Provided that all actions are performed correctly, the vehicle's air conditioning system will fully recover, and you will again be able to drive along hot city streets in conditions of increased comfort.
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During the operation of the air conditioner, various troubles occur. The most common problem is tubing repair.
When the air conditioner is used in cooling mode, when the air temperature is below freezing, an ice plug may form in the drain pipe, blocking the condensate drain hole. The main consequence of this circumstance will be leakage from the indoor unit. In this case, no repairs are required. You just need to wait until it gets warmer on the street, and the cork will melt by itself.
More serious problems are caused by damage to the refrigerant pipes of the air conditioner, arising from the following reasons:
violation of the integrity of the surface of the tubes due to mechanical damage;
chafing of the inner tubes due to strong vibration during intensive operation of the compressor or fan;
deformation or destruction of the tube walls under the influence of the environment (UV radiation, wind, precipitation and other factors).
The split system is designed in such a way that the most vulnerable area is the trunk connecting its main modules. As soon as there is a suspicion of a refrigerant leak, the first step is to visually inspect the freon track. It usually consists of tubes that should not react with freon and oil. In this case, it is necessary that they are protected from corrosion.
Copper is the best suited for such purposes. When interacting with the chlorine contained in freon, copper is oxidized and covered with a protective layer that prevents the appearance of rust.
It works through the use of human muscle strength, has several types of semicircular nozzles.
Special tools are not always at hand, so another method can be used to bend the tube. For example, using a spring.
First you need to choose a spring. If the tube diameter is large, then a smaller diameter spring is used, which is pushed into the inside of the tube. For a thin tube, you can take a large spring and put it on top.
2. Then heat the tube with a gas torch or blowtorch.
3. When the metal darkens, bending can begin.
4. Leave the workpiece to cool completely.
Aluminum tube is also widely used in the installation of air conditioners and for supplying refrigerant, as it has a number of advantages over copper:
low price;
better flexibility;
quick and easy soldering, saving effort and time, as well as the consumption of solders and gas;
low heat content;
higher corrosion resistance;
the softness allows you to spend less effort on flaring.
The properties of aluminum are such that its surface is rapidly oxidized under the influence of oxygen and a protective oxide film appears on it.This film interferes with the sealing of aluminum tubes.
Therefore, the question often arises: how to solder the aluminum tube of the air conditioner? If such a need arises, it is recommended to use fluxes and solders. With them, the seams are smooth and durable.
To solder aluminum parts you will need:
gas cylinder;
solder for brazing aluminum (for example, Castolin 192 FBK);
gas burner or blowtorch.
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Cleaning the surface from oxide film and dirt. This is done in two ways: mechanical (using a grinder, sandpaper, metal mesh or brush) or chemical (using chemicals - fluxes).
Exposing parts in the desired position relative to each other.
Application of flux to the joint.
Heating the solder tube with a blowtorch or gas torch.
Solder application. In this case, overheating should be avoided, as a result of which the parts to be joined may melt. It is necessary to control the heating process to the operating temperature by constantly applying solder. When its tip begins to melt, then the temperature is optimal.
If no flux is used, then a striking motion should be made with the tip of the solder. This measure will help get rid of the oxide film and make the seam more durable.
Soldering helps to solve the problems of repairing worn-out parts, violation of the tightness of pipes, without resorting to expensive assistance of qualified specialists.
Automotive air conditioning is one of the most significant and significant achievements of the modern automotive industry. The ability to cool the air inside the machine is worth a lot. The use of a car air conditioner is especially important for countries with hot climates, where high ambient temperatures persist throughout the year.
Heat has a depressing effect on the human body and negative factors tend to increase with age. The presence of an air conditioner in the car allows you to regulate the air temperature to optimal values. The air conditioner, like any air cooling unit, has its own system for distributing cooled air masses throughout the vehicle interior.
The elements of the transport system of freon gas, which is used to reduce the air temperature, are pipelines running in the engine compartment. Aluminum is used for the manufacture of pipelines. This is a rather "capricious" material with low resistance to temperature extremes and external factors. During long-term operation of the vehicle, it may become unusable in some areas.
