Hi,

 

Unfortunately I have a leak in the A/C condenser on my Fabia MK1 1.9TDI and it will need to be replaced.

I will be doing the replacement and have it refilled afterwards. 

 

I ordered an used one that has been pressure tested and with guarantee. Once received I will be ready to take apart the front.

Anyway, to maybe save some time --  does anyone know or have an idea of how much that needs to be removed to gain access to the condenser ? 

 

I have searched through a number of forums and was hoping to find a guide on either the replacement of the condenser or the radiator -- unfortunately without any luck.

After a quick look under the bonnet my guess is that the bumper and the "metal rack" around the radiator has to come off.

 

Any help is appreciated.

 

br, lthomsen

 

It's probably easier and quicker to just remove the entire front end, this is what I did to replace the radiator without damaging the fans or the condenser, there really isn't much holding it on once you've removed the bumper and the crash bar and headlights.

20 hours ago, sepulchrave said:

It's probably easier and quicker to just remove the entire front end, this is what I did to replace the radiator without damaging the fans or the condenser, there really isn't much holding it on once you've removed the bumper and the crash bar and headlights.

 

Hi sepulchrave,

 

Thank you for the reply. I think you are right about it being easier to just remove the front end, that is what I will do. It seems also that this is the case for most of the "Volkswagen group" cars.

 

br, lthomsen.

I don't know a lot about the refrigerant systems, but I've read a post or two by someone who sounds very experienced, and he included some advice about which bits to replace under which circumstances, and I think one of these items is the 'dryer' which is bolted to the condenser, I think?  Are you planning to fit a new one of these? Premature failure of newly repaired systems is not something you want to face if it can be avoided by planning and being fully informed. 

 

@Stjepan was the guy; maybe he can advise you if he's available?

 

22 minutes ago, Wino said:

I don't know a lot about the refrigerant systems, but I've read a post or two by someone who sounds very experienced, and he included some advice about which bits to replace under which circumstances, and I think one of these items is the 'dryer' which is bolted to the condenser, I think?  Are you planning to fit a new one of these? Premature failure of newly repaired systems is not something you want to face if it can be avoided by planning and being fully informed. 

 

@Stjepan was the guy; maybe he can advise you if he's available?

 

 

Hi Wino,

 

Thanks for commenting ! could be great with some advice before removing the front end (have to wait a few days with the replacement anyway, as the car is used every day, including the upcoming weekend).

 

The used original BEHR replacement condenser, that i just received today, also comes with an dryer as this is "sort of" build in, in a cylindrical tube on the radiator.

The condenser can of course be bought without the dryer which would be the case if choosing a cheaper replacement from autodoc etc.

 

The replacement condenser comes from a car with 45360 miles, that has been in a rear-end collision.

 

br, lthomsen

 

   

11 hours ago, Wino said:

I don't know a lot about the refrigerant systems, but I've read a post or two by someone who sounds very experienced, and he included some advice about which bits to replace under which circumstances, and I think one of these items is the 'dryer' which is bolted to the condenser, I think?  Are you planning to fit a new one of these? Premature failure of newly repaired systems is not something you want to face if it can be avoided by planning and being fully informed. 

 

@Stjepan was the guy; maybe he can advise you if he's available?

 

 

On a Fabia the dryer is part of the condenser.

 

If removing the front end that means draining the coolant. If you remove the bumper, crash bar (headlights can stay where they are) and then pull the front forward, and support (assuming you don't have some long M8 studding to use as sliders) you can leave the radiator connected. Remove the rad pack support screws and slide the lot back. Undo the condenser screws from the rad pack and slide the condenser out.

 

To take the enter front end off you need to undo the quick release connector on the A/C line which needs a decouple tool.

 

New seals will be required and lubricate them before fitting the pipes with the appropriate PAG oil.

Fabia Air Conditioning.pdf

Edited 1 May, 20206 yr by Tech1e

5 hours ago, Tech1e said:

 

On a Fabia the dryer is part of the condenser.

 

If removing the front end that means draining the coolant. If you remove the bumper, crash bar (headlights can stay where they are) and then pull the front forward, and support (assuming you don't have some long M8 studding to use as sliders) you can leave the radiator connected. Remove the rad pack support screws and slide the lot back. Undo the condenser screws from the rad pack and slide the condenser out.

 

To take the enter front end off you need to undo the quick release connector on the A/C line which needs a decouple tool.

 

New seals will be required and lubricate them before fitting the pipes with the appropriate PAG oil.

Fabia Air Conditioning.pdf 7.81 MB · 2 downloads

 

5 hours ago, Tech1e said:

 

On a Fabia the dryer is part of the condenser.

 

If removing the front end that means draining the coolant. If you remove the bumper, crash bar (headlights can stay where they are) and then pull the front forward, and support (assuming you don't have some long M8 studding to use as sliders) you can leave the radiator connected. Remove the rad pack support screws and slide the lot back. Undo the condenser screws from the rad pack and slide the condenser out.

 

To take the enter front end off you need to undo the quick release connector on the A/C line which needs a decouple tool.

 

New seals will be required and lubricate them before fitting the pipes with the appropriate PAG oil.

Fabia Air Conditioning.pdf 7.81 MB · 3 downloads

 

Sorry about the empty post with only the quote. I would have deleted the post if I could find the delete option.

 

Thank you very much for the explanation and for sharing the guide as well -- this is very helpful !

 

Especially the decouple tool would be nice to have before taking apart the front.

 

br, Lthomsen

 

 

 

 

4 hours ago, lthomsen said:

 

Sorry about the empty post with only the quote. I would have deleted the post if I could find the delete option.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is no delete option unless you're a 'Freedom' member.

 

Edited 1 May, 20206 yr by TMB