Has anyone replaced their a/c suction line before?

[rusty813]

I took my car to firestone and they added the dye into the a/c system. My a/c suction line has a leak, I order the part myself since they wanted 500 to replace it. The part number is yf-3633 and it is really easy to get to, probably at most a 30 minute job or less if done properly. If anyone can give me advice how to replace it myself that would be.

 

[rusty813]

anyone?

 

[Flag Gibby]

Most individuals probably don't mess with the AC system because of the specialty tools needed when performing the repairs and I have been lucky enough to not have any problems yet. In order to do the job properly you need to capture the HCFC's in the system (evacuate the system), replace the part, put the system under vacuum (leave it at a set pressure for a specific time) to test for leaks, and if it passes the leak test refill the system with the correct amount. That is the procedure in a nutshell and it takes more than 30 minutes to perform.

 

[Maniak]

I can't of anything special you need to do.. Of course I haven't worked on A/C lines on anything this new.

On all the other vehicles I've worked on you just have a few things that need to be done.

First is the system needs to be evacuated (empty). The proper way is to have the system sucked clean so you don't let all the crap into the air but many people just release it into the air which IIRC is against the law (I'm not a lawyer).

Next you take the lines off. There are a/c connector removal tools you need to use to get the lines apart. They are spring lock connectors and you won't get them apart without the tools (they aren't that expensive). It like pulling off ford quick connect fuel lines.

Now you replace the line and if possible replace the o-rings on those lines. I've always lubed the o-rings with a/c compressor oil (I don't know which kind is used on your vehicle). That helps the lines go together.

Now that the system is back together you need to pull a vacuum on the system to get all the air and water out of the system. Assuming its holding a vacuum you now charge the system with r-134.

Most people will only do the r&r of the parts and leave the evacuating / charging to a shop. IF you have the right tools you can do that yourself but most people don't have the evacuation pump or gauges.

Expect about $100 or so to evacuate and charge the system.

You really want to try to do this quickly as you don't want the system open to the environment for long. In other words, don't open the system up and leave it open for a week.. Once the system is closed up you can take a few days to get it recharged it just being open to the air that is bad for it.

~Mark

 

[rusty813]

well i replaced the part myself and it was fairly easy, except for the dye they added in came squirting out but I manage to clean it up the miss. I installed the new suction line, but i have a feeling that firestone a/c technician missed my up a/c line from the beginning, by adding to much a/c fluid, I just checked the pressure of it, with one from those a/c refill can guage and its in the alert area.

 

[rusty813]

thanks everyone for their advice : )

 

[steve6534]

So are you saying you evacuated your system to the atmosphere and then refilled without vacuuming the system using a can with a gauge built in ? If so that goes against every rule for working on the A/C system.

 

[MNgopher]

Long story short, you need high and low side gauges to accurately measure pressures in your AC system. The one reading on a do it yourself gauge is a recipe for screwing your system up. Evacuating and refilling the system is one job better left to a trusted garage with the proper equipment. I learned my lesson the hard way. Hopefully you won't as well.

 

[Maniak]

While I agree that you really should have a manifold set (gauges) I don't believe this job needs to be left to a shop. Over the years I have learned that if you get the right tools you can do the work yourself and do it correctly, safetly and much cheaper.

I have to maintain 6 vehicles (our 4 plus inlaws 2) in addition to the occasional helping of other family members.

By having a manifold set and a evacuation pump (< $200 in parts) we have saved well over $2000 in a/c work by doing the work ourselves.

This isn't to say that in the early days I didn't try those recharge "kits" to top off a system as most of the time they do help (if your just low) but you don't have enough information about what is going on so you could overcharge the system which will blow off the safety valve which makes a mess (a/c etc all over the engine).

So, in short.. There is no issue with doing it yourself but you need to do it right..

If you really want to learn about how systems work there is a very good "how" thread (multiple actually) in the a/c section of this forum.

~Mark

 

[MNgopher]

I agree - with the right tools and equipment, A/C work can be done DIY. The issue is the return on the investment in tools. I don't maintain a large fleet of vehicles, and on the ones I do, over 20+ years have needed one A/C repair. Not a great return on tools there. Easier to suck it up, pay the shop, and know it was done correctly (if you trust the shop...) I'm not afraid to invest in tools, but the return has to be there.

Hearing the OP refer to the gauge on a quick fill can is not indicative of doing it right.

 

[Maniak]

I agree - with the right tools and equipment, A/C work can be done DIY. The issue is the return on the investment in tools. I don't maintain a large fleet of vehicles, and on the ones I do, over 20+ years have needed one A/C repair. Not a great return on tools there. Easier to suck it up, pay the shop, and know it was done correctly (if you trust the shop...) I'm not afraid to invest in tools, but the return has to be there.

Hearing the OP refer to the gauge on a quick fill can is not indicative of doing it right.

I think we are on the same page.. The OP's usage of the DIY single gauge/can kit isn't the right way...

I just wanted others who read this to know that you can do it yourself.. But as you said.. it is return on investment.. Unless you just like "having tools" even if you never use them again.

I have a few tools like that.. Its nice to know I have it and even better if you can find them if I ever need them again.

~Mark