Found my AC leak, help on how to fix it!!!!

Ryandc · 09-23-2006, 01:12 PM

I have a leak in the hose that goes between the compressor and I think the condensor (at the front of the engine bay by the radiator.) Its the hose with the High Pressure Fitting on it. There is a hard part of the line from the compressor to a 1-2 foot rubber section that goes to a small hard line that is connected to the condensor. The hose is leaking at the connection between the hard part of the line and the rubber midsection. I'm assuming the whole line has to be replaced as one piece.

What is this line called? I am trying to buy a replacement and I'm not sure which line to get.

And the big Q.... What do I have to do to replace this line? I'm assuming that I should have to discharge the system. Remove old line. Install new line. Recharge system. But I cannot find any information of how to do this correctly. I have never worked with AC systems and could use a little advice. I am a seasoned shade tree mechanic just have never had to work on an ac system before.

Your help is greatly appreciated!!!

Ryan......

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Mulder · 09-23-2006, 01:26 PM

AC discharging should be done by a shop with the proper recovery equipment, both because it's the law and because it's safer for you. Assuming there is still some charge in the system, attempting to discharge it yourself by cracking a line or depressing one of the Schrader valves could result in a rapid discharge of refrigerant under pressure. Skin or eye contact with that refrigerant can cause instant frostbite or blindness, and it's illegal to release refrigerant into the air (yes even R134).
You can have a shop discharge the system for you properly, then proceed to replace the line yourself. When you're done you can go back to the shop and they will evacuate the system to remove any moisture and check it for leaks, then refill it to the correct pressure using gauges.

Ryandc · 09-23-2006, 01:38 PM

I was thinking the same thing. It has been leaking for a few months and I have been adding coolant to the system about every 2-3 weeks. Looses just enough to not blow cold air, just cool air that doesn't cool on a hot summer day. A few oz and it's cold again. So, it's charged right now.

I just want to make sure that nothing will be hurt by driving it uncharged and if there was any special trick when replacing the hose or if it is just unbolt-remove-replace-rebolt....

Also, What is this line called? I've seen it called a high pressure line, compressor hose, compressor to condensor hose. Just wondering what subaru part I need. I saw a good labled diagram before but I', having trouble finding it again.

Thx.....

Mulder · 09-23-2006, 01:56 PM

It's not a good idea to leave the system completely discharged for any length of time. Moisture and dirt can get in and contaminate the receiver/dryer so you'd have another part to replace. Either keep it charged or fix it as soon as possible. If you must leave it discharged, disconnect the bad line and cap the ends.
When you replace the line it's best to also replace the seals to prevent possible leaks from the old ones being damaged or worn.
To propery identify the part, call or stop by your local dealer and have the parts dept. look it up. If they show you the diagram you should be able to pick out the hose you need.

z · 09-24-2006, 10:20 PM

part # 73421FE001
Same part for STi. Had a leak in the exact same spot. It's where the rubber hose fits into the metal fitting that runs into the compressor. POS.

Subie Gal has it for a pretty good price ($121.48)

https://www.subarugenuineparts.com/oe_parts_cat.html

Sir_Xenon · 09-25-2006, 09:41 AM

Use new O-rings everywhere you take a line off, even replace ones that are a bit old. My o-rings were the cause of my leak.

09-23-2006, 01:12 PM	#1
Ryandc Scooby Newbie Member#: 35475 Join Date: Apr 2003 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: OC, CA Vehicle: 2013 STi Black	Found my AC leak, help on how to fix it!!!! I have a leak in the hose that goes between the compressor and I think the condensor (at the front of the engine bay by the radiator.) Its the hose with the High Pressure Fitting on it. There is a hard part of the line from the compressor to a 1-2 foot rubber section that goes to a small hard line that is connected to the condensor. The hose is leaking at the connection between the hard part of the line and the rubber midsection. I'm assuming the whole line has to be replaced as one piece. What is this line called? I am trying to buy a replacement and I'm not sure which line to get. And the big Q.... What do I have to do to replace this line? I'm assuming that I should have to discharge the system. Remove old line. Install new line. Recharge system. But I cannot find any information of how to do this correctly. I have never worked with AC systems and could use a little advice. I am a seasoned shade tree mechanic just have never had to work on an ac system before. Your help is greatly appreciated!!! Ryan...... * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

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09-23-2006, 01:26 PM	#2
Mulder Trust no one Moderator Member#: 11170 Join Date: Oct 2001 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: NYC Vehicle: 13 Mini MT 15 WRX/11 CRZ	AC discharging should be done by a shop with the proper recovery equipment, both because it's the law and because it's safer for you. Assuming there is still some charge in the system, attempting to discharge it yourself by cracking a line or depressing one of the Schrader valves could result in a rapid discharge of refrigerant under pressure. Skin or eye contact with that refrigerant can cause instant frostbite or blindness, and it's illegal to release refrigerant into the air (yes even R134). You can have a shop discharge the system for you properly, then proceed to replace the line yourself. When you're done you can go back to the shop and they will evacuate the system to remove any moisture and check it for leaks, then refill it to the correct pressure using gauges.

09-23-2006, 01:38 PM	#3
Ryandc Scooby Newbie Member#: 35475 Join Date: Apr 2003 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: OC, CA Vehicle: 2013 STi Black	I was thinking the same thing. It has been leaking for a few months and I have been adding coolant to the system about every 2-3 weeks. Looses just enough to not blow cold air, just cool air that doesn't cool on a hot summer day. A few oz and it's cold again. So, it's charged right now. I just want to make sure that nothing will be hurt by driving it uncharged and if there was any special trick when replacing the hose or if it is just unbolt-remove-replace-rebolt.... Also, What is this line called? I've seen it called a high pressure line, compressor hose, compressor to condensor hose. Just wondering what subaru part I need. I saw a good labled diagram before but I', having trouble finding it again. Thx.....

09-23-2006, 01:56 PM	#4
Mulder Trust no one Moderator Member#: 11170 Join Date: Oct 2001 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: NYC Vehicle: 13 Mini MT 15 WRX/11 CRZ	It's not a good idea to leave the system completely discharged for any length of time. Moisture and dirt can get in and contaminate the receiver/dryer so you'd have another part to replace. Either keep it charged or fix it as soon as possible. If you must leave it discharged, disconnect the bad line and cap the ends. When you replace the line it's best to also replace the seals to prevent possible leaks from the old ones being damaged or worn. To propery identify the part, call or stop by your local dealer and have the parts dept. look it up. If they show you the diagram you should be able to pick out the hose you need.

09-24-2006, 10:20 PM	#5
z Scooby Specialist Member#: 41762 Join Date: Aug 2003 Chapter/Region: International Location: House of Pancakes Vehicle: 04 STi in ur Floriduh	part # 73421FE001 Same part for STi. Had a leak in the exact same spot. It's where the rubber hose fits into the metal fitting that runs into the compressor. POS. Subie Gal has it for a pretty good price ($121.48) https://www.subarugenuineparts.com/oe_parts_cat.html

09-25-2006, 09:41 AM	#6
Sir_Xenon Scooby Specialist Member#: 9666 Join Date: Aug 2001 Chapter/Region: E. Canada Location: Toronto Vehicle: 02 WRX Ver. 7 STi swap'd bugeye	Use new O-rings everywhere you take a line off, even replace ones that are a bit old. My o-rings were the cause of my leak.