Damage to the piping of the air conditioner leads to leakage of freon. It is a gas that cools the air circulating through the vehicle ventilation system. Freon leakage can lead to failure of the vehicle's air conditioning system. That is why it is very important to know how to repair the air conditioner tube with your own hands.
The pipeline for the vehicle air conditioning system is located in the engine compartment of the vehicle. In modern cars, even a finger cannot be pushed under the hood. All working elements of the engine and other systems are located very tightly. Unsurprisingly, there is a risk of damage to the air conditioner pipes when repairing the machine.
Often, the active operation of the vehicle leads to wear and tear of the elements of the air conditioning system. Despite the fact that the tubes are made of aluminum, it is quite easily damaged by careless handling of car service specialists or external factors (temperature drops, corrosion, friction and vibration).
Freon begins to escape through the cracks in the air conditioning pipes. It is a volatile gas that evaporates quickly. It is not possible to determine the leakage of freon visually or by smell.
The peculiarities of the country's climate suggest seasonal operation of the air conditioner. Active use of air cooling occurs only 4 or 5 months a year. The rest of the time the air conditioning system is idle. During the downtime of the air conditioner, the pipes of the system become contaminated with dust or dirt. All this negatively affects the efficiency of the system in the future.
Despite the appearance of a sufficient number of car service stations, garage repairs are popular among the majority of drivers. Some motorists spend the whole weekend on repairing their "iron horse". This is a real national hobby that combines passion and a real opportunity to save money.
In most vehicles, one push of a button is enough to activate the air conditioning and air cooling. If warm air flows continue to blow from the ventilation system, then the air conditioner compressor is not working. You need to look for the cause of the malfunction.
If you have any concerns about the performance of the air conditioning system, do not hesitate. Early diagnosis makes it possible to quickly identify malfunctions and take measures to eliminate them.
Connecting special equipment for diagnosing the machine's air conditioning system allows you to determine the location of the freon leak. It is very convenient and saves a lot of free time for the car enthusiast.
Detecting a refrigerant gas leak allows the vehicle owner to take other actions to repair the air conditioning system.
Small cracks on the surface of the air conditioning system pipes are easier and faster to repair using special repair compounds. As a rule, they are realized in aerosol form and applied to the damaged site through spraying. It does not take much time for the working substance of the repair composition to harden. After 12 hours, the conditioner can already be used.
The presence of a welding machine, despite its availability, is not common. You need to know how to use the device correctly, otherwise the repair efficiency will tend to zero. If the piping of the air conditioning system resembles a sieve, it is best and more profitable to use welding.
If the car is early years of release, pipelines have to be repaired often. Often, a month does not go by without repair work. In this case, it is easier to replace the air conditioner piping than to try to "patch" it. It will be cheaper and more efficient.
Aluminum or rubber air conditioning lines can be purchased for almost all vehicle models. The difference lies in the cost and complexity of the installation. Rubber piping is more affordable and easier to install.
The choice of means for repairing the piping of the air conditioning system is wide and varied. That is why it is difficult to make the right choice and purchase an effective remedy. The savings will have a negative effect on the repair effect, since it will be short-lived.
The following tools, which are popular among motorists, can be distinguished for repairing car air conditioner pipes:
1. Mannol Epoxidkitt Stahl + Metall.
A special repair compound for restoring the surface of air conditioner tubes. Convenient for quick DIY repairs. All damage is effectively filled. Suitable for the repair of metal elements. Complete hardening of the composition occurs in 15-20 minutes, depending on the ambient temperature.
2.MANNOL EPOXY-METAL (30 gr.).
Special repair compound based on epoxy resin. Provides fast adhesion of damage on the surface of the air conditioner piping. Complete hardening of the product occurs within 5 minutes.
3. Self-sealing rubber tape Mannol MULTI-TAPE 5M.
Insulates and protects the elements of the air conditioner piping from corrosion. The tape is resistant to mechanical stress, temperature extremes and aggressive media. An easy-to-use and effective tool for repairing air conditioning systems.
