Defender TD5 Aircon Problem

Dear All - This is my first post so please go gently with me! Any help greatly appreciated.

About 9 months ago I purchased a 2001 Defender TD5 110 County which I am very much enjoying driving.

However, I don't believe the air conditioning has ever worked properly. It seemed to work for a few minutes, with quite cool air coming out, and then I would hear a hissing noise and the air turned warm.

With the weather turning warmer I decided to try to get the aircon working. I was advised by my local landrover expert that the symptoms meant the aircon needed recharging. I attempted to get this done by Qwikfit, but their machine diagnosed a leak. A few days afterwards, a whining / whirring noise came from the engine area, which rose and fell with engine revs.

This has now been diagnosed by the same landrover expert as the aircon pump having failed, and that it must be replaced or the vehicle will not be driveable. The cost is £650 to replace the pump and recharge the aircon; then extra cost if this does not solve the problem and there is still a leak.

This is a great deal of money for me so I'm keen to get a second opinion or two.

First question - doe the diagnosis sound right given the symptoms?

Second question - do I really have to replace the aircon pump to ensure the vehicle continues to run? If so why?

Many thanks!

not 100% familier with defender aircon, but leak sounds right.

unless its the bearings in the Ac pump, it sounds nonsense to me, if it leaks, theres no pressure, so the clutch shouldnt engage,

Id be taking it to an aircon specialist personally, one who has the right kit to locate leaks. it may cost a touch more in labour, but it more or less guaranteed to get it fixed first time.

Pull the air con compressor wires apart at the connector. This means the compressor clutch will not engage so even if the compressor bearings are shot you can still drive. Mine has been like this for nearly four years without a problem as my air had more leaks than the Titanic so I binned it and gained about four inches of leg room in the process. I left the compressor in place as I had grand ideas regarding on-board air but never got round to it.

Many thanks for the replies guys. So from what you are saying there is no merit in this chap telling me that I must get it replaced or the car will not be driveable?

not that I can see.

Ridge13 said:

Many thanks for the replies guys. So from what you are saying there is no merit in this chap telling me that I must get it replaced or the car will not be driveable?

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the only reason I can see for this is if the clutch/pulley has seized up. If it has it is just a case of removing the aircon pump and fitting a non aircon fan belt. You may even be able to fit the non aircon belt with the pump still fitted.