Air conditioning is one of the most important creature comforts in a car. When a component of the AC system malfunctions, you will feel the pain almost right away, and no doubt want to correct it ASAP.
The AC low-pressure hose carries refrigerant between the compressor and the expansion valve, making it a vital component of the smooth functioning of the entire system. Signs of a bad low-pressure hose include:
- Leaking on the ground under the car – this is the main obvious sign of a hose problem
- Cracks or weak spots on the hose, or corrosion/leaking refrigerant around the metal fittings at the ends of the hose
The low-pressure hose needs to be durable and long lasting because it’s a key player in retaining the refrigerant in your air conditioning system. This is one part you don’t want breaking down quickly.
How to make sure you’re getting a good quality AC low pressure hose:
Look for a barrier hose. Non-barrier hoses do offer a number of layers to protect against leakage but they’re still inferior because they can allow particles to leak through the hose. Barrier hoses offer more leak-resistance via less porous materials.
Watch for the Society of Automotive Engineers ratings. For the metal fittings, check for SAEJ2064, SAEJ51, or IMACA 312. These ratings indicate the tensile strength meets the highest standards. For the hose itself, look for SAEJ0264, Type C. You’ll find this the most durable, strongest AC low-pressure hose.
Don’t be cheap. The price of a hose typically reflects its quality and level of functionality. Spending a little more now will pay off in the long run with fewer part changes.
The low-pressure hose is not a difficult repair, however just as with most other air conditioning system components once you take one element off, you’ve got to use special equipment to create a vacuum to evacuate the refrigerant and then recharge the system and check for leaks when you’re done.
YourMechanic supplies top-quality AC low-pressure hoses to our certified mobile technicians. We can also install a AC low-pressure hose that you've purchased. Click here to get a quote and more information on AC low-pressure hose replacement..
