Hi-pressure A/C hose: repair or replace?
 

Dear Diesel Demons:

As some of you may remember, I had my 300D repaired after a collision in January and I'm glad I did. But now the time has come to finalize the A/C system and my mechanic says I need a new hi-pressure hose.

Some folks here have suggested (to others) repairing the hose at a local A/C shop but my mechanic says it's not a good idea to repair a 300 PSI hose - that it should be replaced. Can anyone confirm/deny this?

And is there anyone who can help me with a part #? I've got an '83 300D Turbo Diesel.

All best,

Diesel Fitter

Hi-pressure A/C hose
 

FastLane Link = http://catalog.eautopartscatalog.com/mercedesshop/wizard.jsp?partner=mercedesshop&year=1983&make=MB&model=300-DT-001&category=R&part=A%2FC+Hose

1983 Mercedes Benz 300D Turbo
Part: A/C Hose Compressor to Condenser
Part #R1020-16281 A/C Hose ACM:Germany $50.51

Or is it one of the other high pressure hoses?
1983 Mercedes Benz 300D Turbo
Part: A/C Hose Condenser to Drier
Part #R1020-96037 A/C Hose $25.11

1983 Mercedes Benz 300D Turbo
Part: A/C Hose Reciever-Drier to Expansion Valve
Part #R1020-73619 A/C Hose Behr $105.30

Depends on which hose you are talking about. Please describe from a standpoint of between which components AND perhaps color.

A/C Hose
 

Dear Diesel Demons:

Thanks for all the replies.

It's a blue hose, runs along the passenger side of the vehicle, from the receiver-drier and into the firewall. I did some more research yesterday and it seems to be the the one described as running from the receiver-drier to the expansion valve.

Is the receiver-drier that object located behind the passenger-side headlight bezel, with the sight-glass in it? Or is that some other component?

All best,

Diesel Fitter

Those blue hoses are high pressure hoses AND usually hold up pretty well. The general wear area for these hoses is under the battery tray (due to a leaking battery). They are made by Behr and are available aftermarket.

I just checked FASTLANE and the price for that Behr unit is the same unit cost as the factory part, $102.

I'm a little skeptical that the only hose that needs replacement is that hose. Your hoses are 20yo. I realize you had a collision. Al the O-rings seals are hardened up and I know you'd be much happier with a sealed up system.

You can use a rebuilder for a rebuilt hose, buy a factory hose from a dealer that offers a discount or buy a new one from FastLane.

You can pm me for more specific vendor information (I'd rather not post that info publically on Fastlane's nickel).

"Is the receiver-drier that object located behind the passenger-side headlight bezel, with the sight-glass in it?"

Yes.