DIY for replacing condensor

[jursch2211]

Can someone give me the proper instructions on replacing the condenser on the 1.8T? I have a new one that is replacing my old one that has a leak and I'm doing the work myself this weekend but with all the threads on the forum I can't seem to find accurate DIY instructions.

Overview: There is still Freon in the system and I have access to an A/C machine to evacuate the Freon and refill. Right now everything is intact and connected. My plan is to remove bumper, remove fmic. evacuate the freon, disconnect the condenser, disconnect A/C drier, replace A/C drier, replace condenser, and then recharge A/C.

Confusion: On the forum I've found that the system is to be recharged with 500 grams (????) of Freon (unsure of the PSI). Also from the threads I've read, some state that compressor oil has to be placed in with the Freon. Maybe I'm confused but I don't understand how to do that. Can anyone provide some accurate instructions. Most of the A/C jobs I've seen, the Freon gets sucked down, old condenser removed, new condenser replaced, and then system gets recharged.

TIA

[lyates1987]

The AC machine should be able to fill the oil for the compressor if it is stocked with the oil. I assume someone else or a shop owns the AC machine, they should be able to help you with the compressor oil.

[jursch2211]

So the machine has two hoses, one for the high side, one for the low side. There isn't any other hoses. There is a canister on the back that holds Freon. I plan to suck it down (not to vent it to the atmosphere) disconnect the hoses on the condenser, and drier, replace drier, replace condenser, connect hoses, and then recharge the system. When do I add oil? Is it mixed in the gas? Really this is the confusing part. I'm not touching my compressor, or replacing the orifice tube (not sure where this is located but I think I need to disassembly the dash to gain access)

[Let it snow]

When a A/C component is removed there is residual oil left inside of it. So when you remove a condenser the system will now have less oil in the system. I am not near my manuals but maybe Bentley might have the specs on the amount of oil to add for condenser replacement. The factory refrigerant charge is on a sticker under the hood. It is measured by weight. I am not sure about the A/C machine but does it have the ability to weigh the refrigerant charge?

[jursch2211]

When it sucks it down I believe it tells me how much it removed. So when I charge it I just tell the machine how much to charge it with.

[ImAudiHeree]

If your removing condenser I would add about 1.5-2 ounces of refrigerant oil just to be safe to ensure proper lubrication with the new condenser.

[crazyquik22023]

Can someone give me the proper instructions on replacing the condenser on the 1.8T? I have a new one that is replacing my old one that has a leak and I'm doing the work myself this weekend but with all the threads on the forum I can't seem to find accurate DIY instructions.

Remove front bumper, remove 2 lines going to condenser, unbolt 4 bolts holding condenser to service carrier, remove condenser, reinstall

[elewsader]

Bentley references, I'm not too familiar with doing anything with an AC system, but hopefully these numbers make sense and can help you.

Refrigerant - Capacity in grams (oz)
From 11/2000 - 550 + 20 (19+ 0.7)

Refrigerant oil
Audi recommends a PAG oil with specific part number for each type of A/C system used
Denso compressor - G 052 300 A2
Sanden compressor - G 052 154 A2
Zexel compressor - G 052 154 A2 or G 052 200 A2

oil capacity - capacity in cc (oz)
11/2001 to 01/2004 - 180 + 10 (6 + 0.33 oz)
from 01/2004 - 120 + 10 (4 + 0.33 oz)

[jursch2211]

If your removing condenser I would add about 1.5-2 ounces of refrigerant oil just to be safe to ensure proper lubrication with the new condenser.

Where do I add the refrigerant oil? Do I pour it into the condenser, do I pour it in the new drier? I know this sounds stupid but this is where I'm lost. I don't have any of this oil so this job seems like it will be more complicated than a Honda/Toyota/Nissan. I even work in a body shop and I never see any of this stuff getting performed on cars wiped out in the front. Its just evac, replace, and recharge, so pardon my noobness on the audi platform.

Bentley references, I'm not too familiar with doing anything with an AC system, but hopefully these numbers make sense and can help you.

Refrigerant - Capacity in grams (oz)
From 11/2000 - 550 + 20 (19+ 0.7)

Refrigerant oil
Audi recommends a PAG oil with specific part number for each type of A/C system used
Denso compressor - G 052 300 A2
Sanden compressor - G 052 154 A2
Zexel compressor - G 052 154 A2 or G 052 200 A2

oil capacity - capacity in cc (oz)
11/2001 to 01/2004 - 180 + 10 (6 + 0.33 oz)
from 01/2004 - 120 + 10 (4 + 0.33 oz)

This definitely helps

[ImAudiHeree]

Just pour it straight into condenser and yes Audis are very picky about there oil and how much should be in there to ensure compressor does not go boom boom.