ls400dude

My A/C died, and my mechanic says that the a/c hose behind the driver's side headlamp is leaking.
He told me $380-400 to replace it. Holy Cow!!! hose replacement is $400?

Does this sound right? or is this something I an DIY?

Please, I need some more info, and help... with this 91 LS400. I am frying in this thing...

Dan

Lextreme

When i install my turbo, i cut them out thinking they would be on the way, but they not. Anyway, got a used set from ebay for 45 shipped... try to email those guys parting out a LS. Email them and ask for that part..

good luck

Yes, its a DIY... perhaps i can do a tutorial on this topic...



david

nthach

Go find a AC shop that custom-fabs hoses. Should be lots cheaper. You can replace, but it's quite easy to bend the metal line that runs between that hose and the condenser.

ls400dude

Thanks for replay guys, you gave me some things to try.

David, Yes, a detailed tutorial instruction will give me better idea as to what is involved.

Is this typical of 91 LS400 model? I know of couple more guys that had A/C problem on their Lexus...

Dan

nthach

The Denso 10PA20C compressor isn't the greatest thing in terms of reliabilty, IMO Asian car makers under fill the system with oil. When I retrofitted my car, I used 8oz of PAG 100 oil instaed of the usual 6 oz.
My car had 5 compressor replacements, I found out with a VMI.

hyperopt

No need to buy new or custom hoses. Take the existing hoses to a local competent AC shop and tell them you want to replace (rebuild) the rubber hose. They will remove the hose with its couplers and insert a new hose with new couplers and dweld the new section back replacing the removed section - common procedure for AC shops. The results are as good as new with original fittings and curvatures. Rebuild both hi and low pressure hoses while you're at it.

ls400dude

hyperopt;

Thanks a lot, that's another good suggestion. Did you have to take the hose off to bring it to them? or did they take it off your car for you? How much do they generally charge?

Also, I live in SoCal, do you have a AC shop that you trust?

Please advise.

Dan

Lextreme

Email me lextreme@lextreme.com .. i know few places does hoses while you wait in socal. However, i know a great place does very custom aerospace fittings..

hyperopt

I always remove the hoses and take them to the shop. That way, I can thouroughly inspect their work and not having to pay extras for labor. It costed ~$100 to rebuild both high and low on my LS.

ls400dude

Hyperopt;

Thanks for your advise, couple more questions...

How hard to take off the hose from the condenser behind the driver side headlight? I don't know whether this is hi-side or lo-side...

How hard to take off the other side?

I've never tried to take them off, so I have no idea...

Where do you take yours to rebuild?

Please advise.

Dan

Lextreme

Dan,

I assume u still have some feon in there. Wear those heavy duty gloves and some protective gear like glasses. Loosen the screw one at a time and very slowly. Release it little and wait for a while... then more.

ls400dude

I wouldn't be asking if I had freon.
When it was charged, it took 3-4 days for it to escape... My mechanic told me it was leaking at the hose connector...

No freon in there...
How hard is it to get to thise hose and take it out?

hyperopt

I don't recall having any problems removing those hoses.
Are you anywhere near Brea Mall?

ls400dude

Hyperopt;

Glad to hear that it's easy replacement for those AC hoses...
I live about 5 miles from the Brea Mall. Why?