Is a new aircon compressor really the only answer?

**jangles** · 23-02-2011,06:19 PM

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.

**Crasher** · 23-02-2011,06:23 PM

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

**jangles** · 23-02-2011,06:38 PM

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.

**kite** · 23-02-2011,07:31 PM

Mill road garage Reading

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

**jangles** · 23-02-2011,07:53 PM

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

**kite** · 23-02-2011,07:56 PM

You could have just a faulty aircon clutch..

**jangles** · 23-02-2011,08:32 PM

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.

**a8 tech** · 23-02-2011,08:49 PM

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.

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

**jangles** · 23-02-2011,10:03 PM

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

**jangles** · 25-02-2011,11:02 PM

Originally Posted by kite

Mill road garage Reading

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

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.