S60 A/C Hose Replacement

broopatr · Post by **broopatr** » 26 Jul 2010, 12:25

I have a 2001 S60 that my (former) mechanic is telling me is leaking refrigerant and needs to have the A/C hose replaced. For this (and recharging the A/C) he wants a whopping $590! I have found the hose available for $92 (vs. the $288 price he had listed)
and am a fairly handy guy. Is this something I can install myself?

Thanks,

PB

jda2000 · Post by **jda2000** » 26 Jul 2010, 12:46

You need a vacuum pump to evacuate/recover the refrigerant. Replace the hose and then recharge the system under vacuum.

Otherwise find an AC shop to evacuate and then recharge the system for you, after you replace the hose. Should be much cheaper that way.

Post by **JRL** » 26 Jul 2010, 14:35

Legally you cannot use a "vacuum pump" not sure if it would work anyway.
If you're completely out of refrigerant you may be able to do it, you did not say which hose needs to be replaced.
You then you should be able to fill it yourself with cans, plus you need to buy a filler/gauge of just go have it filled by anyone who has a R134 machine.
That shouldn't cost very much
(oh and find a new mechanic)

Retired MVS Contributor · Post by **Retired MVS Contributor** » 26 Jul 2010, 16:01

You can use a vacuum pump legally...It is illegal to vent the refrigerant into the atmosphere...If it is already empty, and I would guess it is of a hose is leaking, you can legally pump it down yourself...I have been using an old "pancake" refrigerator compressor for over 30 years...Works great...

The hoses segue from metal to rubber where they attach to the compressor so that the engine can rock and roll without breaking the pipes...No reason why you can't do it yourself, but make sure you install new "O" rings...Lubricate the rings with a bit of refrigeration oil from the old hose...I agree, get a new mech...