AC Pros - Is this my leak? (1 Viewer)

[rslimbers]

I have an AC leak which requires a yearly refrigerant refill so I’ve started the hunt to identify the leak. I poured over the forums on the topic and it sounds like people typically have the evap leak. But before I went too far down the rabbit hole and started buying leak detectors, I saw this the other day. Is this pretty obviously my leak? Or at least ‘a’ leak?

If so - how is it replacing this thing? I’m a complete AC noob btw.

Praise be to the MUD gods

 

[Jack90210]

That wouldn't look like any AC leak that I've ever seen. Typically, oil leaks out with the refrigerant, leaving a dirty/oily area.

 

[vipergrhd]

It doesn't look like a leak, if you are charging your system each year you have a leak some where. I would add dye to the system if you could then it will be easy to spot. I would look at all the connections for signs of any oil stained or wetness look at the front of the condenser for any signs.

 

[delz05]

Follow the AC lines from under the car up to the rear evaporator. That is the most common area for leaks.

 

[Gnarwgn]

i'd put my money on pinhole leak in AC line leading back to rear condenser. Seems to be most common culprit. Not guaranteed, just probable.

 

[LostAfrican]

For me it was the high pressure flexible hose between the compressor and the front of the car. I only found it with dye and a black light. Couldn’t sniff it out - maybe because of the amount of air from the fan.
01 LC in AZ so that hose was old. It’s also a cheap easy fix to start with.

Here’s a pic. See the spots of dye oozing out ever so slowly.

The zip tie is holding a wind guard I was trying to use to help the sniffer. I was actually thrilled when I saw this because it was the first real leak I found after weeks of searching.

 

[Mike NXP]

+1 for checking lines to rear AC if you have that system . Most commonly at the lines that bend under the passenger side area near the front tire. The foam and crap in there tends to hold moisture and debris and then the lines pay the price.

Mine eventually gave up and I decided to delete the rear AC due to cost to replace all the lines