Is a new aircon compressor really the only answer?

I found so many threads here re noises from the engine compartment that it's hard to connect this with any really.

Here's the thing - my Audi dealer says the air conditioning compressor in my '06 A4 2.0 TDI S-Line multitronic is buggered and so the car needs a new one. It's not repairable, they say, and only a replacement will sort things out.

The car had a major repair last week - a new flywheel which I've talked about here - https://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/s...d.php?t=114254 - and I'm happy with the work the dealer (Reading Audi) did.

So the compressor issue came up because of a noise that started last week., Actually, I think the noise was there all the time, just masked by what was wrong re the flywheel. The car was in for diagnosis yesterday which is when Reading Audi confirmed it was the compressor. The noise happens when the aircon is switched on, and goes away when it's switched off. It's particularly noticeable when the engine is idling.

Reading Audi say the total cost to replace the compressor with a new one will be about £900 all in. Ouch! They told me they'll ask Audi for a goodwill contribution; I'm waiting to hear the result of that request.

Does that sound reasonable to you - both the notion that the only solution is to replace the compressor as well as the £900 price? I would appreciate some knowledgeable insight, thanks. Plus if anyone can recommend a really good indie Audi specialist somewhere within, say, 40 mins drive of me (Wokingham, Berks), I'd really appreciate that.

Thanks.

If the compressor is faulty all you can do is replace it but there are cheaper alternatives to genuine VAG.

Thanks. I guess that's good if I were to do the repair myself. I don't intend to do that, though, but instead find someone recommended to do that. Or the dealer if no other choice.

Mill road garage Reading

http://www.millroadgarage.co.uk/

Excellent, thanks for the recommendation. Will pay a visit.

You could have just a faulty aircon clutch..

Yes, after reading other threads in this forum, I was wondering whether it might be something other than just a totally dud compressor. So I think a second opinion would be good for my peace of mind. £900 is not a petty cash amount.

Thanks.

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Originally Posted by jangles

I found so many threads here re noises from the engine compartment that it's hard to connect this with any really.

Here's the thing - my Audi dealer says the air conditioning compressor in my '06 A4 2.0 TDI S-Line multitronic is buggered and so the car needs a new one. It's not repairable, they say, and only a replacement will sort things out.

The car had a major repair last week - a new flywheel which I've talked about here - https://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/s...d.php?t=114254 - and I'm happy with the work the dealer (Reading Audi) did.

So the compressor issue came up because of a noise that started last week., Actually, I think the noise was there all the time, just masked by what was wrong re the flywheel. The car was in for diagnosis yesterday which is when Reading Audi confirmed it was the compressor. The noise happens when the aircon is switched on, and goes away when it's switched off. It's particularly noticeable when the engine is idling.

Reading Audi say the total cost to replace the compressor with a new one will be about £900 all in. Ouch! They told me they'll ask Audi for a goodwill contribution; I'm waiting to hear the result of that request.

Does that sound reasonable to you - both the notion that the only solution is to replace the compressor as well as the £900 price? I would appreciate some knowledgeable insight, thanks. Plus if anyone can recommend a really good indie Audi specialist somewhere within, say, 40 mins drive of me (Wokingham, Berks), I'd really appreciate that.

Thanks.

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in most cases it just the pulley and it can be replaced for a fraction of the cost but this depends on the manufacture of the compressor

because of the new forum rules I can not post the information but basically the vibration damper elements collapse and cause a clacking noise, simply replace the damper unit with the 6 rubber elements

so ask the dealer to confirm which type compressor you have and if the repair kit is valid

Thanks for that insight, very much appreciated. I will check out the points you mention, post the results here.

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Originally Posted by kite

Mill road garage Reading

http://www.millroadgarage.co.uk/

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I visited Mill Road Garage today, spoke to the owner. Helpful and candid: he told me that his prices would likely be little different from the dealer - both buy parts from same sources, he said, so he would be competitive only on labour costs. But he said the difference would probably be small. And, if Audi does offer goodwill via the dealer, then they will be a better option.

