Removing and installing desiccant bag/desiccant cartridge - RS models — AUDI

🧭 Before you start

Fits: Audi A5 (8T, 2007–2016), Audi Q5 (8R, 2008–2017), Audi A5 Cabriolet (8F), Audi A4 B8 (8K, 2007–2015); platform code 83

• Opens: refrigerant (A/C)

🔩 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. 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 bolts (or clips) (1, 2, 3 and 5)General body repairs, exterior50Lock carrier; Exploded view - lock carrier.
4. Lift cover (4) at lock carrier and disengage it at radiator grille General body repairs, exterior50Lock carrier; Exploded view - lock carrier.
5. Remove bolts (arrows).

6. Remove oil cooler (front) 17Engine oil cooler; Exploded view - engine oil cooler.
7. Detach air duct (1) at intermediate flange (2) for air cleaner housing (both sides).
8. ⚠ Before removing the plastic screw plug (A), the refrigerant must be extracted from the refrigerant circuit. Renewed evaporation may create pressure in the refrigerant circuit if the plastic screw plug (A) is then not removed within 10 minutes. Extract refrigerant again. — Check pressure in refrigerant circuit e.g. via pressure gauge of an air conditioner service station Air conditioner with refrigerant R134a87Refrigerant circuit (Air conditioner with refrigerant R134a; Refrigerant circuit; Working with the air conditioner service station).
9. ⚠ Only remove the plastic screw plug (A) if the pressure in the refrigerant circuit is equal to or less than the atmospheric pressure. — Remove plastic screw plug (A) with filter element (C).
10. Pull desiccant cartridge (D) downwards out of condenser.
11. Seal open receiver with plastic screw plug (A) to prevent ingress of dirt and moisture.
12. Take desiccant cartridge (D) out of transportation bag.
13. Insert desiccant cartridge (D) in receiver of condenser.
14. Screw in plastic screw plug (A) with filter element (C) (tightening torque: 2 Nm). — 2 Nm (1.5 lb-ft)
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. Re-install remaining components (removed earlier).
18. Switch on ignition.
19. As a final step, interrogate event memory and erase any entries displayed ("“Guided Fault Finding”").

Other AUDI procedures

• Removing and installing toothed belt – Audi · 56 torque figures
• Removing engine – Audi A8 D3 · 41 torque figures
• Removing camshaft timing chain from camshafts – Audi A6/A7 C7 · 38 torque figures
• Installing engine – Audi A8 D4 · 36 torque figures
• Removing and installing camshaft timing chain · 29 torque figures
• Removing and installing coolant pipes (rear left) – Audi 4.2
• Renewing oil seal (left-side), Audi Q3
• Filling up high-performance oil for Haldex coupling, Haldex generation IV
• Filling up high-performance oil for Haldex coupling, Haldex generation V
• Removing and installing hydraulic cylinder for tensioner