Air Conditioning Hose Assemblies
If you've ever been in a car without air conditioning, you know that automotive climate control systems aren't magic: every once in a while, they'll fail. If you are having issues with your car's A/C, you are probably looking to get it fixed as soon as possible. Taking it into the shop can be expensive though, as the diagnosis, replacement and repair costs often pile up to something far out of most price ranges. There is one way to prevent further sweating with out skyrocketing prices, try to fix the problem on your own. Some of the most common issues stem from worn down hose assemblies. Air conditioning hose assemblies carry refrigerant and oil to the air conditioning unit and back to the the compressor, and without them, the system simply couldn't run. Over time, these assemblies wear down, causing leaks and holes in the piping, and preventing the refrigerant from getting to your A/C. Replacing your hose assembly is fairly simple and could be the key to getting your cool and comfortable car back again.
Finding the Right Hose Assembly
Because every car company makes different types of engines and systems, there are often specific hose assemblies for your car. You should always check your car manual or with your dealer to see if there is a specific product sold for your make or model. Specific parts generally last longer than the generic ones and will sometimes be the only product that fits in your engine; however, if you can find a generic hose assembly that will work, make sure it's from a trusted brand, as these hoses can be expensive. Manufacturers like Four Seasons, ACDelco and Motorcraft normally sell high quality parts.
Replacing Your Air Conditioning Hose Assembly
Once you purchase your new hose assembly, take a look at the following steps to hep you through the replacement process. Always check your car manual or the product itself for more specific instructions.
* Disconnect your car battery: it powers the hoses and starts the air conditioning.
* Locate the low and high pressure hoses separately. The low pressure hose is normally connected to the compressor inlet and is on the suction side of your air conditioner. The high pressure hose is normally connected to the expansion valve inlet and is typically on the discharge side.
* Once you locate each assembly, remove the tubes and replace the new ones exactly in the same places. The pressure gauges on your car should not change through the whole process, so if they do you may have a leak issue.
In certain cases you will also need to replace O-rings or vacuums (sometimes they are all connected in your car), but this will vary, depending on your automobile.
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