Fitted new aircon pump & condenser this week ( due to the dreaded centre bolt failure), not an easy job !! All done & I now have a working aircon system

      1st my thanks to Meta55b for some help, advice & quite a few pointers also thanks to Navman http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/246754-replacing-aircon-condenser-how-to-put-lock-carrier-in-service-position/#entry2895228 , his how to was invaluable.

Parts were sourced from http://www.autoairconparts.co.uk/shopby?find=skoda-octavia-mk2-2004--2009-2-0-tdi-diesel-manual-automatic-2093365.... fast next day delivery, total cost for new Sanden pump, condensor & 'O' ring kit was £257  :clap:

    Time taken around 7 hours (a few aching muscles !!) with breaks, but very satisfying to have sorted it myself 

 

                                                   Paul

How did you manage to get the correct oil amount in the system?

Mine needs changing and I am very keen on doing it myself, but driving the car to the garage to get the oil/coolant filled up worry me that the compressor will be damaged in the process.

New compressor should come complete with 100% of the oil required for the complete system. So in theory vag say 50 % of the circuit oil lives inside the compressor. So undo the drain screw on the new compressor (before you fit it). Remove oil into a measuring jug will hold around 175 ml. Spin pulley by hand to get oil out. Then put 50 % back in. Then fit compressor.

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

the pump from autoaircon was pre filled with oil, fitted pump & condenser on Monday drove it down to local aircon specialists tuesday for a pressure check & re- gas 

That is exactly what I wanted to hear .

Do you have to take the front off (bumper, lights etc) to change the condenser?

Hi Phil

            Yes ..... lights out, front bumper off, lower engine tray off, you'll need x4 120mm  M10 part threaded bolts to enable the radiator carrier to slide forward to access the condenser. A bit of a pain to do !!! 

  check out this thread, very comprehensive guide http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/357262-replacing-air-con-condenser/?hl=%2Bcondenser#entry4267511.

 

                                  Paul

Thanks Paul, I'll check that thread out.

I had a very quick look today and it looked 50/50 as to whether it would be possible without taking it all apart - shame!

I've just ordered a UV torch as a first effort to look for leaks, if I don't find anything I'll take it to a specialist to try and find it and then I'll probably do the work myself.

Edited 3 October, 201510 yr by phil5556

You're welcome Phil, if you were closer i'd pop over & lend a hand, my problem was a knackered pump & a condenser that looked like it had been shot with a gun. When I removed it the finns disintegrated. I now have ice cold aircon !!

:clap: