Removing and installing condensers: Audi R8

🧭 Before you start

Fits: Audi R8 (4S, 2015–)

• Opens: refrigerant (A/C)

Don't miss

• Bolts (A) are fastened to radiator (C) using speed nuts (D).

🔩 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. ⚠ Danger from escaping pressurised refrigerant.Frostbite on skin and other parts of the body.Extract the refrigerant and then immediately open up the refrigerant circuit.Extract the refrigerant again if more than 10 minutes have passed since the initial extraction and the refrigerant circuit has not been opened up. Renewed evaporation leads to the build-up of pressure in the refrigerant circuit. — Switch off ignition.
2. Discharge refrigerant circuit Air conditioner with refrigerant R134a87Refrigerant circuit (Air conditioner with refrigerant R134a; Refrigerant circuit; Working with the air conditioner service station).
3. Remove bumper cover (front) General body repairs, exterior63Bumper (front); Removing and installing bumper cover.
4. Remove bolts (A) and remove air duct (B) to left condenser 19Radiator/radiator fan; Exploded view - radiator/radiator fan.
5. Unplug electrical connector (A) from high-pressure sender G65(B).

6. Disconnect refrigerant lines (C, D) from left condenser (A).
7. Remove bolts (A) (tightening torque: 6 Nm) and condenser (B). [Note: Bolts (A) are fastened to radiator (C) using speed nuts (D).] — 6 Nm (4.4 lb-ft)
8. Detach ambient temperature sensor G17(C) from right air duct (B).Removing and installing ambient temperature sensor G17.
9. Remove bolts (A) and remove air duct to right condenser (B)19Radiator/radiator fan; Exploded view - radiator/radiator fan.
10. Disconnect refrigerant lines (C, E) from right condenser (B).
11. Remove bolts (A) (tightening torque: 6 Nm) and condenser (B). [Note: Bolts (A) are fastened to radiator (C) using speed nuts (D).] [Note: Installing radiators and condensers When it has been removed, the condenser contains refrigerant oil which must be returned to the refrigerant circuit (with the new condenser). Adjustment of the oil quantity depends on the nature of the complaint. If, for example, the condenser has been damaged in an accident (no loss of refrigerant, no ingress of moisture and dirt into the refrigerant circuit), the air conditioner can be serviced without the need for extensive repair work. The same amount of refrigerant oil as was in the old condenser must be added to the new condenser, any refrigerant oil which has escaped from a damaged condenser must be returned to the refrigerant circuitAir conditioner with refrigerant R134a87Renewing components of refrigerant circuit.] — 6 Nm (4.4 lb-ft)
12. Attach condenser to radiator.
13. Attach refrigerant lines (C, E) or (C, D) to condenser .
14. Re-install removed components in reverse order.
15. Evacuate and charge refrigerant circuit Air conditioner with refrigerant R134a87Refrigerant circuit (Air conditioner with refrigerant R134a; Refrigerant circuit; Working with the air conditioner service station).
16. Start up air conditioner after charging refrigerant circuit .
17. Interrogate the event memory of E87 and erase any faults displayed in "“Guided Fault Finding”" mode.
18. As a final step, check operation of heater and air conditioner.

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