Hi, Looking for some advice applicable to another VAG group model on a shared component. My air con has a leak on the right hand side front High- / low pressure pipe which has a bolted/O ring connection to the condensor and a male/female type connector at the other end. Question is how does this male/female connection work and do I need any special tools to separate the existing and install the new? Photo of example part Attached.

Thanks in advance.

Are you sure its not simply the O ring leaking?

 

They are very easy to damage when refitting, I have cut through 2 of them and they are not a common size & dont come in the boxes of aircon O rings.

Hi thanks for the reply.

Unfortunately the pipe has corroded under the support bracket fixed to the back of the radiator, confirmed with a gas test monitor by the AC engineer. Noted regarding the O ring sizes though.

 

 

There's something about release tools for those connections in the workshop manual for the A/C I seem to remember. Available via this link; https://www.briskoda.net/forums/files/file/76-mk1-fabia-workshop-manuals/

 

Thank you Wino, page 80 section 87-7 of the air conditioning manual shows the quick release tool, snapshot below. AUTODOC appears to have some similar tools applicable to VAG models.

Hi, did you ever work out which tool to get? I need to also remove this connection.

Thanks,

G

Inside the larger pipe is a coiled spring wrapped into a circle (you can imagine it as an 'O' ring)  When you push the pipes together the ring is forced to expand over the flange on the pipe and locks it in place. I've separated them using an old fluorescent tube starter. Cut the end off, split down the side and push into the connector while pulling the pipes apart. I think the last one I did I used the body of an old felt tip pen. Once you've done one all will become clear.

Perfect thank you!

You can also use a fizzy drinks can.

 

Cut enough can material to wrap it around the pipe twice, slide it into the pipe and then boom it will pop off.

Found out my AC line is leaking. Is there any difference, which brand to choose?

OEM 300€

Vemo 200€

Metzger 45€

unknown brand "Premium Quality - Original AIC Quality" product number "55968" - 14€. (Is it even the entire line for this price? )

 

I mean, how different can they be? Would you use the cheapest one?

I quess I need to change the gasket kit/coupler, inside the connector?! And order some extra o-rings for the condenser end?

Do I need to remove the front bumper and the condenser?

Update!

1. The o-ring on the cheap line does not work (too thin), so you need the OEM o-ring anyways for the condenser end. And you may need a 4mm spring pin for the same condenser line end. The new line doesn´t come with one and it's impossible to remove it from the old line! Unless it's stuck/oxidized to the condenser side.

2. How do you change the connector/coupler repair kit inside the connector? Do you do it from under the car or you release the rest of the pipe and twist it somehow? I quess I can remove the circlip washer by feel, but I have no idea how to put the new repeir kit back in?! Is the o-ring squished in the connector, on top of the green locking thing? Do I need to apply some pressure on the green locking cage, while refitting the circlip or not?

Update #2!

 

So I managed to change the AC line 3 weeks ago, and it's still blowing cold air.

1. AC line - Thermotec KTT160048 (cheapest line I could find, about 15€). The o-ring on the line, is too thin and must be replaced with an original o-ring "8E0 260 749"! Also you may need a 4mm spring pin for the same condenser line end, as the new line doesn't have one and the old one is probably stuck.

2. Coupler / connector repair kit - Thermotec KTT400009 (it's rather this 5€ repair kit, or the original kit for about 60€). BUT AGAIN... the purple o-ring is way too small (see the attached picture) and I think the circlip was too big. I ended up inspecting the OEM o-ring and re-using it. Only changed the green locking frame. Oh, and you can only change the coupler repair kit from under the car, IF you gonna change it at all! If I would have known, that the Thermotec cheap kit was useless, I wouldn't have opened it at all.

3. I did not put the line clamp back, which is holding the line to the radiator frame. I read here, that this is the main failure spot, as the line oxidizes under the clamp. Mine was also really oxidized allready, but did not have a hole in it yet.

Edited 4 June, 20242 yr by Aivar1988