Switched on the aircon and a big cloud of what appeared to be steam appeared from the engine bay. Pulled over thinking a radiator hose had popped. But it was actually the flexible refrigerant hose between the compressor outlet and the condenser. The hose was rubbing against the power steering hose. Badly damaged the aircon hose but very little damage to the powersteering one. All of the wreckers I have called don't have any replacement ones. Any idea how much to repair? I can remove and reinstall the hose myself. Vehicle is a 2002 Merc Vito Van. Its done 280K so don't want to spend alot on repairing it.
jason_247,
Mar 29, 7:05pm
The hose should be able to be made by any high pressure hose specialist. Ive seen them replicate them, sometimes they will reuse the crimp fittings from the end.
id expect $50-$100 for the hose. and probably another $200 or so to refill with gas.
Talk to an aircon place first as they probably know a hose maker. and they will be the ones refilling it anyway.
sparkyz,
Mar 29, 7:12pm
To fix it you need to take it to someone that does automotive air conditioning. They will make a new hose, vacuum out the moisture from the system, and fill with the correct amount of new refrigerant. The alternative is to seal the fittings on the compressor and condenser, and disconnect the activation wire from the compressor clutch.
pandai,
Mar 29, 8:53pm
In the end it may not be a cheap repair when done properly. As above but you may need a new receiver/dryer etc.
elect70,
Mar 29, 10:29pm
Hydrulic repair can make new hose . i had several made up for a custom job on a trash masher at local tip . but system needs evacuating &recharged .& probably oil which only get from A/C guys
pup2,
Mar 30, 9:01am
New hose - $50 to $100 New Receiver Drier (Prob Part #RD7086) - $90 Service - $145 (includes vac oil & O'Rings)
If the hole in the hose is on a straight bit of the hose & not a bent bit, Air con people can fit in a splice fitting. Cheapest option. This will save making up a new hose. Ring a couple of different Air Con places for pricing. Try Auckland Auto Air.
aredwood,
Mar 30, 9:46am
Thanks for the reply's everyone. Yes the hole is on a straight section of hose. Will call a few Aircon places on Monday.
kazbanz,
Mar 30, 11:19am
hey pup-im NOT correcting you here but asking--why do ya need a new receiver/dryer.
intrade,
Mar 30, 12:07pm
Always need new receiver dryer when system has been opened ,like it self opened up just then
elect70,
Mar 30, 1:57pm
^^ Moisture & dirt is the killer of frige systems , but many maufacturers dont even fit them to new cars to save a few $ .
pup2,
Apr 6, 2:56am
No worries Kaz https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEdwzi4-ZrQ Link is to a simple video to give you an idea. Very basically, it looks after the air con system like an oil filter looks after the engine. Vac'ing the system will get a lot of the moisture out, receiver drier helps, Nitrogen purging as well is the best. On cars, most people don't worry about it. Just means no guarantee. On heavy equipment & tractors, I have seen the filter in the drier breakdown & contaminate the system & kill components.
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