Yes quite a common one. It's easy enough to fix this at home if you know how to hold a spanner. Get the freon removed first obvs but it's work of a couple hours to swap them out. Remember the condenser also contains gearbox oil in the top half so you'll have to replace what you remove.

 

Thanks.
So I understand the need to add transmission oil.
Regarding replacing the condenser, there is obviously some compressor oil in the old compressor (and I've lost some due to the leakage). Is there a recommended amount of oil that I should add to the new condenser and if so, just add it directly into the condenser?
Thanks.

 

yes, you need to add oil to the AC condenser, you can pour it directly into one of the fittings. The recommendation is to pour out all the existing oil into a measuring cup and add back that amount into the new condenser. My thinking is there is no way you will get all the old oil to drain out, some of it will just sit inside coating the insides so I add an additional ounce to the amount that drains out.

 

I'm having my second condenser put in within 2 years. Mechanic can't tell me how exactly it happened other than possibly a rock. I find it hard to believe because it is near the top of the condenser behind the bumper area. They offer a 4 year warranty on parts and labor so it's being covered.