Sounds expensive...

[Chris 'N' Jen]

Having it on all the time will cause it to wear out quicker than if you only ran it for 20 mins a week as the ac pump in infact a consumable as any moving part is.

 

[J5H VW]

Yeah, i guess so.  will have to pay for it now!

[Chris 'N' Jen]

Did you try the WD40 on the fan bearings?

[J5H VW]

Not tried that yet, will do tonight.  Need to get a can on the way home. Fingers crossed it might work, but all the signs point at the air con compressor.

[Chris 'N' Jen]

know the feeling when your clutching at straws.
 

[Saffa]

It sounds like you are right in saying it's the compressor. this is common problem.
If your thinking of changing it yourself, get the air con system drained of refrigerant before you undo the pipes, or it will spay it all over your hand, and it will bl##dy hurt. and can be very dangerous.
I might have one in my garage, what year is your golf, as the connectors changed around 2000 model year.
Jochen.

[J5H VW]

Sounds good saffa - mine is the 2001 ("Y reg") model year.  Its an AUM engine, 150bhp, DBW.  Let me know mate.