AC Hose Assembly

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of AC hose assemblies on the 2018-2024 Honda Accord 1.5L Turbo, including refrigerant recovery, hose replacement, and system recharge.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• AC hose assembly (specify discharge, suction, or liquid line) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• AC system O-rings × 4 — 38942-RZA-004 or equivalent
• PAG oil (ND-11 or ND-12) × 1 — Honda ND-11 PAG oil

Fluids

• R-134a refrigerant — 0.44 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Raise and secure vehicle on lift or jack stands if accessing underbody hoses
3. Ensure engine is completely cool before beginning work
4. Verify AC system has not been recently operated (allow 30+ minutes for pressure equalization)
5. Have AC recovery machine ready and connected
6. Identify which hose assembly requires replacement (discharge, suction, or liquid line)

Procedure

1. 1

   Recover refrigerant from AC system
   Connect AC recovery machine to service ports. Follow machine instructions to fully recover all refrigerant from the system. Verify system pressure reads zero on gauges before proceeding. Record amount of refrigerant recovered for recharge reference.
2. 2

   Disconnect negative battery terminal
   Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 3 minutes to allow airbag system to discharge. This prevents accidental deployment and electrical issues during repair.
3. 3

   Remove engine cover if necessary
   If accessing discharge or suction hoses at compressor, remove plastic engine cover by pulling upward on front clips and lifting cover off. Set aside in clean area.
4. 4

   Access AC hose connections
   For discharge/suction hoses: Access from engine bay at compressor and firewall connections. For liquid line: Access may require raising vehicle to reach connections at condenser and evaporator. Clean area around fittings with shop towel to prevent contamination.
5. 5

   Remove AC line mounting hardware
   Remove any mounting bolts or brackets securing the hose assembly to the chassis or engine. Keep bolts organized for reinstallation. Note routing of hose for proper installation of replacement.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Disconnect AC hose fittings
   Using appropriate wrench, loosen and remove AC line fittings at both ends of the hose assembly. Immediately cap open ports with clean plugs to prevent contamination and moisture entry. Place drip pan underneath to catch residual oil.
   ⚠Some residual pressure may remain even after recovery. Loosen fittings slowly and be prepared for small amount of refrigerant release.
   Torque spec

   AC Line Fittings20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove old O-rings
   Use O-ring pick to carefully remove old O-rings from both the fittings on the vehicle and the new hose assembly. Inspect sealing surfaces for damage, corrosion, or debris. Clean sealing surfaces with lint-free shop towel.
8. 8

   Measure and add PAG oil
   Measure amount of oil that drained from old hose assembly. Add equivalent amount of fresh Honda ND-11 PAG oil to new hose assembly before installation. If no oil drained, add 20ml of PAG oil to compensate for lost oil.
   ℹ️PAG oil is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture. Keep oil container sealed until use and minimize exposure to air.
9. 9

   Install new O-rings with PAG oil
   Install new O-rings on both connection points. Coat O-rings generously with PAG oil before installation to ensure proper sealing and prevent damage during assembly. Verify O-rings are seated properly in grooves.
10. 10

    Route and position new hose assembly
    Route new AC hose assembly following exact path of original hose. Ensure hose does not contact sharp edges, hot exhaust components, or moving parts. Verify adequate clearance throughout range of engine motion.
11. 11

    Connect and torque AC line fittings
    Thread AC line fittings by hand until seated, then use torque wrench to tighten to specification. Do not overtighten as this can damage O-rings and cause leaks. Ensure fittings are properly aligned before tightening.
    ⚠Cross-threading AC fittings will damage threads and require component replacement. Always start threads by hand.
    Torque spec

    AC Line Fittings20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall mounting brackets
    Reinstall all mounting bolts and brackets that secure hose assembly to chassis or engine. Torque mounting bolts to specification. Verify hose is properly supported and not stressed at connection points.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall removed components
    Reinstall engine cover if removed. Reconnect negative battery terminal. Lower vehicle from lift if raised.
14. 14

    Evacuate and recharge AC system
    Connect AC machine to service ports. Evacuate system to deep vacuum (29+ inches Hg) for minimum 30 minutes to remove all air and moisture. Verify system holds vacuum for 10 minutes. Recharge system with amount of R-134a recovered plus any lost during service (consult service manual for total capacity if unknown).
    ⚠Insufficient evacuation time will leave moisture in system, causing corrosion and poor AC performance.
15. 15

    Leak test AC system
    Start engine and activate AC system at maximum cooling. Use electronic leak detector to check all connection points for leaks. Verify compressor engages and system reaches proper operating pressures (low side: 25-35 psi, high side: 200-250 psi at idle with 80°F ambient temperature).

Reassembly

1. Ensure all AC line connections are torqued to specification with new O-rings installed
2. Verify AC hose routing matches original path with proper clearances
3. Confirm all mounting brackets and hardware are reinstalled
4. Check that system has been properly evacuated and recharged to correct capacity

Verification

• Start engine and run AC at maximum cooling for 5 minutes to verify proper operation
• Check that center dash vents produce cold air (40-50°F with 80°F ambient temperature)
• Listen for unusual noises from compressor or hoses indicating leaks or improper installation
• Verify no refrigerant odor is present in engine bay or cabin
• Re-check all connections with leak detector after system reaches operating temperature
• Confirm AC clutch cycles on/off properly and compressor operates smoothly

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