Widespread GM AC condenser causes discussed : 2014-2015 1500 Silverado, 1500 Sierra, Tahoe, Suburban, and Yukon.
The OE condenser and OE A/C system is/has been experiencing
warranty issues in the field on the 2014-2015 Silverado 1500, Sierra 1500,
Tahoe, Suburban, and Yukon models.
Dealer Part Number: 23141861, 84211191
We now understand the problems with the OE A/C system are based on
a combination of 2] major failure modes of original equipment both of which are
discussed below; and, both of which contributes to the high volume of
replacement sales of Radiator Express condenser SKU 222562:
- The OE discharge hose assembly develops a hole over time in
the sharp 90o bend just after the refrigerant muffler in the
line before the condenser (see image below). This 90o
bend after the muffler, but before the condenser, in the inlet hose
assembly which attaches to the condenser; discharges refrigerant from the
muffler and causes the bend to erode/corrode, especially since the pipe
material is thinner at this bend. This hole, when it occurs, causes
the refrigerant to catastrophically release from the A/C system in a very
short time.
A GM dealership confirmed to us that GM made a design change after
2015 to the hose assembly configuration so that the bend is not so sharp.
The dealership also indicated to us that the model years effected are 2014 and
2015 only. Furthermore, the reason for the increase in condenser
replacement sales is that when the refrigerant leaks, the compressor can
fail. When the compressor fails, good installers will always replace the
components upstream from the compressor as well as the compressor itself.
Since the condenser is upstream, the condenser often gets switched out as
well. The applications that were affected by this hose assembly design
flaw were the 2014-2015 1500 Silverado, 1500 Sierra, Tahoe, Suburban, and
Yukon.
- The link below shows how the interface between
the GM OE receiver/drier and OE manifold on the OE condenser is very
small. This type of joint is not able to withstand excessive impact
forces or fatigue. The interface on Radiator Express' condenser, however, is
along nearly the entire length of the receiver/drier (see image below),
thus attenuating stresses and strain. By designing our condenser
with a long manifold-to-receiver interface, we have completely eliminated
any high stresses that are prevalent on the original equipment.
