Hole in the rear a/c line

[boatpuller]

Oh, it just keeps getting better. Over the winter the narrow rigid a/c line that runs from the engine to the rear unit wore a hole in itself from rubbing against the leaf spring bracket. Had to come from the factory that way, but 5 years and 140,000 miles means it ain't under warrenty.

Doesn't look like there are any joints in this line between the engine compartment and back inside the truck in the rear a/c unit. The line's probably over 20 feet long, with bends and a U turn over the front wheel. AAAAARRRRRGGGGGG!!!!!!! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img] Hubs x 2, ball joints x 4, front springs, steering wonder issues, penion bearing, warped roters, speedometer, broken down seat, ABS, and now the a/c line. This truck has cost more in the 2 1/2 years I've owned it than any other I've ever had. It's a good engine, but the rest of the truck is starting to tick me off.

Sorry for venting. Has anyone replaced this line, or have any suggestions, or knows of a way to repair the hole in the line? Can the hole be cut out and the ends flaired like a brake line? So that male/female fittings can be used to attach the new part.

[444-4D]

I rarely see a metal line that can't be repaired. Its hard to say what to do without being able to see it. Is it steel or aluminum? Is the hole big enough and in a location that would cause concern about contamination?

[boatpuller]

I'm sure it's aluminum.

"Contamination"? Not sure what you mean. I presume this is a high presure line, and that after the hole is repaired or replaced, the a/c unit becomes a sealed loop again. The hole is under the truck body, on the passanger side, where it runs by the front leaf spring bracket on the rear axle. Found the hole from the die dripping out after the local garage tried to recharge the a/c.

Are you able to put a patch over the hole, or cut out that section of line and splice in a new section?

[444-4D]

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"Contamination"? Not sure what you mean.

[/ QUOTE ]
slinging stuff from the road in the hole

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Are you able to put a patch over the hole, or cut out that section of line and splice in a new section?

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My first choice would be to just solder over it. If it is too big for that you could either patch or splice it.

[Bruce1954]

Take it to shop that does AC as a Main Line item.

If it is steel then they may patch it

Al more like a splice

Was it the small or large line?

If it was the large one (like 5/8" or so) you can just patch with hose.

That way you can cut out the secton with the hole and nany dirt with it.

They were steel in my van, I know cause after 9 years they were getting fairly rusty And I though I might loose one. I did have one of the steel heater lines rot through.


Sorry you have had this much trouble, 3 years and 100K and minimal/negligable repairs on our X, Thinking more about an 05.




Good Luck

Bruce

[fordmastertech]

The Ford replacement lines come in many pieces but have to replaced as a assembly. You need to cut the old lines out to remove them unless you want to remove the body.
FMT