Hi 

 

The mobile AC engineer confirmed that the AC condenser in my Superb MK3 has a hole in it and needs changing. He admitted that hes never changed on in my model car before and gave the impression that its a tough job complicated by the headlight washers. It could be a pig to get to and risk breaking the headlamp washer assemblies and fixtures in the process. 

 

I would be grateful for some pointers on how to get the condenser changed without causing damage!

 

TIA.

I don't understand how the headlight washers r going to complicate it as it is attached to the front bumper.

Removing the front bumper brings with it the piping and headlight washers.

 

 

 

 

 

U will have to remove the crash bar to remove the AC condenser though.

Its no different to any other car really?

bumper off, crash bar off, undo the 2 hardlines, remove condenser from radiator pack. 
reverse the procedure 

Thanks for the replies !

 

Is it straightforward to remove the bumper and crash bar? I'm thinking of changing the condenser myself and calling in the expert AC guy to refill a d test it.

 

BTW I've seen new ones online for about £60 on ebay. Are these to be trusted? Any recommendations on what condenser to use?

 

Cheers.

I've never removed the condenser, let alone the crash bar.

 

But I have removed the front bumper many times.

Basically u need put the front on jack stands, remove both front wheels, remove wheel arch liners, disconnect wiring harness and washer pipe - then slide bumper out.

I've attached my how-to guide.

 

Warning - be mindful to NOT hit / disturb / move the ACC radar when removing or putting the bumper back on!!

If u do, u'll misalignment the sensor, and u'll need to perform a full ACC recalibration which is expensive and time consuming, requiring specialist equipment.

 

Removing Front Bumper.pdf

Edited 16 May, 20233 yr by JR RS

I fitted a £30 Ebay condensor and a similar priced crashbar, both imported pattern parts, my vehicle had had a minor front end shunt.

 

The crashbar was missing the hole for the temperature sensor, no biggy, the condensor worked fine, I vacuumed down & repressurised the system myself (had invested in the kit and R134a cylinder) 3 years and 45k miles later its still working fine.

Thanks.

 

Does the the crash bar remove easily? Do I need to worry about accidentally triggering airbags?

Yes, No.

I stripped car down as above but when removing the air con hardliners from the old condenser there are 2 bolts which are easy to remove but the the pipes won't come off easily. There appears to be a small torx or Allan key grub screw on each connector. What's this for? Do I need to undo them?

4 minutes ago, Arseneknows said:

I stripped car down as above but when removing the air con hardliners from the old condenser there are 2 bolts which are easy to remove but the the pipes won't come off easily. There appears to be a small torx or Allan key grub screw on each connector. What's this for? Do I need to undo them?

Do you have a photo of what you mean?

 

The connectors may be seized into their fittings so may need wiggling slightly, do not go over the top pulling it side to side else you will snap the pipe out. 

The smaller hole to the left of the main bolt. What is that and do I need to remove it?

 

Ta

12 minutes ago, Arseneknows said:

The smaller hole to the left of the main bolt. What is that and do I need to remove it?

 

Ta

They are just locating pins, just small roll pins they are called. Another part that seizes on so just wiggle gently and a decent amount of penetrant oil 

Wow these are seriously seized I've tried for over an hour to remove the connectors. 

 

Are you absolutely sure that the smaller hole is not a fixing of some sort? 

 

I'll leave it soak overnight with wd40 and hope they come off tomorrow.

 

Ta

Careful drilling out might unstick them.

 

I managed to pry them apart with a small flat blade , guy is coming to check and re-charge the system soon. I'll leave the bumper and wheels off for now in case there's a problem. Thanks all!