Hello

I did a search and couldn't find too much. I am going to need to replace my Dad's A/C compressor on his 1996 A4 2.8 non-quatro.

He took it to a shop and they wanted $2400 just to fix that. And there still may be a leak elsewhere in the system, after that is done. But the compressor is toast for sure. I am not that familiar with Audi's, because I have an E34 525i.

So I was hoping I could find a write-up on A/C compressor replacement. The compressor, the dry filter and expansion valve needs to be replaced for starters. Will I have to take apart the whole front end of the car to get to it to replace it? I need a Bentley manual for this car too. :/

 

I've done the compressor on a 96 B5. It's not a huge job. But yes, you need to at least take off the bumper to get to the dryer and it's connections. And like all cars, when you have aluminum male screwed into an aluminum female for years and years, they can just bond together. I had to buy a new hose from the dryer to the compressor. I destroyed the old one just getting the damn thing off.

 

Cool, thanks. And ya I figured as much. I just hope it doesn't come down to needing to replace the evaporator core. He may have a leak elsewhere. But, its hard to tell now because the compressor is shot. Do you know of the best place to get the parts? I was thinking RMeuropean.com or autohausaz.com.

But, maybe someplace that just rebuilds those parts and will give you a core refund if you send in your busted one?

 

Yea you can find remaned ones out there in the $350 - $400 range as I recall. Google, you'll find 'em.

 

ya RMeuropean has them re-manufactured for around $380

 

I just did this the other day because mine was really weak. take off the bumper cover as usual. swing the condenser to the side. drain your radiator and remove. take your clutch fan blade off and take the belt off the compressor pulley.
you'll need to unplug the compressor clutch wire (its the green connector under the plastic cover that goes over the power steering reservoir. now you need a 13mm 3/8 socket, swivel, and a long extension. there's 3 bolts that hold the compressor on. you may have to remove your oil filter to gain access. then you need to remove the lines going to the compressor, i think they were a T40 (torx). before that make sure you've recovered any refrigerant in the system.

NOW here's where it gets complicated. why are you replacing the compressor? if it failed there's a good chance it released a lot of little metal particles into the system. if that's the case you'll need to replace a LOT of other parts. it's nearly impossible to fully flush a parallel-flow condenser and evaporator. you'll also need a new orific tube and accumulator. if you're simply replacing the compressor because its weak and there's no metal shavings to be found then your job is much easier.

once the compressor is out you'll want to drain the ports into a container and use a drill with a 10mm socket on the end to pump out the oil (in the compressor) into a container. it's important to capture it all out of the compressor to determine how much you'll need to add to the new one. if you drain out 2 ounces, make sure your new one has 2 ounces when you install it (maybe 3 to be safe).

once its all done and back together you'll want to run a vacuum pump on it for maybe an hour or more. moisture will have gotten into the system and the accumulator will hold some of that but if you vac it long enough you should be able to boil most of it out of there.

again, if there's shavings in the system its much more complicated. you cant simply replace the compressor, the shavings will destroy the new one and you'll be doing it all over again.

you anywhere near northeast ohio?

 

nevermind, i see you're in CA

 

Great write-up waspie!

 

Why not just use service position?
What did you do with the freon? It is illegal to release it into the atmosphere.

When I do AC work, I bring the car in and have the freon removed first.

 

you're just a kill joy when it comes to anyone doing their own work aren't you?

taking the bumper cover off is just another way to say "service postion" isn't it?

I have a snap-on act-4100 recovery machine. ask chris@ecs tuning, he's seen it first hand.

and finally, yes, it's illegal to vent any refrigerant but people will do what people will do. i'm just trying to be helpful.