AC Compressor Exploded

[MEL744]

Hi,

Recently I was driving back from Sydney when the AC stopped blowing cold, knowing something was wrong I switched it off, and 100km later heard a bang - the aftermath of which can be seen below. I've managed to get a shorter belt which bypasses the compressor as a temporary measure which means I don't have to worry about it seizing and wrecking the serpentine belt. Has this happened to anyone on here before? If so could you tell me a bit about what was involved and the approximate cost? Took it to the local mechanic but the guy I spoke to there said he hadn't seen this kind of failure before -probably should have waited to speak to the more experienced guys, but still was considering taking it to a Euro specialist. From the sounds of it the lines will need to be flushed, and obviously the compressor will need replacing. Car is an 06 Jetta 2.0 FSI. Any thoughts/advice would be greatly appreciated!

[JustCruisn]

Wow that really is quite extreme.
These have a breakaway bushing in the pulley to allow the compressor to seize and still allow pulley to spin.

As for repairs, I had a new compressor done a week or so ago, total was $1200 in Brisbane. I would recommend an AC specialist.

Compressor $650
Desiccant (receiver drier) $15
Gas $75
Cabin filter $35
Labour $425

[ericcs]

As above, you can pick up a new genuine compressor for $600/650 here in Brisbane. Fairly simple to replace if your half handy, just the re-gas obviously needs to be done by a tech.

[MEL744]

Just thought I'd update this with what it cost to fix:

$470 AC Compressor (Hella)
$550 Labour + regas

[JustCruisn]

Just in time for summer hey

[StanGran]

Oh man, that's a pricey repair. Good luck to OP.