Removing and installing condenser (vehicles with 4-cyl. and 6-cyl. engine) — AUDI

🧭 Before you start

Fits: Audi A3 (8P, 2003–2012)

• Opens: refrigerant (A/C)

Don't miss

• Mark the position of the front end module at both wing mounting flanges (2) using a suitable pen (3) for example.

🔩 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. Drain the refrigerant circuit Air conditioner with refrigerant R134a87Refrigerant circuit (air conditioner with refrigerant R134a, refrigerant circuit, working with air conditioner service station).
2. Remove the front bumper. General body repairs, exterior 63
3. Detach the refrigerant lines from the condenser .
4. Unfasten the holder for the refrigerant lines at the right longitudinal member (arrow).
5. To prevent damage, mask the front corner of both wings with adhesive tape (1) for example.

6. Mark the position of the front end module at both wing mounting flanges (2) using a suitable pen (3) for example.
7. Remove the bolts (4) of the front end module at the wing mounting flanges.
8. Remove the upper bolt (3) of the front end module at both longitudinal members and insert a long bolt (4) (e.g. M10×120) in the upper attachment point at the left and right longitudinal member.
9. Remove one of the two lower front end module bolts (5) in each case at both longitudinal members and mark the position of the front end module (2) at the attachment points at the left and right longitudinal member using a suitable pen (1) for example.
10. Remove the remaining bolts (5) for the front end module (at the longitudinal members). General body repairs, exterior 63
11. Carefully pull the front end module forwards over the bolts (1).
12. Secure the front end module on the left and right with one additional bolt (2) each (e.g. M 10 x 120) and a spacer10 - 222 A /17 to stop it slipping.
13. Remove the radiator fans (B) with mount (e.g. on vehicles with 2.0 l petrol engine) Engine, mechanics19.
14. Remove the bolts (A) and detach the radiator (with condenser) (B) from the front end module (C). Engine, mechanics19
15. Screw out the bolts (A) and (B) (tightening torque 5 Nm). — 5 Nm (3.7 lb-ft)
16. Detach the condenser (C) from the radiator (D).
17. Lift out the condenser (C).
18. Pay attention to proper bonding of the sealing strips (E) and (F) at the condenser (C) (not provided with all versions). [Note: When it has been removed, the condenser contains refrigeration oil which must be returned to the refrigerant circuit (together with the new condenser) Air conditioner with refrigerant R134a87Renewing components of refrigerant circuit (Air conditioner with refrigerant R134a; Renewing components of refrigerant circuit).Depending on the type of vehicle and radiator, a spacer (G) may be fitted which then has to be inserted as shown.Depending on the vehicle model, the lower area of the condenser (A) may additionally be provided with a stone deflector (B) secured by means of clips (C).]
19. Evacuate and re-charge the refrigerant circuit Air conditioner with refrigerant R134a87Refrigerant circuit (air conditioner with refrigerant R134a, refrigerant circuit, working with air conditioner service station).
20. Start up air conditioner after charging refrigerant circuit . [Note: Also observe notes on starting up air conditioner after charging Air conditioner with refrigerant R134a87General information on air conditioning systems (Air conditioner with refrigerant R134a; General information on air conditioning systems). Before starting up air conditioner after fresh charging.]

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