If desired, and a small area of damage to the air conditioner pipelines, all repair work can be performed independently without outside help. Actions will help restore the functionality of the vehicle's interior cooling system.
Thank you for your attention, good luck on the road. Read, comment and ask questions. Subscribe to fresh and interesting articles on the site.
Repairing air conditioner pipes in a car is an inevitable problem that sooner or later every motorist faces. In the event of a crack or defect in the tube, freon will leave the system, which will lead to the breakdown of the car's air conditioner. Armed with the necessary tools, materials, patience and time, repair work can be done on your own.
Many passenger car models are designed so that the piping to the A / C compressor runs next to the exhaust manifold. Due to the constantly high temperature, these elements gradually burn out, cracking and drying out.
The winter period is characterized by blockages in pipes and hoses, as a result of which the space between the radiator, cooling the engine, and the car air conditioning system fills with dirt. In addition, factors such as exposure to road reagents, temperature changes, and an increase and decrease in humidity have a significant effect on aluminum tubes.
VIDEO
When repairing an automobile air conditioner, TIG welding is required in many cases, especially when it comes to large cracks. However, minor damage can be dealt with without using a welding machine. In this situation, special compounds are used, which are sprayed onto the surface in several layers. Thus, a kind of patch is obtained. It will only take you a few minutes to make it.
After applying the funds, it is necessary to put on a rubber tube of a larger diameter, which would completely cover the repaired part.
In many cases, making new parts for a car air conditioner will cost significantly less than buying them. If you decide to take such a step, it is very important to correctly measure the necessary parts and have the right tools. In order for the manufacturing to go smoothly, you must have a high-quality pipe cutter, pipe bender and several other tools in your arsenal. The pipe cutter will allow you to achieve high-quality trimming of the edges of the tube, and the pipe bender will make it possible to bend it at different angles without the risk of breakage.
An equally important point is the choice of the tubes themselves. Be careful - the manufacture of parts should be carried out in the measuring system, which is indicated in the vehicle registration certificate. Very often, drivers confuse inches for meters. To select suitable elements, it is necessary to measure the part on the fittings of the system, cut and, if necessary, bend in the right places, and also connect by welding.
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Some cars are equipped with air conditioning systems, which cannot be repaired using the above method. Rescue hoses for car air conditioners made of rubber. This material, as you know, tends to crack and dry out, in addition, rubber in comparison with metal is much more susceptible to mechanical damage.
In case of minor damage to the rubber hose, you can also make a patch on it using special tools and compounds. However, in case of large defects, hoses for car air conditioners must be replaced with new ones, fortunately, their manufacture will cost you a small amount.
It is very important to carry out repairs related to the car's climate system on time, since otherwise malfunctions can lead to depressurization of the air conditioning compressor. And this, in turn, will cause clogging of the car's climate system with particles of compression rings, which can lead to more serious damage and financial costs for repairs.
VIDEO
The air conditioning system consists of many elements that can wear out over time and lose their primary functions. One of these is the pipes through which cold air and gas is transmitted, which are necessary for the normal operation of the condender. In what cases are car air conditioner pipes repaired and how to do this task with your own hands - find out from this article.
The need to repair the air conditioner tubes may arise as a result of their breakage or contamination. Moreover, the contamination can be so serious that the hoses themselves are no longer subject to cleaning. In the cold season, when the condender practically does not turn on, the system lines can become clogged, especially dirt collects in the area between the radiator devices of the engine and the air conditioner. Accordingly, contamination of the air conditioning pipes of the car can interfere with the optimal circulation of the consumable, which will subsequently lead to the mixing of freon and moisture.
Air conditioning lines are usually made of aluminum, respectively, various external factors can negatively affect this material. Due to temperature extremes, a violation of the moisture level, as well as the presence of various reagents, aluminum can simply collapse. In addition, the pipes of the system are also equipped with gaskets and seals, which, in turn, also break down, only even stronger and faster. The service life of the tubes depends on many factors - the conditions for using the car, the climate of the region, temperature, loads on the car as a whole. .
