Replace the low side AC hose on a 2015 Kia Forte 1.8L, including refrigerant recovery, hose replacement, and system recharge.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• AC low side hose assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• AC line O-rings × 4 — Use OEM specification
• R-134a refrigerant × 1 — Approximately 1.1 lbs total
• 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 operated
3. Verify AC system is not pressurized (gauges read 0 psi ambient)
4. Locate low side AC hose routing from compressor to evaporator (runs along driver side of engine bay)
5. Take photos of hose routing and connection points for reference during reassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Recover refrigerant from AC system
   Connect AC recovery machine to service ports. Follow machine manufacturer instructions to recover all R-134a refrigerant from the system. Record the amount of refrigerant and oil recovered. Allow system to fully depressurize and verify gauges read 0 psi before proceeding.
2. 2

   Remove engine splash shield
   Raise vehicle and support on jack stands if additional clearance is needed. Remove plastic engine splash shield underneath vehicle to access lower AC line connections. Remove fasteners and set aside with hardware.
3. 3

   Disconnect low side hose at evaporator
   Locate the low side hose connection at the evaporator inlet near the firewall on driver side. Use line wrenches to disconnect the fitting. Cap or plug the evaporator port immediately to prevent contamination. Remove and discard old O-rings from the fitting.
4. 4

   Disconnect low side hose at compressor
   Locate the low side hose connection at the AC compressor on the front of the engine. Use line wrenches to loosen and remove the fitting bolt. Separate the hose from the compressor. Cap or plug the compressor port immediately. Remove and discard old O-rings.
5. 5

   Remove hose mounting brackets
   Trace the low side hose path and remove any mounting clips or brackets securing it to the chassis or engine. On this vehicle, there is typically one bracket near the strut tower. Keep all hardware organized for reinstallation.
6. 6

   Extract old low side hose
   Carefully maneuver the old low side hose out of the engine bay, noting the routing path. Check the hose for signs of damage or wear to confirm the cause of failure (leaks, cracks, abrasion points).
7. 7

   Prepare new hose and fittings
   Unpack new low side hose assembly and verify it matches the old hose configuration. Install new O-rings on both connection ends. Coat each new O-ring generously with fresh PAG 46 compressor oil. Ensure O-rings are properly seated in their grooves.
8. 8

   Route new low side hose
   Route the new low side hose through the engine bay following the same path as the original. Ensure the hose does not contact any sharp edges, hot components, or moving parts. Verify adequate clearance from belts and pulleys.
9. 9

   Connect hose to compressor
   Remove cap from compressor port. Align the new hose fitting with the compressor connection. Hand-thread the fitting bolt to avoid cross-threading. Torque the AC line fitting to specification using a torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   AC Line Fittings20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Connect hose to evaporator
    Remove cap from evaporator port. Align the hose fitting with the evaporator connection at the firewall. Hand-thread the fitting to ensure proper engagement. Torque the AC line fitting to specification.
    Torque spec

    AC Line Fittings20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall mounting brackets
    Secure the new low side hose using all original mounting brackets and clips. Ensure the hose is properly supported along its entire length and cannot vibrate or rub against other components. Verify clearance from all moving parts.
12. 12

    Reinstall splash shield
    Reinstall the engine splash shield if it was removed. Ensure all fasteners are properly tightened. Lower vehicle from jack stands if raised.
13. 13

    Vacuum and recharge AC system
    Connect vacuum pump to AC system service ports. Pull vacuum for minimum 30-45 minutes to remove all moisture and air. System should hold vacuum for 15 minutes without pressure rise. Recharge system with R-134a refrigerant to specification (approximately 1.1 lbs or 500g). Add replacement compressor oil if needed based on amount lost during recovery.
14. 14

    Leak test and verify operation
    With system recharged, use electronic leak detector or UV light (if dye was added) to check all connections for leaks. Start engine and turn AC to maximum cold. Verify compressor engages, system cools properly, and both high and low side pressures are within normal range. Check for abnormal noises or vibrations.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all AC line fittings are torqued to specification with new lubricated O-rings installed
2. Verify hose routing matches original path with proper clearance from heat sources and moving components
3. Confirm all mounting brackets and clips are reinstalled to prevent hose vibration

Verification

• AC system holds proper pressure with no leaks detected at new hose connections
• Compressor engages smoothly when AC is activated
• System produces cold air at vents (typically 40-50°F at max cold setting)
• No unusual noises, vibrations, or refrigerant odor present
• Low side pressure reads approximately 25-35 psi at idle with AC on (ambient temperature dependent)
• Visual inspection confirms no oil residue or frost at connection points indicating leaks

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