Leaking of air condition part by small rock

[Rhett]

Hi!

I am so wondering if this thread and question is fitable to this section.

Today, I had driven in I-90 in Washington state(I am living in Seattle) for about 40 minutes. Then I parked my z at shopping mall. White fog came out from front bumper. At that time I thought that it must be coolant leakage.

I brought my z to Perfromance Nissan at Everett in Washington. At first service manager said my warranty would cover that problem. At that time, I had my own business, and Nissan lent me a rent-a-car. After a couple of hours, he called me that some part relating to air conditioning system got the damaged by a SMALL ROCK. Nissan has no warranty about some damage by SMALL ROCK. Also he said that price of the part was $1,200.00. I had to contact my insurance company.

My quesitons are as follows;
1. Is it possible to come out or happen leaking problem of the part of air conditioning system by a SMALL ROCK? While driving at that time, I had never heard any imapct noise or something.

2. Tomorrow morning, I will go to Performance Nissan in the morning to check up which part of air conditioning system was leaked and damaged. As service manage said, the part of air conditioning system is so expensive? It was $1,200.00 part only.

I know that my english is not good. Sorry about that!

Please give me a solution!!!!!!

Thanks a million in advance!!!

Seongkeol in Seattle

[jayfightmoves]

I have a radiator and condenser core if that is the problem

[6spd]

thatd likely be the condenser. try looking aftermarket, they are much much cheaper, only problem is the car is very new and parts may not be available aftermarket yet.

[Rhett]

Originally Posted by 6spd

thatd likely be the condenser. try looking aftermarket, they are much much cheaper, only problem is the car is very new and parts may not be available aftermarket yet.

Thanks for a note. I found much cheaper price in Nissanpart4u.

[6spd]

no prob!

[Rhett]

Originally Posted by 6spd

no prob!

6spd! Nissanpart4u offered me $560.(+ shipping $45.0 and no sales tax) for assembly of a/c condenser of the 370z. He said that it was a real Nissan part. Is Nissanpart4u a safe internet shopping site? I have never experienced to buy somethig in this site?

Anyone knows about the Nissanpart4u?

[Lt. Dan]

Call the dealer back and see if they'll match that price or do anything to try and earn your business... Did that estimate include labor?

[Rhett]

Originally Posted by Lt. Dan

Call the dealer back and see if they'll match that price or do anything to try and earn your business... Did that estimate include labor?

Yesterday, I called Performance Nissan in Everett about the price of the a/c condenser. But he said that he could not match the internet price. Labor charge is $320.0 (+ tax). Is this labor charge reasonable to exchange the a/c condenser and fill the air conditioner gas? Now, I am searching another auto shops. Thanks!!

[Montez]

I think the condensor is a dealer only part, I had that issue last year on the Max. It cost me 812 bucks total, had it done at good year. Dealer was 150 more, so 800 something bucks sounds about right for the total cost.

[mrarroyo]

For about 25 years I have gone to a Lowe's or Home Depot and bought a section of aluminum screen (used on the outside of home windows). I then cut it to match the front of the condenser and radiator and install it in front of them behind the car's front grill. It will not only diminish the chance of an small rock perforating your condenser but will also reduce the number of bugs that impale themselves on the condenser thus improving cooling.

[Rhett]

Originally Posted by mrarroyo

For about 25 years I have gone to a Lowe's or Home Depot and bought a section of aluminum screen (used on the outside of home windows). I then cut it to match the front of the condenser and radiator and install it in front of them behind the car's front grill. It will not only diminish the chance of an small rock perforating your condenser but will also reduce the number of bugs that impale themselves on the condenser thus improving cooling.

Thanks for a comment! I will buy aluminum or stainless mesh on weekend.

[albertu]

I am having the same damage as Rhett. Took the car in for an oil change, and told them the AC was blowing hot air even when temp control was set st 60. An hour later, they called me back, quote the exactly the same thing. Since my deductible is $500, I'll just let the insurance pay for the rest.

my question is, if this part is so easily damage, would it be a design flaw? Maybe something Nissan should warranty it?

[Rhett]

Originally Posted by albertu

I am having the same damage as Rhett. Took the car in for an oil change, and told them the AC was blowing hot air even when temp control was set st 60. An hour later, they called me back, quote the exactly the same thing. Since my deductible is $500, I'll just let the insurance pay for the rest.

my question is, if this part is so easily damage, would it be a design flaw? Maybe something Nissan should warranty it?

I am so sorry to hear the same problem. You are totally right! Nissan should do something for protecting a/c condenser.

[mrarroyo]

Sorry guys but unless they chose materials that are not appropriate for the application by being to soft and prone to puncture failures the condition is typical of all condensers and radiators. Of course you could buy an air-cooled VW and be happy!

[SoCal 370Z]

The Mazda crowd has an aftermarket company called Racing Beat that makes protector screens. Maybe someone in the Nissan world can do the same?