Might be helpful.

Protecting the A/C condenser.

I have read a few folks have had rocks knock holes in their A/C condenser and had to have them replaced. I am thinking about adding some type of screen to the backside of the grill, but I’m not sure if it is a good idea. Has anyone else done this and what results did you find?

www.toyotanation.com

 

If a rock damaged the condenser why did you need a new compressor?

 

If the compressor is of the type where the lubricating oil and the the refrigerant are intermixed then the compressor likely ran dry and was damaged. Disclaimer: I don't know if this particular compressor is that type.

 

Joining this club as of today, however the rock punctured the condensor. New part and refill of freon ~$1600 all of due to road hazard. Time to figure out a little more protection moving forward.

 

I think by 2022 all AC compressors are variable displacement type, so that should be a reasonable assumption. With the refrigerant all leaked out, which also carries lube oil, the compressor can seize from lack of lube. The variable compressor swish plate spins all the time, it only changes its angle to vary the displacement volume.

There are plenty of types of mesh, whether the basic wire mesh I used, or the more stylish looking diamond shaped meshes.

 

This is what I put on the inside of my grill to block foreign objects from getting thru. I simply cut it to the shape of my grill and used black zip ties to keep it in place. Does not affect the performance of the radiator at all and barely noticeable. There have been many complaints about damaged condensers from road debris.
Modengzhe 40 x 13 inch Car Grill

 

I would think that the damage caused by something on the road hitting your car would be covered by comprehensive insurance, but the amount depends on your coverage.

 

Just installed this in mine... hope it was worth the time...

 

2020 Highlander XLE, A/C stopped working yesterday…plugged in a cheap scan tool to see if there were any codes for anything, none. No physical damage from any road objects I can see. Hoping just a relay or something, making an appointment this week.

 

40x13 might be not enough to cover both top and bottom areas... you might have to buy two sheets or use some spare piece of mesh if available