Hole in Air Conditioning condenser - 3 months old

[Yanos]

Folks,

My 3 month old superb has been into today as the air conditioning wasn't blowing very cold.

Called back from the dealership this afternoon to be told there's a stone made a hole in the air conditioning condenser - it will need a new one , not covered by warranty - £615.

My question is, had anyone else experienced this? And is there not guard to stop this kind of thing happening?

Thanks in advance for any thoughts

[Auric Goldfinger]

Remove the lower grill,  (pull it out ) and wire tie some fine mesh on the inside of the grill, replace grill

 

 

Sorted

[JakeBlade]

I was amazed at how little protection there was, so I made my own.

Instructions are here:

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/index.php?/topic/317880-DIY-Guide%3A-Lower-Grille-Guard/page__view__findpost__p__3804458

[Huskoda]

Remove the lower grill,  (pull it out ) and wire tie some fine mesh on the inside of the grill, replace grill

 

 

Sorted

This. I always do it within a couple of days of getting a new car.

[JakeBlade]

Get a local air con specialist do the repair for you - it should be a lot cheaper than that. To put it into context I had 2 condensers replaced on my Porsche, using OE parts, needing the front bumper, nose, and undertray off - c.£750 incl parts, labour and VAT.

[adamal]

Why is not covered under the warranty??? That would be my first question.

[Danny 57]

Why is not covered under the warranty??? That would be my first question.

It would be no different to having a stone making a hole in your head light, sadly.

[Huskoda]

I've had one done under warranty, but they traced the leak to corrosion on the condenser rather than stone damage (ie they bothered to check it, rather than just say its damaged). As I said above though, I'd fitted a DIY protector, so it was pretty immaculate.

[JakeBlade]

It could be a faulty condenser I guess: after all, not every single one ever made will be without a fault.

The only way to know for sure is to inspect the condenser once it's off the car.

[silver1011]

As above, ask to see the damage before making any decision.

[Yanos]

Can definitely see where the stone has hit the front of the condenser - just bad luck I guess, will definitely look at a protector when it's replaced

[PaulBarls]

I have just ordered all the parts for a DIY mesh grill as per JakeBlade's linked instructions above.

[Yanos]

Anyone made a mesh grill for a facelift mk2?

[StuartTunstall]

Anyone made a mesh grill for a facelift mk2?

 

I was just thinking about this myself.... As the MK2, well mine anyway, I think they are all the same, they have a chrome moulding that stands proud... I would imagine it would look better to take the grille out and put the mesh on the back... then put the grille back in... Will need to investigate a bit  

[Yanos]

I've ordered the bits - then realised the mk2 is different - although night as the dealer if he can fit the mesh on the inside while it's all in bits on Wednesday having the new condenser fitted

[StuartTunstall]

Think it may look neater on the back as well...  

[J306TD]

On the MK2 the grills just pull out. Plenty of room to add the mesh from the top. Then use small thin black cable ties and job done. Refit grills That's what i did.

Sent from my Galaxy S5

[peterposh]

It's only a radiator , £600 is ridiculous . I replaced the one on my vivaro , cost £60 online non GM part obviously as they wanted 400 +

Edited 17 May, 2015 by peterposh

[J306TD]

Think that price must include fitting

Sent from my Galaxy S5

[Yanos]

On the MK2 the grills just pull out. Plenty of room to add the mesh from the top. Then use small thin black cable ties and job done. Refit grills That's what i did.

Sent from my Galaxy S5

Do you mean facelift?

[J306TD]

Do you mean facelift?

No mines pre fl

Sent from my Galaxy S5

[JakeBlade]

The grille didn't just pull out on my mk2 pre-FL. It would've been bumper off time, hence why I fixed it to the front of the grille, rather than the back.

Edited 18 May, 2015 by JakeBlade

[J306TD]

The grille didn't just pull out on my mk2 pre-FL. It would've been bumper off time, hence why I fixed it to the front of the grille, rather than the back.

Oh I just pulled off the outer ones then the centre piece

Sent from my Galaxy S5

[adamal]

Think yr mixing up the Octy with the Superb here gents...

[Yanos]

All replaced (ouch), but I did get the dealer to install the grill behind the bumper while it was off - looks good, and hopefully save the same issue again.

Thanks