How to Fix a Minor Leak in Car Air Conditioning?
3 Answers
When checking for leaks, first clean the components to be inspected, then apply soapy water to areas where leaks might occur. This method is quite simple: add a dye with a specific color to the air conditioning system's piping, then turn on the AC to start the refrigeration cycle. This inspection method requires electronic equipment, so it's not recommended to perform it yourself. Instead, take the vehicle to a professional repair shop for inspection.
A few days ago, I just encountered a minor AC refrigerant leak issue. After fixing it myself, I found the most common causes are aging seals or loose pipe connections. You can first spray fluorescent leak detector on pipe joints, condenser, and compressor areas, then use a UV light to check for bubbling spots - that's where the leak is. If it's just a small seal issue, you can spend a few dozen yuan to buy a fluororubber seal and replace it yourself, just remember to disconnect power first. But if you find the condenser punctured by road debris or the compressor leaking, then you'll need professional repair services, as vacuuming the system and recharging refrigerant requires specialized equipment. Regularly check your AC cooling performance - if you notice reduced cooling efficiency, inspect it immediately, otherwise complete refrigerant loss can damage the compressor.
I've been repairing cars for over 20 years, and fixing micro-leaks in AC systems requires a step-by-step approach. First, check the AC lines for oil stains - the area around the oil stain is usually the leak point. This is the most basic diagnostic method. If you can't find it visually, use an electronic leak detector to slowly scan along the piping, paying special attention to high/low pressure pipe connections, expansion valves, and compressor shaft seals. For tiny cracks, using sealant isn't effective - I recommend replacing the part directly. After repairs, you must use gauges to monitor system pressure for at least 30 minutes to ensure proper sealing before recharging refrigerant. Never try to save money by just topping up refrigerant without fixing the leak - this not only wastes money but also harms the environment through Freon leakage.
