Seeking Assistance VW Transporter TD5-AirCon

[vwtd5]

Hello Everyone,

I am in Sydney-NSW, and I have yet another issue with my Transporter VW TD5, 2005 model. The air conditioning system stopped working. I thought it was the gas, but I took it to two places where they have identified the compressor as being faulty. Problem is, repair bill would be in the $1800 plus...parts and labour included.

I was wondering if anyone here could assist me in a reputable workshop around Sydney, or a reputable place where to buy the spare part, identified as the compressor. The vehicule is manual 6speed, 2005 model Transporter, diesel, TD.

I am rather confused with this VW, it's my first purchase. First I had a major failure they had to change some part between the geabox and the wheel. It looked like teeth had been worn off due to slippage. Cost about $1100 dollars. Then the was oil and power steering fluid being mixed, I had to change the pump, another $1000 dollars there...And now this

Does anyone here experience similar issues with the VW? I am getting worried the vehicle is 4 years old, done 110.000 Kms and it's showing more failures than my other vehicles which are more than 10 year old.

I would greatly appreciate any assistance that can be provided re: air con.

Regards

Alex

[gregozedobe]

Hello Alex,

I can't help with air-con advice, except to say make sure you get a quote from at least one independent A/C specialist - they may be able to fix it cheaper than the dealer (these days many VW dealers seem to want to replace whole units as instructed by their computers, rather than diagnose the actual fault and just fix that). VW aircons seem to be rather "delicate", going by the number of failures I've read about here (especially for Mk V Golfs).

As far as your other faults go, I'm afraid they are all too common with T5s, especially the earlier build ones like yours. Sounds like you had a driveshaft replaced. The other things that seem to happen way too frequently are failed waterpump seals (lets coolant into the oil), and the steering column "clonk".

Slightly less common are DMF failures.

A good source of info is to read through threads or search for problems here, and also on the brickyard T5 sub-forums:

http://www.brick-yard.co.uk/forum/t5-section_forums_cat12.html

But be warned, some of the problem threads make for pretty depressing reading

My T5 is nearly 3 years old, so I'll be buying the extended VWA warranty soon.

[Guest0608]

Have seen before the stub shaft on r/h of gearbox wears and then also messes up the driveshaft, causing a replacement of both parts. A/c I have seen before, the A/C is run by a freewheel and also a small round belt like a mini cambelt. The freewheel stuffs up causing the belt to grind off all it teeth so nothing is turning the a/c compressor, and 98% of the time the compressor gets stuffed at the same time, so all 3 parts are changed at the same time to stop any return visits a few weeks later. Some people that dont know will only replace the compressor and belt but then find out the freewheel is stuffed so you then need to do the job again and also fit another belt! Go with all 3 parts and get it out of the way............................VW................. ........

[gregozedobe]

I've heard that you can usually get two replacement driveshafts per gearbox stub shaft. Driving gently from stopped is supposed to help them both last longer.

Good explanation from VWtech for the unusual drive arrangement for the A/C on the R5 (2.5 5 cyl) engine in T5s (and Touaregs), the same drive arrangement is used for the alternator.

IIRC the toothed rubber doover ("Gates coupling") is a service item that is supposed to be replaced regularly (every 80,000 miles or 130,000Km ?)

A/Cs and driveshafts both seem to fail on T5s more often than they should, poor design/quality/engineering IMHO.

[Seano]

VW air con compressors are available on the aftermarket for far cheaper than as a VW part. I've replaced my T4 air compressor for less than $750 while the part from VW was more like $1,200

Check with www.eurocarparts.com.au for a price because they claim to have them http://www.eurocarparts.com.au/vw-ai...mpressors.html. Other options in terms of distributors may be www.heatcraft.com.au, www.cooldrive.com.au, www.ashdowningram.com.au

[vwtd5]

Thank You - and another question re AIR CON

Hello and thank you to everyone who has responded to my thread. The information has been very valuable and informative.

I also would like to wish everyone a Merry XMAS and a Great 2010!

- Now to my question:

We've changed the freewheel rubber as the air conditioning stopped working and through this thread I was informed there were 3 parts to consider. The freewheel, the compressor and something else I can;t reall now. The freewheel was changed as all the teeth had worn off and therefore was not spinning the compressor. However that problem was returned. The mechanic has re-ordered the part and he says sometimes parts can be faulty. Additionally the compressor worked on the first day for the whole day without any problems and also was re gassed. I just don't understand why those rubber teeth would be wearing so quickly on a new part, does anyone know why?

Regards

Alex

[Seano]

Because there's probably too much resistance from what the rubber wheel is trying to spin....if the compressor bearing/s fail even partially and offer too much resistance to the rubber wheel then it will spin out of sync with whatever is driving it.....and it'll erode like a tyre doing burnouts.

[Transporter]

Hello and thank you to everyone who has responded to my thread. The information has been very valuable and informative.

I also would like to wish everyone a Merry XMAS and a Great 2010!

- Now to my question:

We've changed the freewheel rubber as the air conditioning stopped working and through this thread I was informed there were 3 parts to consider. The freewheel, the compressor and something else I can;t reall now. The freewheel was changed as all the teeth had worn off and therefore was not spinning the compressor. However that problem was returned. The mechanic has re-ordered the part and he says sometimes parts can be faulty. Additionally the compressor worked on the first day for the whole day without any problems and also was re gassed. I just don't understand why those rubber teeth would be wearing so quickly on a new part, does anyone know why?

Regards

Alex

Alex.

Your answer is above in post 3. You should show it to your mechanic.

[Guest0608]

compressor is stuffed.....................VW............ all 3 mate.........