AC Hose - Low Side

This procedure involves replacing the low-side AC hose on a 2024 Rivian EDV 500, requiring refrigerant recovery, hose replacement, and system recharge.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• AC low-side hose assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• AC line O-ring kit × 1 — Use OEM specification
• R-1234yf refrigerant × 1 — As required by system capacity
• PAG oil for R-1234yf systems × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect 12V battery negative terminal and wait 5 minutes for system shutdown
3. Verify AC recovery machine is certified for R-1234yf and properly calibrated
4. Raise vehicle on lift or support securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight
5. Remove front passenger side wheel for access to underbody components
6. Remove underbody shield panels to access AC lines routing from front cabin to rear cargo area
7. Document refrigerant charge amount for proper refill
8. Photograph hose routing and connection points for reference during installation

Procedure

1. 1

   Recover refrigerant from AC system
   Connect R-1234yf recovery machine to service ports. Follow machine instructions to fully recover all refrigerant from the system. Record the amount recovered for comparison to system capacity. Allow system to fully depressurize and verify zero pressure on gauges before proceeding.
2. 2

   Access low-side hose connections
   Locate the low-side AC hose running from the front evaporator area along the passenger side chassis rail. The EDV 500 routes this line underneath the cargo area floor toward the rear-mounted condenser. Remove any cable management clips or protective covers securing the hose along its routing path.
3. 3

   Disconnect front evaporator connection
   Locate the low-side hose connection at the evaporator assembly behind the front passenger footwell area. Remove the quick-disconnect fitting or threaded connection using appropriate wrenches. Support the hose to prevent strain on adjacent components. Cap the evaporator port immediately to prevent moisture ingress.
4. 4

   Disconnect rear compressor or accumulator connection
   Trace the low-side hose to its rear connection point at either the compressor or accumulator/drier assembly. The EDV's dual-motor configuration places AC components in the rear cargo area. Disconnect the fitting and immediately cap both the component port and hose end.
5. 5

   Remove hose mounting brackets
   Release all mounting brackets and clips securing the low-side hose along the undercarriage. The EDV uses integrated cable management channels along the battery pack sides. Carefully note bracket positions and quantities for reinstallation. Remove any foam isolation sleeves protecting the hose.
6. 6

   Extract old hose assembly
   Carefully extract the complete low-side hose assembly from the vehicle, routing it through the chassis channels. Inspect the old hose for signs of damage, abrasion, or leak points. Check routing path for any sharp edges or contact points that may have caused failure.
7. 7

   Prepare new hose assembly
   Remove new AC low-side hose from sealed packaging. Inspect all O-rings and sealing surfaces for damage. Apply thin coat of refrigerant oil to all O-rings. Keep hose ends capped until moment of installation to prevent moisture contamination.
8. 8

   Route new hose through chassis
   Route the new low-side hose through the same path as the original, following the chassis rail channels and battery pack side routing. Ensure hose does not contact any sharp edges, moving components, or high-temperature areas. Verify adequate clearance from HV battery pack and suspension components.
9. 9

   Connect rear fitting
   Remove cap from rear component port and new hose end. Install the rear connection at the compressor or accumulator first, as this is typically the more difficult access point. Ensure O-ring seats properly and thread engagement is correct before tightening. Use backup wrench to prevent component rotation.
10. 10

    Install hose mounting brackets
    Secure all mounting brackets and clips along the hose routing path. Ensure hose is properly supported every 12-18 inches and does not contact the chassis directly. Install foam isolation sleeves where specified. Verify no tension or kinking exists in the hose routing.
11. 11

    Connect front evaporator fitting
    Remove caps from evaporator port and hose end. Install the front connection at the evaporator, ensuring proper O-ring seating. Thread fittings by hand first to verify correct alignment before tightening with wrenches. Use backup wrench on evaporator fitting body.
12. 12

    Evacuate AC system
    Connect vacuum pump to AC system service ports. Evacuate system to 500 microns or below for minimum 30 minutes. System must hold vacuum for 15 minutes without rise to confirm no leaks. The EDV's larger system volume requires thorough evacuation to remove all moisture.
13. 13

    Recharge AC system
    Using R-1234yf recovery/recharge machine, add the specified amount of refrigerant recovered earlier or per system specifications. Add proper amount of PAG oil if specified by service information. Monitor pressure gauges during charging process to verify proper system fill.
14. 14

    Leak test system
    With system charged, use electronic leak detector or UV dye to check all connection points for leaks. Pay special attention to the newly installed hose connections. Allow system to stabilize for 10 minutes, then recheck all fittings. Verify static pressure holds steady.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall all underbody shield panels and secure with original fasteners
2. Reinstall front passenger wheel and torque lug nuts to specification
3. Lower vehicle to ground
4. Reconnect 12V battery negative terminal
5. Verify no warning lights or fault codes present on instrument cluster

Verification

• Start vehicle and activate climate control system in maximum cooling mode
• Verify cold air output from all vents reaches proper temperature within 5 minutes
• Check AC compressor engages and cycles normally without abnormal noises
• Monitor AC system pressures on service gauges to confirm proper operation (typical low-side: 25-45 psi at idle, high-side: 150-250 psi depending on ambient temperature)
• Verify no refrigerant odor or visible leaks at hose connections
• Test drive vehicle and confirm AC performance remains consistent under various load conditions
• Scan for any HVAC or thermal management system fault codes using appropriate diagnostic tool

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