Replace the high-side AC hose between the compressor and condenser, requiring AC system recovery, evacuation, and recharge.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• High-side AC hose assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• AC line O-rings × 1 — Typically 4 O-rings for high-side hose fittings
• R-134a refrigerant × 1 — Approximately 16-18 oz total system capacity

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch
2. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal (10mm socket)
4. Verify AC recovery machine is properly calibrated and has adequate tank capacity
5. Locate the high-side AC hose running from the compressor (lower left of engine) to the condenser (front of radiator)

Procedure

1. 1

   Recover AC refrigerant
   Connect AC recovery machine to the low and high-side service ports. Follow machine instructions to completely recover all refrigerant from the system. Record the amount recovered for reference during recharge. Ensure system reaches 0 PSI before proceeding.
2. 2

   Remove engine cover if equipped
   Remove plastic engine cover by pulling upward on the four corner clips. Set aside. This provides better access to the compressor area.
3. 3

   Disconnect high-side hose at condenser
   Locate the high-side hose connection at the top of the condenser (driver's side). Use a flare nut wrench to carefully loosen the fitting. Once loosened, unscrew by hand and cap the condenser port immediately to prevent contamination. Remove and discard the old O-rings from the fitting.
   ⚠Use a flare nut wrench to prevent rounding the soft aluminum fittings. Never use standard open-end wrenches on AC line fittings.
4. 4

   Disconnect high-side hose at compressor
   Working from underneath the vehicle or through the wheel well, locate the high-side discharge port on the compressor. Use a flare nut wrench to loosen the fitting. Unscrew by hand and cap the compressor port. Remove and discard old O-rings. Some refrigerant oil will drain from the hose—this is normal.
5. 5

   Remove hose mounting brackets
   Trace the high-side hose path and locate any mounting brackets or clips securing it to the engine bay. Remove bolts (typically 10mm) securing the hose brackets. Keep track of bracket locations for reinstallation.
6. 6

   Remove old high-side hose
   Carefully maneuver the old high-side hose out of the engine bay, noting its routing path. Take photos if necessary to ensure correct routing of the new hose. Inspect the old hose for signs of damage, abrasion, or oil contamination to identify the failure cause.
7. 7

   Prepare new high-side hose
   Unpack the new high-side hose and verify it matches the old hose. Install new O-rings on both fittings. Coat each O-ring lightly with fresh ND-11 compatible PAG oil (approximately 3-5 drops per O-ring). Do not over-oil as this can cause system contamination.
   ⚠Only use PAG oil compatible with ND-11 compressor oil used in this system. Using incorrect oil can damage the compressor.
8. 8

   Route and position new hose
   Route the new high-side hose along the same path as the original, ensuring it does not contact moving parts, sharp edges, or heat sources. Position the hose so fittings align with compressor and condenser ports without tension or kinking.
9. 9

   Connect hose to compressor
   Remove cap from compressor discharge port. Thread the high-side hose fitting onto the compressor by hand until finger-tight. Use a torque wrench and appropriate socket to tighten to specification. Ensure the hose is not twisted or kinked during tightening.
   ⚠Do not over-tighten AC fittings. Excessive torque can damage aluminum threads or crack the fitting.
   Torque spec

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

    Connect hose to condenser
    Remove cap from condenser port. Thread the high-side hose fitting onto the condenser by hand until finger-tight. Use a torque wrench to tighten to specification. Verify proper alignment and no stress on the connection.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall mounting brackets
    Secure the high-side hose with all original mounting brackets and clips. Tighten bolts to specification if torque is specified, otherwise snug firmly by hand. Ensure the hose has no contact with engine components and has adequate clearance from moving parts.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Evacuate AC system
    Connect AC evacuation machine to service ports. Evacuate the system for a minimum of 30 minutes to remove all air and moisture. After evacuation, close valves and monitor vacuum gauge for 10 minutes. Vacuum should hold steady; if it rises, there is a leak that must be addressed.
    ⚠Inadequate evacuation will leave moisture in the system, which can freeze at the expansion valve and damage the compressor.
13. 13

    Recharge AC system
    Using the AC machine or manifold gauges, recharge the system with the correct amount of R-134a refrigerant (refer to underhood label, typically 16-18 oz total). Add UV dye if desired for future leak detection. Do not overcharge the system.
14. 14

    Leak test system
    With system charged, spray all new connections with soapy water or use an electronic leak detector. Check for bubbles or refrigerant detection. Start the engine and activate AC at maximum cooling. Recheck all connections while system is running and pressurized.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine cover if equipped, pressing firmly on all mounting clips
2. Reconnect negative battery terminal and tighten securely (10mm socket)
3. Clear any AC-related diagnostic codes if present using an OBD-II scanner

Verification

• Start engine and set AC to maximum cold with recirculation ON
• Verify compressor clutch engages (audible click and visible clutch rotation)
• Check that vent temperature reaches 38-42°F within 5 minutes of operation
• Verify high-side pressure reads 175-225 PSI at idle with ambient temperature 70-85°F
• Listen for unusual noises from compressor or hissing sounds indicating leaks
• Recheck all fittings after 24 hours of operation for any signs of refrigerant oil seepage

More procedures for this vehicle