1.4 TDI 90 Air Con Compressor Clutch

F

frendok

A2OC Donor
Morning All,

First of all I would like say hello to all and congratulations on a great forum, I'm new to A2 ownership having recently purchased a 1 owner A2 Tdi 90 with 81,000 miles on the clock and full main dealer service history. I'm extremely pleased with it so far :D I will post some photos once I have given it a good once over with the cleaning products

My Car is great apart from the air conditioning!!! Unfortunately it blows no cold air out. Having looked through a few threads on the forum I had a look at the prime suspects and found the A/C compressor clutch appears to be not working. I can spin the centre round and round with no resistance at all!

My question is has anybody ever replaced the compressor clutch assembly and if so where did you get the parts and a what sort of price do they cost.

Many Thanks
 
Last edited:
Welcome!
I can't answer your question, but thought I'd say hello! I'm sure you'll get an answer shortly...
 
Welcome, nice purchase!

I have only replaced the whole unit. But I have heard the clutch can be repaired but that's on other forums, although there are only a few OE manufacturers who actually makes these like Denso. Either case, you need the compressor out which means the aux belt is left hanging and car undrivable. If you can afford to leave the car and spend time taking the compressor apart, then I'd say do it! It'll be great if can take pictures too, it'll be cheap repair. But I think a replacement compressor put straight back on, then a regas gets you back on the road much quicker.
 
Hi All,

Thanks for the Replies, I will have a look into replacing the clutch assembly as my 1st option I think. If I do this I will make sure plenty of photos are taken for all to see.

Best Regards
 
Any developments on this guys? like if the right pulley is available or is whole jobby replacement the only option?
 
It's not a clutch. Vw's have electromagnetic clutches between the compressor and the pulley. A2's DO NOT. They have a safety device which fails when the compressor seizes, in order to protect the auxiliary belt. When you press the ECON button, the compressor does not switch off fully but instead works at a very low percentage. If the pulley no longer drives the compressor, the compressor has likely seized and needs replacement. If so, this was most likely caused by insufficient lubrication or the wrong type of oil. When the system is refilled, make sure you have sufficient oil of the right type.

RAB
 
As @RAB says, the compressor is running whenever the engine is running. No clutch, direct drive (via belt). The rate at which the refrigerant is circulated through the evaporator (a radiator in reverse that chills the cabin air) is controlled by a variable valve, like a kitchen tap. Unlike the tap however, it is never OFF, . Even in ECON, there is a small flow of refrigerant around the system, to keep it lubricated, and enable it to respond to demand quickly. If the compressor fails, it will need to be replaced.
It is vital that AC top ups check for oil, and add some if required. Cheap top ups often add refrigerant only. If the AC system leaks, oil is lost to, not just gas.
Mac.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top