Removing and installing reservoir with block connections — AUDI

Note:

The Audi RS4 currently uses reservoirs with block connections.

Removing

Drain the refrigerant circuit

=> Air conditioner - with refrigerant R134a

Move lock carrier to the service position.

=> General Body Assembly, Exterior; Repair group 50; Body front; Lock carrier-service position
General Body Assembly, Exterior
Body front
Lock carrier-service position

Remove the charge air cooler.

=> Relevant Workshop Manual Engine, Mechanical Components

Detach the refrigerant line -A- from the reservoir by unscrewing and removing bolt -B-.
Unscrew and remove the bolts -C- and -D-.
Detach the refrigerant lines -E- (to the compressor) and -F- (from the evaporator) from the reservoir.

Unscrew and remove the nut -C- and the bolts -D-.
Take off the reservoir -B-.

Notes:

Close the open pipe connections.
The refrigerant line attachment differs according to the engine version.

=> Parts List

Keep the reservoir closed for as long as possible, only remove the caps immediately before installation (the reservoir contains a desiccant bag which soon becomes saturated with moisture and hence unusable when the reservoir is open)

Installing

Installation is carried out in the reverse order; note the following:

Before installing the reservoir:

=> Air conditioner - with refrigerant R134a; Replacing components of the refrigerant circuit

Notes:

The removed reservoir contains refrigerant oil which has to be returned to the refrigerant circuit (with a new reservoir)
The correction of the oil quantity depends upon the type of complaint:
If, for example, the reservoir has been damaged in an accident (no refrigerant has escaped, no moisture or dirt has penetrated the refrigerant circuit), the air conditioner may be repaired without extensive repair work by weighing the old and new reservoirs: Fill the new container with refrigerant oil until it reaches the weight of the removed reservoir.

If an indeterminate quantity of refrigerant oil has escaped or dirt and moisture has penetrated the refrigerant circuit, clean the refrigerant circuit with compressed air and nitrogen.

=> Air conditioner - with refrigerant R134a; Replacing components of the refrigerant circuit

The connections on reservoir -B- may be marked with "IN (from the evaporator) and "OUT"(to the compressor).

Install the bonded rubber bush -A- in the reservoir.

Replace the O-ring seals -G- and -H- (14.3 mm / 2.4 mm).
Install the refrigerant lines with no tension and ensure that there is adequate clearance to other components.
Tighten the bolts -C- and -D- to 20 Nm.
Refit all removed parts.
Evacuate and refill the refrigerant circuit.

=> Air conditioner - with refrigerant R134a