AC Condenser & Pipe(s) Q

[darkhorse1210]

Just about to get my Air Con condenser changed having received my new condenser from a good company on EBay

Also I've read that it's often worth changing some of the pipes too. In the service history it shows that two parts were replaced about 15k miles ago (5 years ago)....during which time the aircon hasn't been used for at least 8k miles

8A0 820 193 AB (drier)
8A2 260 740 AD (refrigerant hose, fluid container > vapourizer)
8EO 260 749 D (4x seals)

When I took the car in last week the die from the last re gas was visible on the outside of the condenser which gives me a bit of confidence that this is where the leak is. Also, when it was regassed last year the AC worked temporarily and held its pressure after the re gas.

Firstly, can anyone advise on how much labour tme this might involve when I take it to the garage?

Secondly should I go to the trouble of replacing any pipes whilst the engine bay bits have been removed to change the condenser?

[simrs]

Hi
Same problem for me. I've just been quoted 871 euros at the main dealers here in France. That includes 600 for the condenser and joints, a regas and 200 euros for the labour (they quote around 3 hours as they've got to take off the front bumper).
I shall be buying the condenser in the UK as well and probably fitting it myself.
Where did you get the condenser as I see there are 2 companies selling the same condenser?

Cheers

Simesf

[simrs]

Me again
All prices inc VAT!!

[darkhorse1210]

Hi
Same problem for me. I've just been quoted 871 euros at the main dealers here in France. That includes 600 for the condenser and joints, a regas and 200 euros for the labour (they quote around 3 hours as they've got to take off the front bumper).
I shall be buying the condenser in the UK as well and probably fitting it myself.
Where did you get the condenser as I see there are 2 companies selling the same condenser?

Cheers

Simesf

Sims

Funny you should ask that as it was in for fitting today. The one I went for was from Autokool but unfortunately the inlet pipe on the unit I purchased is at a different angle than the one on the car now.

The mechanic said it could be 'bent back into shape' but that would clearly cause metal fatigue. So, looks like the solution could be to take it to a radiator firm to get it adjusted professionally. Considering Audi were quoting >£500 for a new condenser (on back order) this will still work out massively cheaper.

Maybe try the other supplier on EBay and report back?

Cheers

[scillyisles]

Hmm back order from Audi does not mean anything. Mine has just had lots of parts fitted including a new a/c condensor (audi price £471). All the parts were marked on back order at Audi and all have arrived within a week. Some arrived next day others took just under a week.

[Lloyd]

If anyone wants a good new condenser for about £100 try this place.
Very good professional customer services.

http://www.autoairconparts.co.uk/Car-Ai ... -7364.html

I have one on my car and has a 2 year warranty!

[darkhorse1210]

Lloyd, thanks for that. Do you not think there is a danger that this will be from the same manufacturer (in China I believe) to the one I have ordered?

Going to collect mine from the garage today so I'll try and scribble some details down from the one I have as it's now back int he box. I still have the option of returning my existing one or getting it modified to fit.

Tom

[simrs]

I've looked on ebay in France and they seem to have the same over here (same photo anyway) but at 269 euros. I'm pretty sure they're from the same source.

I'm going to wait a little I think!

[simrs]

Hi Darkhorse
How did you get on with your condenser. The time has come to change mine as I'm afraid the joints will dry out if I leave it too long empty.

Thanks
Simon

[darkhorse1210]

Simon

My condenser is still in the box! The rigid pipe that links the condenser to the next piece of air con kit (excuse my lack of technical knowledge) does not fit when the new condenser is dropped into the engine bay. My mechanic suggested I take the car and the new condenser to a pipe fabricator who will hopefully be able to manufacture a flexible pipe that will fix the current problem. Hopefully then it's just a case of a regas.

However, with it being the winter now I can't see me getting to this until March.

Tom

[simrs]

Thanks Tom

I'll probably do the same. Just a bit worried that the joints may dry out with no fluid and end up having to change more things in the Spring.
I'll let you know but I'm in two minds whether to get a genuine part or a copy part.

Simon

[DH79]

Hi. IIRC I got all these bits, genuine parts for £230+vat from s2avant on s2 forum about 2 years ago. He's in coventry. Worth a pm to see if he can help you out.

DH

[darkhorse1210]

Thanks Tom

I'll probably do the same. Just a bit worried that the joints may dry out with no fluid and end up having to change more things in the Spring.
I'll let you know but I'm in two minds whether to get a genuine part or a copy part.

Simon

Simon...have you made any progress with this? I've been distracted of late but may get around to getting the pipe made soon

[darkhorse1210]

Update on this...

I got the new (non OEM) condenser fitted today. It seems that the bracket for the connecting pipe on one side fits OK but the one on the opposite side of the condenser has a different thread to the OEM one!! So it looks like I'll have to try and get a custom connection made to marry up the original pipe with the new condenser...what a ball ache

Anyway I guess it's one stage further on now but this air con refit is taking some time

Sims - did you manage to get this sorted on yours??

[simrs]

Hi Tom,
Yes I've done mine about 2 months back. Decided to go the main dealer way. Got it done with the annual service at the same time for a total of 1000 euros, so probably not too bad. It all works fine. Just having more trouble with the handbrake again - it works for so long after an overhall then stops working altogether unless you pull really hard on the lever.
Simon