So, for what reasons the tubes fail:
due to temperature extremes;
as a result of exposure to road reagents;
due to clogging;
due to changes in humidity;
as a result of severe frosts;
when the car gets into an accident.
If hoses are being repaired for car air conditioners, then, as a rule, cracks can be patched using argon arc welding. In particular, if the cracks are large enough. As for the smaller damages, you can get rid of them without a welding machine. To remove such damage, you can use special compounds, which must be sprayed onto the surface of the tube in several layers. It is desirable that when welding the tubes of the conditioner, the total thickness of the patches is about 2-3 mm.
It should also be borne in mind that usually the process of producing new pipes for the condenser is much cheaper for the car owner than purchasing them. For manufacturing, it is important to correctly calculate all dimensions and prepare the necessary tool. So that the production process does not cause difficulties, it is necessary to prepare in advance a high-quality pipe cutter, as well as a pipe bender. The first will allow you to cut the edges of the pipe with the highest quality, and the second can be used, if necessary, to bend the pipe at an angle (video author - Denis Chesnokov).
If you decide to repair the hoses, then first of all you need to decide - you will buy parts or make them yourself. During production, you need to be careful and correctly measure in accordance with the technical documentation for the machine. In practice, our compatriots quite often confuse meters with inches, as a result of which the repair procedure can be difficult.
A few points to consider when carrying out repairs:
In any case, if you want the air conditioning system to work for a long time and without complaints, its condition should be monitored, especially during the off-season.You should always pay attention to the sounds that appear during the operation of the air conditioner, as well as smells that may come from the blowers. Of course, you also need to pay attention to the efficiency of the system - if you notice that the condender has become less efficient, this may indicate various malfunctions. Moreover, as practice shows, most often it is better to eliminate them at the initial stages.
The video below shows the process of repairing the hoses of an automobile air conditioner (video author - Tim Service channel).
And so, today having learned from the specialists that the repair of the pipe costs about 15,000 rubles.
Armed with my knowledge, I did it with my own hands.
Everything will be in the photo. The repair is shown on Land Cruiser 100 from 2005 to 2007 two-zone (two climate control)
who knows and who does not - these years of release, illness, on the passenger side near the threshold. The high-pressure pipe is rotting (thin)
1) two couplings
2) a piece of aluminum tube (preferably in foam rubber protection)
3) time is two hours and accuracy.
See the photo
Great idea. I am from Yekaterinburg, we have a problem with an aluminum tube for kondeev, a copper shaft. I found aluminum tubes in Leroy Merlin at 90 r per 2 meters, but they are tough for bending. There are also softer pipes on the bases. The question is, what brand did you use, the diameter and thickness of the walls of the tube. Fitting nipples are on sale from gas workers, but they are 8 = 8, 10 = 10, and so I could not find a transition from a smaller one to a larger one. What materials did you use. I have a 2000 Kruzak car. The pipes stood for 15 years = there were no problems.
I bought nipples (crimp couplings) 8mm = 8mm Lovato for 350 rubles, insulation tube 6 * 12 foamed rubber from air conditioners at 17 rubles / meter. By the way, it is worn on a tube with a diameter of up to 9.25 mm. The aluminum tube bends after heating with a thermal gun up to 400 degrees without creases, I put on a spring for insurance outside to exclude mother-in-law and creases. After the bend, I just took it off. Cooled in the air. Next week I'll go install everything. By the way, the couplings can withstand pressures up to 23 atmospheres. Practice will show what will come of all this. So far, the costs are ridiculous 2 tubes of 90 rubles each, two couplings of 350 each and a heater of 4 meters for 17 rubles. Total 948 rubles. I bought everything in reserve. Let there be a little something that goes wrong in the service.
