So I just got my first audi 2 weeks ago. '97 5 speed quattro 120,000 mi. black with gray cloth. cars got new stock turbo, new timing belt, flushed fluids, all that. and apparently its chipped, and i believe cuz it ****** rippss! I love my new Audi. But anyway, it needs a new a/c compressor. I am completely new to audis, and i am def not a mechanic. but i do body work for a living so im not completely retarded when it comes to maintaining and working on a motor. But i was wondering how difficult it is to replace the a/c compressor and belt on these things. I have a used one i got from a yard for cheap and a brand new belt, but i'm a little weary about starting the job, especially since its an audi. Any input is greatly appreciated, I need my a/c , its frigggin Hot OUTT!!!

 

You will need to first discharge the system. The ac compressor is accessible from the bottom passenger side of the car in the front. To remove it you will just have to unbolt the tensioner for the compressor,not sure if its accessible from the bottom of the car without having to remove the bumper, but removing the bumper definitely makes it like 100x easier. Remove the manifold of the ac lines on the compressor and then remove the 3 obvious bolts that hold the compressor to the bracket.

 

thanks a lot man, so it sounds pretty easy? no special tools or anything? u just tighten the belt with the tensioner after everything else is installed?

 

yeah pretty much.....i would suggest when you charge teh system go to som elocal shop that does AC so the can vacuum the system and then charge it...you will get a better result that way.

P.S. when i said remove the bumper I also meant the rad support which involves draining the coolant from your car

 

ok cool yea i work at a body shop and we have a a/c recharge machine that also discharges so that wont be a problem. just one more question, should i tighten the belt as tight as i can get it or should i just snug it up?

 

well definitely snug it as tightly as possible, but dont over do it as you might snap the belt after a couple hundred miles....not cool