Mazda South. The next day I ordered the racing beat set...

Just installed my RB screens. Thanks for the heads up ya'll.