7.5 TCR Air Compressor Failure / Replacment

[AGB]

My air compressor has gone on the TCR after 6 years from new. I have enjoyed some saunal experiences this week with the aircon blowing hot air into the cabin so unlike in winter when you're not quite sure if it's working properly or not, I had that question answered.

VW parts have quoted £1,108.80 (part number 5Q0816803D). Even the parts guy sounded a bit sheepish giving me the figure and tried providing it without VAT to make it seem less like theft. I said something about Veyrons, cold days in hell and disappeared to do better on the Internet.

If anyone else is faced with the need to replace theirs, Deutsche Car Parts are selling Denso air compressors (which are OE) at the moment for £454.99. Ordinarily £700. I was going to replace with a Lucas but it's comparable to the OE Denso. Really great service from the guys at DCP who I've not used but would based on the experience I've had.

Shared in case it helps someone else out.

[Finglonga]

Are you sure it is the AC compressor and not a leak in the gas? Presuming you have had it diagnosed to get that. You could try a breakers yard for a new AC compressor as they usually last for decades with no issues.

[davo245]

As said get it confirmed by a specialist or a couple of aircon places more likely to be it just needs a regas.

[AGB]

Are you sure it is the AC compressor and not a leak in the gas? Presuming you have had it diagnosed to get that. You could try a breakers yard for a new AC compressor as they usually last for decades with no issues.

Yeah, I had thought it was a leak initially but the mechanical noises (grinding / ticking) it has been making suggested otherwise. Quattrotech said they felt it was the unit and recommended replacement. I'm assuming the bearings have gone and that I've just been unlucky.

[AGB]

As said get it confirmed by a specialist or a couple of aircon places more likely to be it just needs a regas.

Sadly not as simple, diagnosed as needing replacement by specialist and while I'm usually sceptical of the 'buy the expensive part', there was a comprehensive diagnostic and check of this first, the mechanical noises fit with bearing failures.