Detaching pulley from air conditioner compressor/re-attaching ("“Denso”" make, version "“3”") — AUDI

🧭 Before you start

Fits: Audi A3 (8P, 2003–2012)

Don't miss

• Replace the circlip (A).
• Ensure correct insertion of the circlip (A). The bevelled side (C) faces away from the air conditioner compressor (flat side faces compressor).
• The thread of the new drive plate is pre-greased at the factory with a pre-determined quantity of a specific grease.

🔩 Torque settings

Values can differ between engine variants — check the code stamped on your block.

ℹ️ Always cross-check the exact figure against your vehicle's factory manual before final tightening — a wrong torque can damage the engine. These values are extracted from workshop data and may not cover every variant or revision.

📋 Procedure

1. Remove the cap (A).
2. Hold the air conditioner compressor drive shaft (B) with a commercially available hexagon socket wrench (7 mm) for example and turn the drive plate (C) with the pulley (E) in arrow direction (arrow). [Note: The torque for driving the air conditioner compressor is applied to the compressor shaft by way of the bolted joint of the drive plate (C). If in the course of air conditioner compressor operation the drive plate (C) has become so firmly attached to the compressor shaft that it can no longer be unfastened (the 7 mm hexagon socket wrench (B) can no longer transmit the necessary torque), the air conditioner compressor must be replaced.]
3. Detach the drive plate (C).
4. Remove the circlip (A).
5. Detach the pulley (B). [Note: Replace the circlip (A).]

6. Fit the pulley (B).
7. Ensure correct insertion of the circlip (A). The bevelled side (C) faces away from the air conditioner compressor (flat side faces compressor).
8. Clean the thread of the compressor shaft before attaching the drive plate. [Note: The thread of the new drive plate is pre-greased at the factory with a pre-determined quantity of a specific grease.]
9. For fitting the drive plate, moisten the rubber elements (D) slightly with tyre assembly paste or soap solution for example to provide lubrication.
10. Insert the rubber elements (D) in the pulley (B) as shown.
11. Press the rubber element of the drive plate (C) into the pulley (E) until the drive plate (C) makes contact with the thread of the shaft of the air conditioner compressor (B).
12. Screw the drive plate (C) onto the compressor shaft (B) by turning it in the direction opposite to the arrow (arrow).
13. Hold the air conditioner compressor drive shaft (B) with a commercially available hexagon socket wrench (7 mm) for example and turn the drive plate (C) with the pulley (E) in the direction opposite to the arrow (arrow) (tightening torque 30 Nm). — 30 Nm (22 lb-ft)

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