Replacing AC Manifold and Tube Assembly

[treant985]

I've looked for quite some time and couldn't find directions/tools needed to replace the manifold and tube assembly on a 1995 explorer. Mine has been leaking for years, and I'm tired of losing the R134.

The replacement piece that the dealer said would be required is: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000C5HY7A/ .

Repair shop wanted $635 to evac the AC, replace the assembly, then recharge. No thanks.

Two questions:

1)I don't have the tools necessary to evac whatever refrigerant is remaining; would a repair shop evac the system for me, then I could drive it back and replace the assembly myself?

2)does anyone have directions for replacing the manifold and tube assembly itself?

 

[firepop5]

The Jiffy Lube near me would recover the 134a, and then evacuate and recharge the system after the hose was replaced.

You need a set of the tools to release the spring couplings on the ends of the hose. You can buy an inexpensive set for less than $20. The end that goes to the compressor should have regular bolts holding it on. Be sure to use new o-rings and coat them with 134-a compatible oil

 

[treant985]

Thanks. Has anybody else found places that will JUST recover the refrigerant? I'm about to go to jiffy lube to ask them, but I'm not optimistic after I went to firestone, which refused to recover the refrigerant without also doing an evac and recharge at the same time.

I've read about renting the tools from autozone, but apparently they are loathe to do that, plus I'd rather pay somebody $20 or $30 to do this stage for me....if only somebody would do just the recovery.

 

[treant985]

Thanks. Has anybody else found places that will JUST recover the refrigerant? I'm about to go to jiffy lube to ask them, but I'm not optimistic after I went to firestone, which refused to recover the refrigerant without also doing an evac and recharge at the same time.

I've read about renting the tools from autozone, but apparently they are loathe to do that, plus I'd rather pay somebody $20 or $30 to do this stage for me....if only somebody would do just the recovery.

Seems like jiffy lube will do it for me (at least I think they understood what I wanted).

Any tips on the installation of the manifold/tube assembly itself? Looks like it's going to require the unhooking of about a dozen things just to snake it in there...

 

[Maniak]

Just call some a/c shops. Tell them you need to work on your a/c and you would like them to recover what is in the system. They will usually keep and recycle and resell your old r-134.

~Mark