Replacing air-con condenser & receiver drier - Tips?

[thai-wronghorse]

As some of you may be aware I recently discovered my condenser had two small holes in it so have sourced a replacement in the classifieds on here and have reserved a receiver drier for collection from ECP tomorrow after reading up that they should be changed if the system has a leak or is opened for maintenance due to their moisture absorbing properties.
As far as I'm aware the A/C system is currently depressurised due to the holes and it certainly doesn't fire up with the switches depressed, when it was tested last week the engineer said it wouldn't hold any pressure either.
This said, can i just unscrew the hoses from the drier and condenser now, I've read that the system is filled with oil as well as refrigerant gas...is this likely to pour out on removal? Are any special tools or other parts required for carrying out the work? Obviously il be getting my A/C engineer to recharge the system once it's all complete.

[Paul86S2]

No special tool required. You may need new seals for the pipe connections (I cant remember if there were any when I removed mine)
The metal ends on the flexible pipes get very brittle with age so be careful you dont stree them or they will bend twist and break.
The only oil I found in mine was in the compressor, there was none in the pipes, dryer, or condensor.

Paul

[thai-wronghorse]

Yeah i've read tales of brittle hoses connections but they've got to come off so if they break they break and il just have to find a new hose...
In regards of the seals, aren't these just O-rings or are they special seals that i'd have to acquire from VW?

[Wayne]

aren't these just O-rings or are they special seals that i'd have to acquire from VW?

Special o rings available from VW or a AC supplier, do not use normal o rings.

Yes they do have a tiny amount of pag oil but if yours has no gas you should be fine.

If in doubt get a air con company to vac / drain the system dry, do the work as required then get them to pressure test and regas as required.

[thai-wronghorse]

Ok cheers guys. I've just checked out ETKA and it seems that il require 5 o-rings in total in 2 different sizes so il get those ordered first thing tomorrow just to be on the safe side.