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A/C Compressor Refrigerant Lines







A/C Compressor Refrigerant Lines

Compressor is always driven when engine is running; there is no magnetic clutch. Engine is therefore not to be started unless refrigerant circuit has been properly assembled. For example; if the refrigerant lines are not connected to A/C compressor, when the engine is running the A/C compressor may heat up (via internal heat generation) so much that the A/C compressor will be damaged.

The following illustration depicts an A/C compressor for a vehicle with 4 cylinder engine, the allocation may deviate slightly for vehicles with other engines, however the refrigerant lines are disconnected in the same way.

Close all open lines and connections on A/C compressor with suitable caps (avoid dirt and moisture from entering the system).

Removing

- Discharge the refrigerant circuit.

- Remove upper engine cover (not necessary on all vehicles, depending on engine).

- Remove center noise insulation (not necessary on all vehicles, depends on engine).

- Remove the frame for the noise insulation, if equipped (for example, currently on the Audi TT Roadster).

- Remove the A/C compressor from the bracket (not necessary on all vehicles; for example, necessary on a 3.2L MPI vehicle). Refer to => [ A/C Compressor, Removing From Bracket ] A/C Compressor, Removing From Bracket.

On 4 and 5 cylinder gasoline vehicles, the refrigerant lines are accessible from the top. The center noise insulation does not have to be removed on these vehicles.

On vehicles with a 6 cylinder gasoline engine, for example, refrigerant lines are not accessible from above. On vehicles with this engine, center noise insulation does need to be removed.

On vehicles, where the screws on the refrigerant line connection are not accessible when the A/C compressor is installed, remove the A/C compressor from the bracket (for example, on 3.2L MPI vehicles). Refer to => [ A/C Compressor, Removing From Bracket ] A/C Compressor, Removing From Bracket.

Remove this bracket for vehicles in which the refrigerant lines are secured by additional brackets.

- Remove bolts - A - and - D -.






- Disconnect refrigerant lines - B - and - E -.

Close all open lines and connections on A/C compressor with suitable caps (to prevent dirt and moisture from entering the system).

Installing

Installation is the reverse of removal, noting the following:

- Replace O-rings seals - C - and - F -. Refer to=> [ Refrigerant Circuit O-rings ] Refrigerant Circuit O-rings. Version, refer to Electronic Parts Catalog (ETKA).






- Check fitted pin - H - (not installed at all connections) and sleeve - J - for damage and proper seating.

- Tighten bolts - A - and - D - to 25 Nm.

Do not use the O-rings from the caps that are installed on the connections in the replacement compressor when installing the lines.

Coat the O-ring seals lightly with refrigerant oil prior to installation. Refer to=> [ Refrigerant Circuit O-rings ] Refrigerant Circuit O-rings.

Make sure the O-ring seals are seated properly in the groove - G - on the respective refrigerant line.

Following attachment of refrigerant pipes to compressor (and installation of compressor) check routing of pipes. They must be inserted in holders provided and not make contact with other components.

- Evacuate refrigerant circuit and recharge again.

- Install remaining components.

- Operate the A/C system after filling the refrigerant circuit. Refer to=> [ A/C System, Operating After Filling Refrigerant Circuit ] A/C System, Operating After Filling Refrigerant Circuit.

Note the information regarding operating the A/C system after filling.