Hello,

Does it make sense to replace the A/C hoses on a 250k mile car, as a matter of PM? I can certainly imagine that if the system is empty, it would be smart to replace any O-rings that one can find... but hoses?

If I am already replacing a compressor, receiver/dryer, etc., does doing something else in addition make sense?

Also, can one replace the lines going into the evaporator without pulling the whole dash? Obviously some of the lines that one would potentially change, or O-rings which people may be interested in swapping may be in connection with the evaporator or similar parts inside (expansion valve, etc.).

My other 200k+ mile MBs have all been tight. My early 90's BMW, which was originally filled with R12 is actually tight with a good R134a retrofit. However, I want to be sure Im doing my due dilligence... No comment yet on if Id do thenext w123 on 134a or r12.

Thanks!

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Current Diesels:
1981 240D (73K)
1982 300CD (169k)
1985 190D (169k)
1991 350SD (113k)
1991 350SD (206k)
1991 300D (228k)
1993 300SD (291k)
1993 300D 2.5T (338k)
1996 Dodge Ram CTD (442k)
1996 Dodge Ram CTD (265k)

Past Diesels:
1983 300D (228K)
1985 300D (233K)

If you've got the system apart. Why not? Providing the cost for replacement hoses isn't excessive.

Other wise.... If is isn't broke don't fix it.

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92 300D 2.5L OM602 OBK #59

Does "very expensive" count as excessive? Because they are, and it doesn't matter what kind of car you have.

Performance products shows ~120-150 each. For a dd that I want system reliability and no leakage into the cabin, a bit of effort and cost isn't a bad thing. And if experience from the board states that this or that hose tends to devellop leaks and it is well known, a bit of dilligence may pay dividends.

That said, ain't broke is a good concept. However, isn't it still prudent to replace any o-ring I could find?

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Current Diesels:
1981 240D (73K)
1982 300CD (169k)
1985 190D (169k)
1991 350SD (113k)
1991 350SD (206k)
1991 300D (228k)
1993 300SD (291k)
1993 300D 2.5T (338k)
1996 Dodge Ram CTD (442k)
1996 Dodge Ram CTD (265k)

Past Diesels:
1983 300D (228K)
1985 300D (233K)

Very seldom will you experience catastrophic failure with an a/c hose. They usually start to leak at the crimp connections when they go bad. If the connections are not showing any signs of oil residue and you don't get any black goo out of the system when you flush it, I'd go ahead & reuse them. Worst case you loose your refrigerant if they fail...not the end of the world or your car.

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82 300SD 202K
82 300SD 233K
83 300TD 340K
82 300TD 98k euro (parts on the hoof)
85 300TD 282K
83 300TD 197K

Age would be more of an issue than mileage except for the compressor. I replaced all the o-rings in the system along with the dryer, expansion valve pressure sensor on the dryer on my car. I didn't replace the compressor and it works just fine.
I am still having issues with something in my ACC controller. I can't figure if it's something in the main unit or the fan controller module.

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DJ


84 300D Turbodiesel 190K with 4 speed manual sold in 03/2012

Stick with R12 and you are likely OK with existing hoses.

Switch to 134a (bad mistake IMHO) and you'd be more likely to have problems. The lowest cost option for new hoses (and I'd pay the extra for double wall barrier) is to take your hoses to a hydraulic repair shop and have them rework your metal pieces with new hose.

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Charles
1983 300D, bought new, 215k+ miles, donated to Purple Hearts veterans charity but I have parts for sale: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=296386

If it ain't broke don't fix it. Todays electronic leak detectors can confirm that a hose is or is not leaking. If it's leaking, remove it and take it to a local a/c shop or hydraulic hose shop to have the rubber portion replace. If it's not leaking, save your money.

Are barrier hoses compatible with R12 and mineral oil?

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'85 300D Cal 280,000 miles
'14 GLK 350 60000 miles

im replacing all of mine, with both radiators, expansion tank and drier I have about $600-700 in parts. I read that they become porous over time. My 2001 excursion has blown cold air with no maintanance since new so my assumption is if I do it right on the coupe this time I wont ever have to touch it again.

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1982 300CD Turbo (Otis, "ups & downs") parts for sale
2003 TJ with Hemi (to go anywhere, quickly) sold
2001 Excursion Powerstroke (to go dependably)
1970 Mustang 428SCJ (to go fast)
1962 Corvette LS1 (to go in style)
2001 Schwinn Grape Krate 10spd (if all else fails)

Just pulled a set of a/c hoses from the PNP. My original hoses are cracked from the outside and probably disintegrating from the inside. I want to replace the hoses with the barrier type but im not sure if they are compatible with R12.

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'85 300D Cal 280,000 miles
'14 GLK 350 60000 miles

12 likes barrier hoses fine

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!