A/C Suction Hose/Line Replacement

SUCTION LINE

REMOVAL

WARNING: REVIEW THE WARNINGS IN THE FRONT OF THIS SECTION BEFORE PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.

1. Recover the refrigerant from the system. Refer to: Heating and Air Conditioning, Service and Repair, Refrigerant System Recovery, Refrigerant System Recovery

Fig. 10 A/C Refrigerant Lines And Expansion Valve - 3.2/3.5L:

Fig. 11 A/C Refrigerant Lines And Expansion Valve - 2.7L:

2. Remove one M13 nut holding the suction line to the expansion valve and.

CAUTION: Cap all lines that are not being replaced and cap the expansion valve tubes.

3. Remove the engine air inlet tube and air distribution duct for access to the compressor lines.

Fig. 12 Suction Line - 3.2L/3.5L:

Fig. 13 Suction Line - 2.7L:

4. Remove the bolt holding the line at the compressor using a 6mm allen wrench (3.2/3.5L), or M10 Hex (2.7L) and.
5. Remove the line by pulling the rear end of the line up out of the vehicle with the compressor end following through the tie-rod area.

INSTALLATION

WARNING: REVIEW THE WARNINGS IN THE FRONT OF THIS SECTION BEFORE PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.

Any kinks or sharp bends in the refrigerant plumbing will reduce the capacity of the entire air conditioning system. Kinks and sharp bends reduce the flow of refrigerant in the system. A good rule for the flexible hose refrigerant lines is to keep the radius of all bends at least ten times the diameter of the hose. In addition, the flexible hose refrigerant lines should be routed so they are at least 80 millimeters (3 inches) from the exhaust manifold.

High pressures are produced in the refrigerant system when the air conditioning compressor is operating. Extreme care must be exercised to make sure that each of the refrigerant system connections is pressure-tight and leak free. It is a good practice to inspect all flexible hose refrigerant lines at least once a year to make sure they are in good condition and properly routed.

1. Position the suction line in the vehicle.
2. Install the suction line fitting to the manifold on the compressor. Tighten the mounting bolt to 23 Nm (17 ft. lbs.). On a 2.7L, tighten the mid-line retaining nut and frame rail screw to 7 Nm (5 ft. lbs.).
3. Install the engine air inlet tube and air distribution duct.
4. Connect the suction line to the expansion valve. Tighten the retaining nut to 23 Nm (17 ft. lbs.).
5. Evacuate the refrigerant system. Refer to: Heating and Air Conditioning, Service and Repair, Refrigerant System Evacuate, Refrigerant System Evacuate

6. Charge the refrigerant system. Refer to: Heating and Air Conditioning, Service and Repair, Refrigerant System Charge, Refrigerant System Charge