Removing and installing receiver — 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)
• Special tools named: VAS 5051
• Also covered elsewhere: Electronic parts catalogue

Don't miss

• Make sure that the rubber grommet (B) is not lost when detaching the receiver.Seal the open connections at the receiver and condenser with suitable caps (to prevent the ingress of dirt and moisture).
• Lubricate O-rings lightly with refrigerant oil before installing .
• Make sure that O-rings are correctly seated in grooves (arrows) of corresponding mounting.

🔩 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). [Note: Depending on the position of the service connection at the refrigerant line and the vehicle version, it may be necessary to remove the additional reinforcement for the body brace (left-side) to make it possible to connect the service coupling of the air conditioner service station (e.g. on the Audi Q5) Running gear, axles, steering40Suspension strut, upper links; Exploded view - suspension strut, upper links and 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. Detach air duct (1) at intermediate flange (2) for air cleaner housing.
7. Remove noise insulation (front) General body repairs, exterior66Noise insulation; Exploded view - noise insulation. [Note: Depending on the version of the vehicle, it may be necessary to remove the front bumper cover to make it possible to remove the noise insulation (e.g. on Audi A4 allroad) General body repairs, exterior63Bumper (front); Removing and installing bumper cover.]
8. Remove condenser .
9. Remove bolts (A).
10. Unscrew bolt (C) and lift off bracket (D).
11. Pull receiver (F) upwards out of condenser (E)(arrow). [Note: Make sure that the rubber grommet (B) is not lost when detaching the receiver.Seal the open connections at the receiver and condenser with suitable caps (to prevent the ingress of dirt and moisture).] [Note: Observe fitting instructions for O-rings .Keep receiver closed for as long as possible. Only remove the caps immediately before installation (the receiver contains a desiccant cartridge which soon becomes saturated with moisture and thus unusable when the receiver is open).]
12. Clean contact surface of condenser (C).
13. Check connections at condenser and receiver for damage.
14. Renew seals (D) and O-rings (E); for correct version, refer to Electronic parts catalogue.
15. Lubricate O-rings lightly with refrigerant oil before installing .
16. Make sure that O-rings are correctly seated in grooves (arrows) of corresponding mounting.
17. Position receiver (B) on condenser and tighten bolts.
18. Fit protective collar (A) over connection point.
19. Install condenser .
20. Install noise insulation (front) General body repairs, exterior66Noise insulation; Exploded view - noise insulation. [Note: Depending on the version of the vehicle, it may be necessary to remove the front bumper cover to make it possible to remove the noise insulation (e.g. on Audi A4 allroad) General body repairs, exterior63Bumper (front); Removing and installing bumper cover.]
21. Fit air duct at intermediate flange for air cleaner housing 23Air cleaner; Exploded view - air cleaner housing (vehicles with diesel engine) or 24Air cleaner; Exploded view - air cleaner housing (vehicles with petrol engine).
22. Install lock carrier cover General body repairs, exterior50Lock carrier; Exploded view - lock carrier.
23. 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).
24. Re-install remaining components (removed earlier).
25. Switch on ignition.
26. Interrogate event memory of operating and display unit (Climatronic control unit J255) and erase any faults displayed Vehicle diagnostic, testing and information system VAS 5051 ("Guided Fault Finding").
27. Start up air conditioner after charging refrigerant circuit . [Note: Also observe notes on starting up air conditioner after charging Air conditioner with refrigerant R134a87General notes on air conditioning systems (before using air conditioner after system has been re-charged).]

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