Hi

Realised in the last few weeks that my 07 reg Octavia vrs has the dreaded air con compressor failure.

I know there are loads of posts about this already. however there seems no mention of anyone changing the compressor themselves.

Has anyone successfully done the job at home minus the re gas. Doesn't look too hard just time consuming.

Looks like best way is to remove radiator and fans for access.

 

Thanks

I've been wondering this myself, as it seems likely the only way I can afford to get it fixed.

The only thing I can see being a problem is people say the system needs a vac, not really sure how important that part is or if it's just a nice to do. I'm sure if I took it to a garage who weren't aware of the problems with these they would just stick a new compressor on.

There are some second hand Sandex compressors on ebay so may take a risk and try one. can't make it any worse than it currently is. 

It's illegal to release the gas into the atmosphere, so if your current system hasn't leaked it out already, you'll need to get a specialist to empty it first.

If the compressor has failed internally then the system must be flushed. Failing to do this will just mean the metal in the system is circulated around to the new compressor and break that too.

 

Also if you buy a new genuine compressor it contains 100% of the oil required for the system. So you have to drain the old compressor and measure the quantity of oil and drain and refill the new compressor to the same amount.

 

The compressor manufacturer also request you run the new compressor in as per the guidelines in the workshop manual.

I'm looking at second hand compressor so run in should be completed already. I'm assuming it's to do with compressor internals rather than the system itself. Was unaware of the oil, i guess x amount will still be in the system so if second hand compressor comes empty i could drain oil from old compressor and transfer to new?

Ignore that last post. Obviously the old oil will also be contaminated

Pulling a vacuum on the system is vital, it is done to remove any moisture trapped in the system whilst it was open to atmosphere. By reducing the pressure you alter the temperature that water boils at, by pulling a sufficient vacuum water will boil at room temperature and be removed as steam. Any moisture that is not removed could potentially freeze as a pellet of ice and create a blockage in the system.

Pulling a vacuum on the system is vital, it is done to remove any moisture trapped in the system whilst it was open to atmosphere. By reducing the pressure you alter the temperature that water boils at, by pulling a sufficient vacuum water will boil at room temperature and be removed as steam. Any moisture that is not removed could potentially freeze as a pellet of ice and create a blockage in the system.

 

Also the vacuum is used to draw the new charge into the system.