Hi,
The air conditioning on my Mk5 Golf GTI hasn’t worked for a few years. I’ve previously had it regassed and tried the usual checks, but it still doesn’t get cold.
I inspected the compressor with the engine running and noticed that the outer pulley section spins with the auxiliary belt, but the centre hub around the compressor shaft remains stationary.
I’ve now removed the front drive coupling/torque limiter, and the rubber centre appears to have completely torn away from the outer section, which presumably explains why the compressor isn’t being driven.
With the coupling removed, I can turn the compressor centre by hand using a small ratchet. It does move through a full rotation, but it feels fairly stiff rather than spinning freely.
Does this sound like the coupling has simply failed, or is the stiffness likely to indicate that the compressor is partially seized and caused the limiter to break?
Can the coupling/torque limiter be replaced separately with the compressor still fitted, or would it be better to replace the complete compressor? I’m also trying to identify the exact compressor model so I can find the correct replacement coupling.
Photos attached.
Thanks,
Dave
