hello i have a 96 red 5 speed golf cabriolet

[Sunnyjim]

any 96 vw cabrio aircon experts?

I had the AC guy to diagnose and he said the compressor needs replacing, so I have bought a new compressor , rx drier and expansion valve. I will have a go replacing these bits then call they guy back in to re-gas.

has anyone done this before? any tips?

the main question I have is " how do I take tension of the belt? which bolts do I loosen? is it the actual alternator bolts or is it the actual tensioner spring loaded mechanism"

As the alternator is above the ac compressor do I need to remove the alternator?

I have read bentley and it is not clear on this

thanks
any advice appreciated

[Jmac]

Pretty easy to detension the belt, there is of course a special tool but just use a shifter on the arm where the idler is on the tensioner and pull it towards you, you will see the belt de tension. Replace the seals on the lines too mate, they will be flat as pancakes.
Common on the compressor mate, its variable displacement and they jam in one spot and thats it!! By the way guys ive only just read this thread, i have a spare pump if you ever need for the roof, but just be mindful the roof wont work in certain conditions, ie door open , handbrake not on etc, it must be in ready mode or it simply wont work, ive seen relays replaced for nothing heaps of times and to be fair they dont fail that much, these are hovever bad for hydraulic leaks in the lines guys, tell tale is low fluid in the res and wet under back seat and boot

ps the compressor might be a bit tight to come off there is bushes in it that will be stuck, you will see what i mean im sure

Cheers!
Jmac

[Sunnyjim]

Thanks Jim

I went had a look again, yep That belt tensioner makes sense now.

[Sunnyjim]

Ok aircon done! I reckon I saved $1000 as I did the job myself then called the Regas guy out

[Sunnyjim]

need Black plastic side strip for 96 VW golf Cabriolet
any ideas?

[Mk3 AAA]

Side stripes should be the same as the three door hatch, so pop a WTB ad in the parts/ wanted to buy section and you might find something, otherwise there are a couple of euro wreckers that might have one.

[Sunnyjim]

Side stripes should be the same as the three door hatch, so pop a WTB ad in the parts/ wanted to buy section and you might find something, otherwise there are a couple of euro wreckers that might have one.

On will do good advice

[Sunnyjim]

hi All

Been a while since I have been on here, the MK3 has been good .

The headlights need adjusting hope someone can help me. The PO replaced both headlights assemblies with different types with led halo rings. So I can't just follow the book. The dont seem bright enough to me but first thing is to make sure the angle is adjusted .

the Golf manual says on the stock units there are 2 screws a) up/down b) left right b but on this set up I can only see one o'bvious screw but this assembly is different

I dont want to go screwing it in and out without knowing if i need to loosen any other screws?
'


you can see the screw above the light wiring

[TheBlx]

How did you go with the gearbox all that while ago with the rivet, new box? What did it run you up? Im looking at droping mine out reverse its abit noisy. Are you changing back to original headlight?

Sent from my D6653 using Tapatalk

[Sunnyjim]

gday mate

jimmy mac got a 2nd hand box and swapped it for me. it has been good.

no i will keepb these lights add i assume they are better.

However it is not obvious to me how i adjust them.

i hope some one can advise