A/C Condenser Fan Assemblies

The condenser is where your A/C system gets rid of the heat from the passenger compartment. The heat absorbed by the refrigerant in the evaporator and that which is developed by compression of refrigerant gas in the compressor is dissipated by the condenser, and the cooled refrigerant returns to a liquid state. Condensers are made of aluminum and consist of a network of tubes for refrigerant flow, with fins to transfer the heat to the air.

For effective heat transfer, there must a continuous flow of air through the condenser fins when the A/C is on. When your vehicle is at speed, airflow isn’t a problem, because you get the ram air effect of air rushing through the grille opening. But when you’re idling or stuck in traffic you need the airflow that’s provided by the A/C condenser fan. The condenser fan consists of an electric motor that drives a multi-blade fan inside a shroud, with brackets for mounting. Depending on the mounting location, the fan pushes or pulls air through the condenser and the shroud channels the air through the fan.

The condenser fan may be mounted to the condenser or on the radiator next to the primary cooling fan, depending on application. The fan may run only when the A/C is switched on or it may be thermostatically controlled. If the fan doesn’t run when required, the refrigerant in the condenser won’t be cooled sufficiently, with subsequent reduced cooling in the passenger compartment; the air coming from the vents won’t be as cold as it should. Excessive high-side pressure on an A/C manifold gauge can be caused by an inoperative condenser cooling fan.

Extensive use and continual exposure to heat can take its toll on the condenser fan. The motor may stop working altogether; the shaft bearings can go bad and be noisy and allow the fan blade to wobble; and the fan blades can crack and break or the shroud can become damaged, reducing cooling efficiency. But don’t sweat it; we have the condenser fan assemblies that will help you regain your cool, from the best brands in the business: Dorman, Replace, and Auto 7. Our A/C condenser fan assemblies come ready to install and they’re made to OE specs, so you can be assured of perfect fit and performance.