I did a front seal on a Jetta (Sanden) compressor without any special tools.
IIRC  there is a bearing that may be stuck in place.   The rest I found
no reason why anyone could not do this job.
                                                Eric

MC wrote:

>I am looking into replacing the lip seal of the Sanden compressor on the
>my 89 Camper myself. I did some web search and found a few outfits that
>sells the tools for servicing the Sanden compressor. However I don't
>believe I have to buy all the tools they want to sell me.
>
>Has anyone replace the seal on the late 80 Vanagon compressor? If so how
>hard is it and what is the minimum special tools required.
>
>I am fairly well equiped with common hand tools and vice and am fairly
>mechanically inclined. I service my Camper since new without the need to
>visit the dealer or mechanic. I also done the R134 conversion. My AC has
>a small leak and I am quite sure is from the shaft seal.
>
>Alternately is there a Sanden compressor designed or R134 that is a
>direct swap of that in the Vanagon (I forgot the factory model number
>for the R12). Last time I checked there wasn't one.
>
>Thanks in advance
>
>- Vince
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