hvac

AC Hose Assembly

for 2022 Rivian EDV 500 Dual Motor AWD (EDV) · AWD

Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years

Difficulty

Advanced

Time

4.0 h

Tools

Steps

✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.

Replace the AC hose assembly on a 2022 Rivian EDV 500, including refrigerant recovery, hose removal, installation of new hoses, and system recharge.

Warnings

⚠️R-1234yf refrigerant is mildly flammable. Ensure adequate ventilation and no ignition sources during service.

⚠️Always wear safety glasses and gloves when working with refrigerant. Liquid refrigerant can cause severe frostbite.

⚠The vehicle must be powered down completely before disconnecting AC components. Do not perform this work with high voltage systems active.

⚠Refrigerant must be properly recovered and recycled according to EPA regulations. Never vent refrigerant to atmosphere.

ℹ️This vehicle uses R-1234yf refrigerant, not R-134a. Using the wrong refrigerant will damage the system.

Tools required

AC refrigerant recovery machineEssential

Vacuum pump for AC systemEssential

AC manifold gauge setEssential

Torque wrench (10-100 ft-lb range)Essential

Line disconnect tool setEssential

Digital refrigerant scaleEssential

Socket set (metric)Essential

Ratcheting wrench set (metric)Essential

Trim panel removal tools

UV dye light for leak detection

Nitrile glovesEssential

Safety glassesEssential

Parts

AC hose assembly × 1 — Use OEM Rivian specification
AC line O-rings × 1 — Use OEM Rivian specification
R-1234yf refrigerant × 1 — Per system capacity specifications
PAG oil for R-1234yf systems × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
Power down the vehicle completely and wait 5 minutes for high voltage systems to discharge
Disconnect 12V battery negative terminal and secure away from battery post
Verify AC refrigerant recovery machine is certified for R-1234yf and has adequate capacity
Locate and identify the specific AC hose assembly requiring replacement
Document refrigerant capacity from underhood label (typically 1.5-2.0 lbs for this model)
Ensure work area has adequate ventilation

Procedure

1
Recover AC refrigerant
Connect AC recovery machine to service ports on the vehicle. Follow machine manufacturer instructions to fully recover all refrigerant from the system. Document the amount of refrigerant and oil recovered for recharge reference. Ensure system shows zero pressure on gauges before proceeding.
2
Access AC hose assembly
Remove any underbody panels or protective covers needed to access the AC hose assembly. The hoses run from the compressor (located near the front motor) to the condenser and evaporator. For the EDV 500, typical access requires removing the front lower splash shield and portions of the cargo area floor panels depending on which hose segment is being replaced.
3
Disconnect electrical connectors
If the hose assembly being replaced includes pressure sensors or temperature sensors, carefully disconnect the electrical connectors. Press release tabs and pull connectors straight off to avoid damage. Cap or protect connectors from contamination.
4
Remove hose mounting brackets
Locate and remove all mounting brackets and clips securing the AC hose assembly to the chassis and other components. Use appropriate socket or wrench to remove bracket bolts. Note the routing and position of all brackets for reinstallation.
5
Disconnect AC hose at compressor
Using appropriate line disconnect tool or wrenches, disconnect the AC hose from the compressor fitting. Support the hose to prevent stress on fittings. Immediately cap both the compressor port and hose end to prevent moisture and contamination from entering the system. Remove and discard old O-rings from fittings.
6
Disconnect AC hose at condenser/evaporator
Disconnect the other end of the AC hose assembly from the condenser or evaporator connection point. Use appropriate wrenches to avoid rounding fittings. Cap all open ports immediately. Remove and discard old O-rings.
7
Remove AC hose assembly
Carefully route the old AC hose assembly out of the vehicle, noting the exact routing path through the chassis. Take photos if necessary to document routing for reinstallation. Inspect surrounding components for any signs of damage or wear.
8
Prepare new AC hose assembly
Unpack new AC hose assembly and verify it matches the old part. Install new O-rings on all connection points, lubricating them lightly with clean PAG oil compatible with R-1234yf systems. Do not remove protective caps from hose ends until ready to install.
9
Install new AC hose assembly
Route the new AC hose assembly through the chassis following the exact path of the original hose. Ensure the hose does not contact any sharp edges, hot surfaces, or moving components. Verify adequate clearance throughout the routing path.
10
Connect hose to condenser/evaporator
Remove protective cap and connect the AC hose to the condenser or evaporator fitting. Hand tighten the connection first, then use torque wrench or line wrench to achieve proper tightness. Follow manufacturer torque specifications if available, or tighten to ensure proper seal without over-tightening aluminum fittings.
11
Connect hose to compressor
Remove protective cap and connect the AC hose to the compressor fitting. Hand tighten first, then torque to specification. Ensure connection is secure and O-ring is properly seated.
12
Reinstall mounting brackets
Install all mounting brackets and clips in their original positions to properly support and route the AC hose assembly. Tighten all bracket bolts securely. Verify hose has no kinks, sharp bends, or contact with moving parts.
13
Reconnect electrical connectors
Reconnect any electrical connectors for pressure sensors or temperature sensors. Ensure connectors click into place and are fully seated. Verify connector seals are in good condition.
14
Evacuate AC system
Connect vacuum pump to AC service ports. Evacuate the system to at least 29 inches of mercury vacuum. Hold vacuum for minimum 30 minutes to verify system integrity and remove all moisture. If system does not hold vacuum, locate and repair leak before proceeding.
15
Recharge AC system
Using refrigerant scale and charging equipment, add the specified amount of R-1234yf refrigerant (refer to underhood label, typically 1.5-2.0 lbs). Add the appropriate amount of PAG oil to compensate for oil lost during service (typically 1-2 oz). Follow proper charging procedures for liquid or vapor charge as appropriate.

Reassembly

Reinstall all underbody panels and protective covers removed for access
Reconnect 12V battery negative terminal
Power up vehicle and verify no warning lights related to HVAC system

Verification

Start vehicle and activate climate control system in maximum cooling mode
Verify cold air is produced at all vents and temperature drops appropriately
Use AC manifold gauges to verify proper system pressures (typically 25-45 psi low side, 150-250 psi high side at ambient temperature)
Inspect all AC hose connections for signs of refrigerant leaks using electronic leak detector or UV dye light
Listen for unusual noises from compressor or hose vibration
Verify pressure sensors are reading correctly on vehicle diagnostic system if equipped
Test system operation through multiple drive cycles to ensure proper performance
Recheck all connection points after 24 hours of operation for any delayed leaks

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