Air Con Compressor Locknut - Urgent help

[dognbones]

Hi everyone.

Following an earlier post regarding problems with my air con, thanks to this site I have had a look at the air con compressor tonight and found that there is no locknut on the thread that comes out of the compressor...I'm guessing this is not at all normal.

Will my compressor be knackered as i'm not sure how long it's been without the nut, i'm kind of hoping I may be able to save it still if it's not gone.

It seems to spin ok when i put the aircon on and cold air was coming out for the few minutes I had it on.

Is it a special type of locknut?

I'll keep the air con off until I know any more.

Thanks in advance.

[Tech1e]

Is the clutch still on there, usually not if the nut has come off.

[dognbones]

I'm sorry, i'm not sure which bit is the clutch, I'm not very technical minded.

I've found this picture and this is what I can see on the end of the compressor but i'm not sure if the triangular bit on top is still there, I think so. I've not got the car with me today.

Heres the link to the piccy:

Genuine VW / Audi A/C CLUTCH (1J0-820-811-A / 1J0820811A)

Thanks

[sdenny]

I'm sorry, i'm not sure which bit is the clutch, I'm not very technical minded.

I've found this picture and this is what I can see on the end of the compressor but i'm not sure if the triangular bit on top is still there, I think so. I've not got the car with me today.

Heres the link to the piccy:

Genuine VW / Audi A/C CLUTCH (1J0-820-811-A / 1J0820811A)

Thanks

If it's any help, mine looks like the attached (which is not quite as per your link).

Lummox, people have mentioned locknuts, but that just looks like a normal nut to me. is that expected?

Thanks

[dognbones]

Thanks sdenny, that image is a big help.

Ive got a horrible feeling i'm missing the black plate that sits on top (im guessing this is the important bit). I've highlighted it in blue. Is this the actual clutch plate?

Cheers

[Lex Dysia]

Have a read of this thread http://briskoda.net/octavia-i/something-fell-off-today-what-pic/93867/

Might be worth looking on on the plastic under tray as the op in this thread was lucky enough to find his there

[cheezemonkhai]

If it's come off it's almost certainly destroyed the thread on the bolt so chances of getting it back on are not the highest. If you're lucky an aircon specialist might be able to rethread it and put a new clutch on, but a recon compressor might not be that much more expensive than a new clutch labour and effort.

Of course if you do replace it you will also need to budget for a new drier unit and a regas.

[dognbones]

Thanks for the replies guys, really helpful.

I'll have a look on the plastic under tray tonight, not very optimistic though as the air cons been the same since I bought it 18 months ago, if its still there i'll be shocked.

I can't really afford to get it fixed at the min but i'll keep my eye out for a second hand compressor or clutch. I'm taking it to my local garage tomorrow just to see if it is knackered for definite.

One positive thing I guess, the weathers nowhere near as hot as it was and think of the fuel savings

[sdenny]

have you tried some one like skospares.com?

[dognbones]

Hi Sdenny.

I've just been out and had a look tonight and found that the clutch plate is still there , it's exactly the same as in your picture except mine hasn't got the nut on the end.

I'm taking it in tomorrow, is it just a case of asking them to put a new nut on?

[sdenny]

Hi Sdenny.

I've just been out and had a look tonight and found that the clutch plate is still there , it's exactly the same as in your picture except mine hasn't got the nut on the end.

I'm taking it in tomorrow, is it just a case of asking them to put a new nut on?

:orb_party

I'm no expert, but the thread referenced above by Lex Dysia seems to suggest that if the splines on the clutch and the compressor are good then you can do just that and put a new nut on.

Could turn in to a cheap job instead of a very expensive one.

:orb_party

[dognbones]

Fingers crossed.

Do you think that when the car moves then this would effect it as it seems to work ok sat on the drive, then again, i've not left it on too long as i'm worried the plate will come off, not tempting fate

I will post tomorrow and let you know the outcome.

[dognbones]

Just an update.

Took car to garage this morning and have put a new nut on the end of the clutch plate.

They have said to see how it is but they suspect that the clutch plate may have worn due to the nut not being on for a long period of time. Going to see how it goes, fingers crossed.

Want to say a big thanks to everyone who posted replies, once again the advice has been quick and absolutely spot on. Cheers