Replace the high-side AC hose on a 2015 Kia Forte 1.8L, including system evacuation, hose replacement, and recharge.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• High-side AC hose assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• AC line O-ring set × 1 — Use OEM specification
• R134a refrigerant × 1 — Typically 18-22 oz total system capacity
• PAG 46 compressor oil × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Allow engine to cool completely if recently driven
3. Verify AC system refrigerant type is R134a (should be labeled under hood)
4. Gather all tools and replacement parts before beginning
5. Ensure AC recovery machine is properly calibrated and ready for use

Procedure

1. 1

   Recover refrigerant from AC system
   Connect AC recovery machine to service ports on vehicle. Follow machine instructions to fully recover all refrigerant from the system. Record the amount of refrigerant and oil recovered for proper recharging later. Ensure system pressure reads 0 PSI before proceeding.
2. 2

   Access high-side hose connection at compressor
   Open hood and locate the high-side AC line connection at the compressor on the right side of the engine. Remove the plastic engine cover if equipped by pulling upward on the retaining clips. The high-side line is the smaller diameter line running from the compressor to the condenser.
3. 3

   Disconnect high-side hose at compressor
   Using a 14mm wrench to hold the compressor fitting stationary, use a 17mm wrench or flare nut wrench to loosen the high-side line fitting at the compressor. Once loose, unthread by hand and carefully separate the connection. Cap or plug the compressor port immediately to prevent moisture and contamination entry. Inspect and discard the old O-rings.
4. 4

   Disconnect high-side hose at condenser
   Locate the connection point at the condenser, positioned in front of the radiator. Use a 14mm wrench to hold the condenser fitting and a 17mm wrench to loosen the high-side line fitting. Remove the line and cap the condenser port immediately. Remove the complete high-side hose assembly from the vehicle, noting the routing path for installation of the new hose.
5. 5

   Prepare new high-side hose for installation
   Remove new high-side hose from packaging and verify it matches the old hose configuration. Install new O-rings on both ends of the new hose. Lightly coat the new O-rings with clean PAG 46 oil (approximately 1-2 drops per O-ring) to ensure proper sealing and prevent damage during installation. Do not over-oil as this can attract contaminants.
6. 6

   Install new high-side hose at condenser
   Remove the cap from the condenser port. Route the new high-side hose following the original path, ensuring no contact with sharp edges or hot exhaust components. Thread the condenser-end fitting by hand until snug, ensuring the O-ring seats properly. Do not cross-thread.
   Torque spec

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

   Install new high-side hose at compressor
   Remove the cap from the compressor port. Thread the compressor-end fitting by hand until snug, ensuring proper O-ring seating and alignment. Verify the hose is routed without kinks or tension.
   Torque spec

   AC Line Fittings20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Torque high-side hose fittings
   Using a torque wrench and appropriate wrenches, torque both the condenser and compressor fittings to specification. Hold the stationary fitting with a backup wrench while torquing to prevent component damage. Double-check that both connections are secure and O-rings have not been displaced.
   Torque spec

   AC Line Fittings20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Evacuate AC system
   Connect AC evacuation equipment to both service ports. Evacuate the system for a minimum of 30 minutes to remove all air and moisture. After evacuation, close valves and monitor system vacuum for 10 minutes. Vacuum should hold steady; if it rises, there is a leak that must be repaired before proceeding.
10. 10

    Recharge AC system
    With system holding vacuum, recharge with the appropriate amount of R134a refrigerant (refer to underhood label for exact capacity, typically 18-22 oz for this vehicle). Add any necessary PAG 46 oil to compensate for oil lost during recovery (typically 1-2 oz unless significant oil was recovered). Follow AC machine instructions for proper charging procedure.
11. 11

    Leak test and verify operation
    With system charged, use an electronic leak detector or UV dye to check all connections for leaks, paying special attention to the new hose fittings. Start the engine and turn AC to maximum cold with blower on high. Verify compressor engages, system pressures are within specification (typically 25-35 PSI low side, 200-250 PSI high side at idle with ambient 75-85°F), and cold air is produced at vents.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall plastic engine cover if it was removed
2. Verify all AC line connections are tight and properly routed
3. Ensure no tools or parts were left in engine bay

Verification

• Confirm AC produces cold air at all vent settings and blower speeds
• Verify no refrigerant leaks at new hose connections using leak detector
• Check that AC system pressures are within normal operating range
• Listen for unusual noises from compressor or AC system during operation
• Verify vent temperature is 40-50°F colder than ambient temperature
• Confirm compressor clutch engages smoothly when AC is activated

More procedures for this vehicle