2010 TC air conditioner

[Vonn]

My air-conditioning hose line has a hole in it needs replacing. Is this a difficult job to do for myself? I’m near Port Angeles. WA   it seems pricey to pay professionals at auto shops. 
Anyone out there replaced an air conditioning line

[Chip]

Not sure how difficult it is to replace the line, but a complicating factor is the entire system will need to have the air removed before replacing the refrigerant. Due to this complication, I don’t even consider working on AC. The need for special tools to connect a vacuum pump for pumping down the system always stopped me from my normal DIY approach.

 

disclaimer: it’s been many years since I tried AC work. Maybe things have changed.

[lowspeedpursuit]

A/C isn't as bad as some people make it out to be, but Chip is right that it takes special tools.

 

If you aren't empty from the leak, you have to go to a shop anyway to pull the refrigerant. If you are empty, you need line disconnect tools, manifold gauges, a can tap, and a vacuum pump. Legally, you're also supposed to have an EPA 609 license. On top of the line you're replacing, you'll need ~2 cans of new refrigerant and a new dryer, which has to be replaced when you open the system, plus a little bit of PAG oil to put in it.

 

If we say the line is $40, dryer $30, disco tools $15, gauges $50, pump $100, tap $10, new gas $20, oil $15, and license $20, you can call it $300 worth of shit to make it happen.

 

In a general sense, replacing a line isn't that difficult. Exactly what's in the way depends on which line you broke. The dryer (and the low-side port) are in the passenger wheel well, so you need to pull the liner to get in there, at least.

 

[Vonn]

Well, thanks for all the great advice. I really appreciate it.