The AC on my car has never worked since I bought the car. It's an Elegance so has climatronic AC.

 

I initially had it leak tested, it passed so I got it regassed as it was showing 0 bar.

After re-gassing, it still wasn't cold. The compressor didn't have a shut off code, but wasn't drawing any current. At this point I left it.

 

After checking them to check it again a few weeks later, all the gas had leaked out.

 

I took it somewhere else, who diagnosed it as a failed compressor, causing the gas to leak.

Price for replacement compressor only, £500. This didn't include the dyer, checking the condenser etc.

 

A local VAG place have very cheap labour rates, so it makes sense to go to them. Unfortunately they don't have the specialist tools to find tiny leaks in the system, so if I go to the expense of replacing the compressor, then find a tiny hole in the condensor, it would be a complete waste of time and money.

 

My condenser looks bent from stone chips anyway, so I wouldn't be surprised to find it not serviceable.

 

Would it be prudent to simply replace all components in the system?

 

Would this actually be a doable DIY job, or best left to the pros?

 

Is there anything I've missed?

 

Compressor:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271176490532?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

 

Condensor & dryer

http://www.carparts4less.co.uk/cp4l/c/Skoda_Octavia_1.9_2006/p/car-parts/car-cooling-parts-and-car-heating/air-conditioning1/air-conditioning-condenser/?222440611&1&4ad62c1894284857d22c32b5ad5cb77261c60eda&000382

 

 

Expansion Valve:

http://www.carparts4less.co.uk/cp4l/c/Skoda_Octavia_1.9_2006/p/car-parts/car-cooling-parts-and-car-heating/air-conditioning1/expansion-valve/?234440010&1&fa0fb8ee3a4a6ae4fe533a3bd86d8856c71fa200&000466

 

Will the hoses be safe to reuse? I can't even seem to find the O' rings available.

 

 

I'm not even sure it's possible to properly flush the condenser out after watching this.

Edited 26 May, 201511 yr by softscoop

Actually, I've found the condensor with dryer included a bit cheaper

 

http://www.autoairconparts.co.uk/car-air-conditioning-condenser-aircon-radiator-skoda-octavia-mk2-2004-1-9-tdi-diesel-manual-automatic-jun-2004-to-2013-part-16-1054.html

 

 

Can the evaporator be re-used or should that be changed too?