Found an aluminum pipe Brand AMG2M 8 * 1 OST 1.92096-83 1 meter costs 68.75 rubles. In the garage, they suggested looking for couplings for connecting pipes 8 = 8, in a store for Kamaz, they have pneumatic tubes of 8 and 10 mm. I'll stop by and find out the prices. Tomorrow I will go to assemble the constructor.
I went to the service, technological wash, replaced the pipes, added 1 liter of antifreeze, refueled the air conditioner. Total: 2500 rubles. Special thanks to xekxek
Hello, I liked your method of pipe repair very much, but where to buy couplings?
I bought from people installing LPG equipment on cars, they have a large assortment, there are steel ones, there is bronze, I chose the second option = does not corrode)))
The connection of the units of any air conditioner is carried out by pipes and high pressure hoses.
Any destruction of the pipeline causes the leakage of freon and breakdown of the "heart" of the air conditioner - the compressor.
Repairing a high-pressure pipe of an air conditioner is not a difficult process, but it can only be done using special equipment.
Welding of cracks and loose seams is possible only in argon and is carried out by argon-arc welding.
Diagnostics is carried out when the air conditioner fails.
It is practically impossible to independently determine the state of the pipeline. Freon leakage can occur through microcracks formed in high-pressure pipes or hoses. They are not noticeable to the eye, and freon is colorless. You will not see it without special detection devices.Specialized service stations have equipment that allows you to accurately determine the place of refrigerant leakage.
Sequence
diagnostics:
visual inspection;
measurement of freon pressure in the system;
determination of the place of destruction of the tube by a leak detector;
ultraviolet diagnostics.
As you can see, the diagnostic process requires special equipment. There is no way to independently detect the place of leakage of freon from a tube or hose. Such equipment for pipeline diagnostics is available at our service.
Repairing aluminum tubes of an air conditioner on a car is a problem that every car enthusiast has to face. Some people try to do it on their own. True, in most cases, they still have to seek help from the service station and correct what was done with their own hands. The process of restoring aluminum pipes is carried out in two ways - by welding cracks and spraying several layers of a special composite on microcracks.
In argon arc welding, the entire
the welded surface of the tube section is in an inert gas medium - argon. It is not possible to weld aluminum without it. The work is carried out with a special welding machine designed for welding non-ferrous metals.
If the crack is small, barely visible to the eye, it is sealed. A special composite is applied in layers to the crack. When the total layer thickness reaches 3 mm, the work is completed.
Depending on the damage during the diagnosis, a decision is made on how to eliminate it. A situation may arise when replacement becomes more expedient and cheaper for the client than welding or soldering the tubes of the car air conditioner.
Defective rubber hoses must be replaced. On the Internet you can find advice from "craftsmen" on the issue of repairing a hose with your own hands, but you should not do this, since rubber is rubber. In a week or two, its rupture will come out again, since the internal pressure of freon in the system is quite significant.
The air conditioner piping is rigidly fastened. It would seem that pipes and hoses (for example, an aluminum tube for car air conditioners) should last forever. Unfortunately, this is far from the case. There are several reasons for this:
piping adjacent to the outlet the collector cracks and burns out over time;
pollution and temperature drops;
the influence of road reagents;
significant fluctuations in humidity;
constant vibration from a running engine.
These and other factors have a damaging effect on aluminum tubes and rubber hoses. Therefore, sooner or later a moment comes when they do not withstand the load and become unusable.
Pipeline maintenance
car air conditioning will not cause difficulties even for a novice car enthusiast.
Cleanliness, periodic inspection are all you need to do to extend the life of your tubing and hoses by several years. The only thing that must be strictly observed is to use neutral materials when servicing. You can do this using water, a wooden scraper, and a hairbrush. The use of solvents and detergents is not advisable.
At our service, you can carry out high-quality repairs of high-pressure pipes and hoses for air conditioners of any brand. The service is equipped with the most modern equipment, including for the restoration of pipelines. Highly qualified welders and mechanics perform the work quickly and with high quality. Numerous thanks and positive reviews confirm this.
Video (click to play).
We give a one-year guarantee for all our work, and a flexible system of discounts and reasonable prices delight our customers.