Since I bought my car, the AC hasn't worked.

 

I initially had it checked for leaks and regassed, but that didn't solve it. I then had a diagnostic check on it, and it was a failed compressor that caused the gas to leak out.

 

My condenser doesn't look in the best of shape, with battered and flatted fins from stones etc, so I'll replace that at the same time.

 

Apart from the compressor and condenser, are there any other bits that should be done at the same time as a matter of course?

 

Looking at the parts diagrams, there doesn't appear to be a separate evaporator on the Octavia?

 

These are the compressor and condenser I'm planning on getting. Very reasonably priced.

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271176490532

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271155008769

Edited 6 January, 201610 yr by softscoop

from my limited knowledge  a new drier and it will need vacc' ing  no doudt someone will be along who knows  but several hours I think

The drier is part of the condenser on these. Make sure you get the system on a a/c machine before you take it part to get any refrigerant out.

Changing the condenser means dismantling the front end of the car so bumper, lights crash bar and the rest removed.

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I'm not doing the work, just sourcing the bits

 

I thought about it, and could probably manage it, but with an 8 month old baby, I really doubt I'll find the spare time to do a major job that I've never attempted before.

Edited 6 January, 201610 yr by softscoop

IIRC THE condenser is about 3 -4 hours inc regas. Not sure about the compressor

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Edited 6 January, 201610 yr by J306TD

In that case then I have been quoted an exceptionally good rate

I'll get the bits ordered

Ok so I now have a new compressor and condenser awaiting fitting. I've also got some of that plastic mesh to protect my new condenser.

 

Is it worth changing the expansion valve at the same time as all of this work just to be prudent?

All up and working. The temperature out the vents was measured at -1.. So that'll do nicely for the summer

My local VAG independent garage charged only 2.2 hours labour and the cost of regassing the system.

You really can't complain at £90 total, especially considering the amount of work changing the condenser.

Edited 18 January, 201610 yr by softscoop

Right, so adding this all up, I've just realised the bargain I got.

 

New Denso Compressor: £184.50

New Condenser with dryer: £49.75

Labour: £66

Gas: £24

 

Total: £324.25

 

 

I am always amazed at how quickly VAG Auto Care get jobs done. A decent garage who really know their stuff.

Very highly recommended.

 

http://www.vagautocareservices.co.uk/

Very Reasonable!

 

I need to get mines done aswell.

 

I see what the prices are like locally in the West Mids as I have a budgt of £500 for it to be done.

That's very cheap. I just did my condenser and intercooler. If I could have found someone to do it for £100 I wouldn't have spent the day in the cold on my drive!

Wow that's one hell of a bargain. My local indy charges £40ph. They must have charged you roughly £15-£20ph for that

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They charge £30 ph. He's quick at what he does.

I just got a pressure test done from a mobile air con mechanic,

The verdict is the condenser is leaking where the drier is (which i witness). However I had to mention to the guy if he could check the pump aswell so he couldnt tell initially then got a inspection mirror out and said its not working (i was in the car operating the AC at this point).

The quote including fitting is £270 for a 2nd hand pump and £210 for a condenser, does that sound reasonable?

He used a soapy solution to check for leaks so just as hes packing there was a small speck of bubbles on the aircon pipe which just in front of the engine and says thats another leak and would cost another £100 for the pipe and fitting!

So at this Im thinking this guy maybe taking me for a ride!

That sounds a lot. I wouldn't bother with a second hand pump, unless they mean a reconditioned one.

I'll give VAG autocare a call even though they are 85 miles from me. Probably get a few thing done whilst Im there such as cambelt & waterpump aswell

Edited 26 February, 201610 yr by Awesam