A/C Compressor hose

Does anyone have any experience with replacing the A/C compressor hose/discharge house on an 06? I just removed an auxiliary generator bracket (previous owner) and noticed a pin hole worn into the hose. Is this something to jump all over or can it wait? Should I have it done professionally or is it a DIY type job?

I don't use the A/C all that often in May in Vermont. Thoughts please..

Thanks.

First let me extend you a hale and hearty welcome to the forum.

bnever said:

... noticed a pin hole worn into the hose. Is this something to jump all over or can it wait?

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There is some concern in waiting. With a leak the system is open to absorbing moisture as atmospheric pressure changes cause air to move in and out of the open system. If you plan to delay the repair I would clean the hose with carbeurator cleaner or acetone and seal the leak with a bicycle tire tube patch. That won't do anything for any moisture already in the system, but it should stop further contamination.

bnever said:

Should I have it done professionally or is it a DIY type job?

I don't use the A/C all that often in May in Vermont. Thoughts please..

Thanks.

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If you don't have the A/C experience and equipment to evacuate, test, and recharge the system a DIY repair isn't possible. Use a professional. vic

Thanks Vic. I've been calling around to get prices on the part but I'm limited in my area for dealerships. We have a Dodge dealership that is sub-par and a new freightliner dealership that isn't fully set-up yet.

Any idea where I could get the part online for a reasonable price? other than eBay.

Just a comment
You don't need a dealership to replace that hose.

Simply look in your area to any Independent shop that does automotive A/C repairs, and has a good customer CSI. Its a no brainer to change out!

Certainly ask the shop to pre- order the hose before you drop it off to reduce the vehicle down time , or see if a hose specialist will make you a new one if the hose isn't immediately on hand.

In many cases (not with Sprinters yet!!) I have specialist tools that make all sorts of A/C lines when the need arises so I doubt you should have too much of a problem in your area finding a shop that can do this work.
Hope that helps some more
Cheers Dennis

Thanks for the info. I found a site that has the hose for $99, way less than stealership. Maybe I'll order it and take to a mechanic to replace.

Does the A/C still work? You didn't say if the chafed spot was obviously all the way through. If it is, and the system has been inop for a while, you'll need more than the new hose and refrigerant. The filter-dryer and accumulator/receiver will have to be replaced too.

My A/C was operable when I bought my van but I could see visible hose chafing on one of the compressor lines. It made it 3 months before it blew out loudly while many miles from home on a trip. Probably a good idea to replace it while near home.

I have not replaced mine yet as I do most of my own wrenching and want to do it and the belts at the same time. But summer is here and I wish it was done already.

I think my new hose cost me over to $200 and I found the best deal I could. Maybe the other hose is cheaper.

Good luck!

Ivan

hulagun said:

My A/C was operable when I bought my van but I could see visible hose chafing on one of the compressor lines. It made it 3 months before it blew out loudly while many miles from home on a trip. Probably a good idea to replace it while near home.

I have not replaced mine yet as I do most of my own wrenching and want to do it and the belts at the same time. But summer is here and I wish it was done already.

I think my new hose cost me over to $200 and I found the best deal I could. Maybe the other hose is cheaper.

Good luck!

Ivan

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AMA in Phoenix can repair any hose. Just send them the bad one and they'll rebuild it. ackits.com

Dougflas said:

AMA in Phoenix can repair any hose. Just send them the bad one and they'll rebuild it. ackits.com

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Good advice. Local places should be available also.

Back in my days of working in industrial maintenance/manufacturing we had hyraulic hose assemblies copied by local shops. If they don't have the new fittings then they can often re-use what you remove. It may be worth checking around for local possibilities. They need to know the service is A/C related.

As an aside. The physical replacement of the hose can be done DIY. It's the evaluation of other parts needed, evacuation and proper re-charge of the system that needs the professional (not necessarily a dealership). The physical hose replacement is usually a minor part of the entire job.

vic

I love the idea of rebuilding the hoses but don't have secured off-street work space available where I can take the front end apart and leave it for 2 weeks. To do repairs, I usually just have all new parts at the ready before disassembly.

Find a local hvac or refridgeration engineer to empty your A/C system .
then remove the pipe yourself , get a local hydraulic shop to make a new hose to suit & even fit stainless overbraid or nylon spiral wrap before fitting both ends to the hose . That way no further wear to new hose can occur . most shops will have the correct ends to suit , it is rare that old ends are re-used except as a last resort .

did once re-use old fitings & had then begin to creep out of hose after several weeks , by this time i had managed to get correct fittings & had completely new hose made again . As it was carrying oil , sorting it out was easy .

Getting your AC refilled is as easy as finding the HVAC or refridgeration man & handing him cash in his hand , way cheaper than dealers , who will call him in anyway . He / she will ahve all right gases / fittings / know how to do the job .

Also make sure that they hold vacuum for i think it is 30 minutes before filling to ensure any moisture has been evacuated from the system , the man will understand that bit

Problem solved. I've ordered the part overnight to arrive tomorrow, a local mechanic is going to discharge/recharge ac and install hose. It is still functioning but you can see a tiny pin hole in the hose itself, right where the rubber hose meets the steel piping.

I'll be out all of $200 in the end, mechanic is a friends father.

Thanks everyone for the words of advise, this is truely a great source for information.