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.