He also said that if the dealer has diagnosed a faulty compressor, then it is most unlikely it would be anything else but that. He said he could do a diagnosis but he would charge me for that.

I'll wait to see what news from Reading Audi re Audi goodwill - still waiting for that news. But this isn't just about price. Of course it's important, but I'm developing a good relationship with the authorised dealer and I'm happy with their work.

the damper pulley is a common issue which shows he is not experienced

the noise comes from the pulley when overload protection becomes active, this is to prevent the pulley locking up and ripping the aux belt off, so the pulley damper brakes free allowing the pulley to turn independently from the a/c compressor and you hear the clacking noise

as long as the internal shaft has not siezed then the compressor can be repaired

stay with the dealer its cheaper in the long run and full parts and labour warranty

pulley repair kit base number 4F0 260 810 G but may vary with engine code and it may well have superseded

cost of pulley kit £140 + vat 1 to 2 hours to fit and you do not need to degas and regas as it can be fitted in situ by dropping the compressor down for easy access

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Originally Posted by a8 tech

...stay with the dealer its cheaper in the long run and full parts and labour warranty

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That's what I've concluded, too, thanks. Still waiting to hear from Reading Audi re Audi goodwill or not.

Every little helps, to coin a phrase :p

Some weeks have passed and I'm still waiting to hear from Reading Audi re potential goodwill from Audi. A bit disappointed, tbh. I guess I need to chase them.

In the meantime, I have the climate control system set to economy mode which, if I understand the manual correctly, doesn't use the compressor. The noise I mentioned before isn't there at all now so I guess that must be the case.

I suppose I could continue like this for as long as I want: use econ mode, no compressor use or noise, but no actual air conditioning either...

Sound a sensible approach?

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Originally Posted by jangles

Some weeks have passed and I'm still waiting to hear from Reading Audi re potential goodwill from Audi. A bit disappointed, tbh. I guess I need to chase them.

In the meantime, I have the climate control system set to economy mode which, if I understand the manual correctly, doesn't use the compressor. The noise I mentioned before isn't there at all now so I guess that must be the case.

I suppose I could continue like this for as long as I want: use econ mode, no compressor use or noise, but no actual air conditioning either...

Sound a sensible approach?

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I'm just looking at a warranty now that mine is 4 years old. Over the past year I've taken the view that I could get some goodwill from the Audi and/or the dealer.

I've previously had an aircon compressor issue with an older Audi, but took the view that if the situation arises on my A4 then I'll just run on "Econ" and if necessary have the compressor disconnected as the car has a sunroof. Of course I would review this based on any goodwill offered.

Don't forget that we all managed before aircon 20 years ago.

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Originally Posted by Splash

Don't forget that we all managed before aircon 20 years ago.

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Precisely :drive:

So, weeks have passed with no word from the service fella at Audi Reading. I popped in yesterday as I was passing by. Glad I did as I talked to the service manager and made progress. The cost of the repair (replacing the compressor) will come in at about £1200 including VAT. Total cost, in other words (the £900 the service chap had mentioned to me before was excluding VAT). The cost breaks down as about £600 for the parts, the rest labour.

The service manager offered me 25% discount on that total cost as dealer goodwill, taking into account the relationships we're building. The cost to me will be about £806. I said "we have a deal." Car booked in early May for the work.

It's all about relationships.

No way I would use a main dealer for that !

But gald you got the result you were after.

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Originally Posted by Mr-Rob

No way I would use a main dealer for that !

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My thinking is that it's another link in the chain for maintaining the car with an authorized Audi dealer. I think a major component repair such as this is good to have done at the dealer. Genuine Audi parts, authorized dealer, warranted, etc. Good for overall service/repair history when selling the car, too.

I realize not everyone would do this. And if the cost had been massively different than, say, an independent Audi specialist not too far away, I might be thinking differently. But I've established a good relationship with the authorized dealer in Reading, want to keep that.