Hey all,
had the hood open on the wifes '01 this weekend and noticed some fluid (almost coolant colored) seeping at this hose in pics. It doenst look like part of the coolant system-i'd say A/C but not sure. Coolant levels are good as are other fluids and car runs fine etc.

Any input from anyone. Her A/C was ****ty last year so it could be going on us.

Its leaking right where the rubber is coupled with the metal piping.

 

That is an AC line. Probably the reason why the AC wasn't performing so good.

S

 

AC line, looks like the evaporator line going into the Comp?

 

That is AC Leak Detector Dye leaking out, Time for a new hose.

 

What's the typical cost of this AC repair? Is it just the line leaking?

 

I'd replace the hose, is this one that can be replaced?
special tools etc needed? anyone?

 

That's what I was going to say. Someone's put die in your system before looking for a leak. If you put a black light to it it should glow up really nice...

 

great..that said, does anyone know if this is a hose i can replace (if so, details..) otherwise can i just seal it up? Its a unique hose 'clamp/fitting' and I have no real experience with these.

 

Not trying to thread jack, but my AE has this same problem. I would also like to know the exact fix and how hard it is to do.

 

Usually it's a whole assembly, you have to replace the entire hose, you can't just repair it at the metal fittings. It depends on the car, but it can be very expensive by itself, $120 is my guess, but I don't know for certain.

Also, you have to evacuate and recharge the AC refrigerant. It's not like changing a radiator or heater hose where you just add more water, this system is under pressure. Some systems require additional parts to be replaced when you evacuate the system, a dryer comes to mind.

If you're asking these kinds of questions, mean's you don't have experience enough to change out AC parts. if you contaminate the system you can break down other parts of the system without even knowing it. Best bet is to find a local shop that does AC work regularly.

 

alright..sounds good. at least its winter time haha. we'll mess with it once she starts complaining its too hot.

Thanks all for your help-feel free to add more as necessary

 

Thanks for the info madmax.

 

hope your pump doesnt burn up due to lack of lubrication before the pipe gets replaced, cuz that would be PITA to replace.

 

Since this is refrigerant related (evacuation) I think you should take it to an AC place. This is not a typical DIY.

Loading-adding CFC free refrigerant is one thing, but evacuation and disposal is another.

 

We can not do the "let it out" thing anymore. You might be criminally liable. Everybody's so earth friendly now! And we should be. For our kids' kids.

 

I don't know enough about the Maxima yet to say this with 100% certainty, but typically when the pressure is low on the system, the compressor won't come on anymore...it's a fail safe to prevent just what you suggested. Still doesn't mean the compressor won't go bad if left unchecked for months/years, but for a short spell it shouldn't be a problem.

 

Well, remember that, when you run the defroster in the winter, you're also running the AC for its de-humidifying action. So, even in winter, you sometimes need the AC to be working well.