How to Repair a Car Air Conditioning Refrigerant Leak?
2 Answers
To diagnose a car air conditioning refrigerant leak, you can inspect the air conditioning pipes and various connections for any signs of oil stains. Pressurize the system and spray soapy water to check for bubbles; if bubbles appear, it indicates a leak. Electronic leak detection can also be used to identify refrigerant leaks.
Last time my car's air conditioning cooling performance deteriorated, and the inspection revealed a refrigerant leak. To fix it, the first step is to locate the leak point. Common leak locations include AC pipe connections, the condenser, or compressor seal rings. The repair shop technician will use fluorescent dye or an electronic leak detector to pinpoint the issue. In my case, it was just a loose pipe connection that needed tightening. If there are micro-holes in the condenser, they can be patched by welding—a minor fix taking about half an hour. For severe cases, the entire component may need replacement, along with recharging the compressor oil. After repairs, remember to perform vacuum extraction and refrigerant recharge, which requires professional equipment. The total repair cost can range from a few hundred to several thousand yuan. Regular maintenance like avoiding high-pressure water jets on the condenser can help prevent refrigerant leaks.
