Air conditioning low-pressure hose replacement
Get quotes from specialists near you
Australia's #1 booking site for car services & car repairs
Book now, pay later Interest-free payments
Transparent prices no surprises
*Available at select service providers. T&Cs apply.
Average rating for Air conditioning low-pressure hose replacement
5.0 • based on 7 reviews of 6 businesses
Air conditioning low-pressure hose replacement
Air conditioning low-pressure hose replacement cost
The air conditioning (A/C) system in a vehicle involves a lot more than a button on the cabin centre console.
Behind the scenes, the system comprises a compressor, condenser, evaporator, drier, relay, switches and refrigerant, and is essentially split into two sections - a high-pressure side and a low-pressure side. The refrigerant is transformed between a gas and liquid depending on whether it is under high or low pressure.
The refrigerant is circulated through the A/C system. It does this via tubes and hoses and as the refrigerant moves from the evaporator to the compressor it is under low-pressure, so the hose required is a low-pressure hose.
If the A/C low-pressure hose is faulty and needs to be replaced it could cost you around $200-$500, depending on your vehicle make and model.
What is an A/C low-pressure hose?
When refrigerant is returning through the low-pressure hose it is in a gaseous state.
The A/C low-pressure hose is made of metal and rubber and is located inside the engine bay. Due to heat, deterioration and age, the A/C low-pressure hose can develop holes and/or leaks.
When the A/C low-pressure hose develops a leak, this will render the A/C system useless. As soon as the A/C loses pressure, the system will not operate properly and it will stop providing cool air.
Symptoms the A/C low-pressure hose needs replacing
- There is no cold air circulation
- Audible noise of gas escaping from the engine bay
- Obvious damage to the hose
- A refrigerant leak around the hose
How is the A/C low-pressure hose replaced
- Refrigerant emptied from the A/C system
- A/C low-pressure hose located
- Low-pressure hose removed
- New hose checked against the old part to ensure parts match
- New A/C low-pressure hose fitted
- A/C system recharged
- Refrigerant levels checked
- A/C system tested
Tips to remember
The A/C system is complex. Never attempt to carry out A/C repairs yourself. Always have a qualified A/C professional perform the repairs.
If you are aware of a leak, don’t continue to use your A/C. Keep it switched off and have it fixed as soon as possible.
The A/C system will need to be emptied of refrigerant and refilled again, and this does add extra cost to the service which cannot be avoided.
How important is replacing the A/C low-pressure hose?
If you have a leak in an A/C low-pressure hose and it is not replaced you won’t be able to use your A/C. The system can’t operate effectively with leaks.
If you continue to use the A/C system with low refrigerant levels you will eventually damage other components within the system which can cost thousands to repair. Much better to replace a hose now than a whole system later.
Book an AutoGuru qualified A/C mechanic to replace that low-pressure hose so you can succumb to that cool breeze once again.
