A/C Repair

[bhplv1]

Hey guys,

I have a 00 Xterra with 107,000 miles on her. I work far from home. :o( The A/C stopped working at the end of the summer last year. I finally had it performance tested this spring and they said I have a leak in the high preassure hose (high line). Anyone have any experience with A/C hose replacement that can offer any advice. I'm thinking of doing it myself but I have never messed with A/C before. I am guessing I can replace the hose myself and then have it refilled someplace. Thougts?

Thanks,

bhplv1

[OffroadX]

Not really a D.I.Y. job, any A/C work that involves opening the system should be performed by a professional.

[Speednis]

If you do it yourself check out these two sites:
http://www.autoacsystems.com/home.html

and

http://www.autoacsystems.net/phpBB2/index.php

I have posted some AC issues on the 2nd site for my 2000 xterra, that had a high side leak originally.

[MAXAir]

If you're going to do the job yourself, you will need some specific equipment. You will have to have a gauge set and vacuum pump at least.

Replacement hoses should be available from the dealer. You can rebuild your hose (as good as new) but you need a crimper.

If you need more help, just post back and we will try to help!

[OffroadX]

I swapped my high-pressure line myself w/ no special equipment, took just a couple of minutes. I vented the little remaining pressure in the system via the valve in the line itself, then removed the bolts at each end, pulled the line out, put the new one in, replaced the bolts, then recharged the system with (as I recall) 1 4 oz. can of PAG oil and 2 or 3 cans of R134A (just let it take what it would until it wouldn't draw more). Works fine.

[DigMe]

I have the same story basically. 2000 XE coming up on 105,000 miles and AC went out at the end of this past summer. I'd be interested in possibly doing it myself too and I've also never done any AC work.


offroadx -

What changed between "Only professionals should do this" and "I did it myself"?! Did you just realize that it was an easier job than you thought?

brad cook

[OffroadX]

I still advise that it be done properly with a vacuum on the system and such, the air in the system will reduce its efficiency. You don't want to allow moisture in the system either, but the short time I had it open wouldn't have allowed enough in there. Most probably wouldn't think to add oil either.

[MAXAir]

Originally Posted by OffroadX

You don't want to allow moisture in the system either, but the short time I had it open wouldn't have allowed enough in there.

Don't matter if it's open a second or a day, air is in the system and because it's air (which is a non-condensable) the A/C system just don't like it.

Spent over 30 years in auto a/c service. The one thing I can tell you for sure is that when you have air in the system, it will do all kinds of wacky things that are very difficult to diagnose.

Most parts stores will loan the vacuum pumps (and some loan more) so you can do the job yourself. A/C is just like any other job. If you do it properly and follow the basic guidelines you will be ok. The manuals written were done so fo a reason!

Hope this helps! If we can be of any help to you folks, please do not hesitate to have a look around our site.

[Speednis]

FYI, the Napa where I live rents vacuum pumps for free. They charge your card the full price when you take it, then they refund it all back when you bring it back (within 5 days). It was a big help, although I'm still haveing A/C troubles and will have to get it again.

[coloradoriver]

Can there be other reasons the compressor stops working other than it's kaput? (I checked and the belt is on. I can't tell if there's a fuse associated with it or not.) Anyway, I've been running with the a/c on hot this winter to remove the humidity and so not until the other day when it was 80+ did I notice only hot air was blowing out.

My 2001 Xterra has 170k on it and I constantly run the a/c during the summer and winter due to humidity levels. So, I could accept the fact that the life expectancy may have expired and it just wore out. (I have been exceptionally lucky when it's come to repairs/maintenance - the only things I've replaced on it are 2.5 sets of tires, 2 sets of brake pads, a battery and the window regulators - which were covered under a recall.) But seeing as the Nissan dealer in Austin has quoted $1,400 to replace the compressor ... $95 just to check it out, I'd really like to know if anyone has any suggestions? I can't imagine $1,400. That seems unreal to me. Thanks, Nancy

[OffroadX]

$1400 is ludicrous. The compressor alone is under $500, and the labor to swap it and recharge the system is under 2 hours.

[karman2]

Need your help, I have a nissan xterra 2000 with 98000 miles.When the a/c is turned in, it comes on and goes off on it own, I took it to a mechanic and he told me there is a leak in my a/c line. My questions is we low freon due to the leak, would the a/c come on and off (when it works it works perfect but than it just turns off and starts to blow hot air), and if it is possible that my a/c is misehaving because of the hose, can I change it my self? I would reall appreciate any help. Thank you in advance.

[Axiomnus]

Good stuff here. Reopening older thread to get some clarification and help if possible. Definitely have a high side hose leak on my 01 X and am looking to repair myself. Have fair amount of past and present knowledge.

4 Basic Questions

Is it necessary to replace the drier when replacing the H/S hose ?

Concerning vacuuming the system. Is this an absolute requirement or just a good idea and where does the vacuum pump connect to the system?

Are there any step by step instructions that someone has put together or it really easy as OffroadX suggests?

Appreciate the help

Black X

[OffroadX]

Yes, it was that easy.
Your system hasn't been open enough to have accumulated moisture to the point a new drier is needed, and certainly won't be during the hose replacement.
Vacuuming the system is highly recommended, however my system works just fine without having done so.
I would assume the pump simply connects to the low-pressure port/valve on the line along the firewall ahead of the driver. Hook it up, draw a vacuum, disconnect it, then add refrigerant.

[Axiomnus]

Yo OffroadX,

You were right on it. Works frieken perfect and saved about $3 large from the clowns who I was gonna have do it.

Black 4WD X