A/C compressor replacement

[jb1999]

Afternoon All,

Has anyone had to replace the a/c compressor on an A4, B5 99.5 ?

Mine is beginning to make a grinding noise, so I got it checked out. The independant VAG specialist garage I use says the bearings are going on the compressor so it will need to be replaced, eventually, costing around £750, most of which is the part (8D0260805D I think).

I've got an old invoice from the previous owner who replaced it about 5 years ago, cost £630 for the part alone, then add the re-gassing, hourly rate and hey-presto, ~£750...

Had a quick look on the web and parts are available cheaper (~£330) but perhaps not the OEM (searched on the part number in google)

So, has anyone used equivalent parts? Or are they cheap-ish copies and a big no-no?

Thanks,

J

[darkhorse1001]

the one i bought for approx £300, was genuine valeo. i cant remember where from though, sorry. it did the job fine until the car was written off.

[jb1999]

Thanks mate, and sorry to hear about the write-off! :aargh4:

I'll have another look around for a replacement, see what I can find. Given the age and value of the car I figured its worth trying to save a few quid if possible. (As long as its not a false economy / cutting corners of course...)

:beerchug:

[darkhorse1001]

just dug out the old reciept, was 309 squid for brand new OEM part, they had re-con units cheaper but didn't have any in stock when i got mine, company was alpinair, tel 0208 991 0055 (hope tel no's are allowed?!) think they have website to but not sure of address, google will work its magic i assume....

[darkhorse1001]

oh, and if you want to save another £70 or so and you're DIY minded, get the system drained for free (the place i went to did this happily as they knew i would be coming back to get it filled later), change the compressor yourself (its no more than four support bolts, two pipe couplings and one electrical connector), and just pay to get the system topped up for about £50 tops.

[jb1999]

Very useful information, many thanks for taking the time to look up the details. As predicted, Google quickly found the company and they're only about 10miles away...

Interesting to hear it is straight forward to fit the part. Will dig out the Haynes manual later and see how to get to it... but I may take the easy, if a but pricey, option of getting the garage to do it. Much of my free time is happily taken up by my baby daughter at the moment!

J

[darkhorse1001]

actually, i tell a blatent lie, theres the belt and tensioner to...