Where are the common leakage points for car air conditioning refrigerant?

[MacKaleb]

Refrigerant leakage in car air conditioning systems typically occurs at the following components: AC pipeline joints, expansion valves, compressors, and evaporator boxes. Pipeline failures: During the installation of indoor-outdoor unit connecting pipes, if the bending angle is too small, it may cause pipe cracks leading to refrigerant leakage or complete loss. When laying these connecting pipes, appropriately increase the bending radius to prevent sharp kinks. Any leaking pipes should be promptly repaired by welding or replaced. Refrigeration system leaks: During replacement of refrigeration system components, improper secondary installation may create leakage points in the pipelines and system. Apply moderately concentrated soapy water to the entire refrigeration system's pipelines and welded joints for leak detection. The system must be pressurized with nitrogen or refrigerant during testing. Pay special attention to areas with oil stains, systematically identify all leaks, and perform component repairs or replacements as needed.

[AlexaMarie]

As someone who frequently helps friends with car repairs, I've found that the most common place for refrigerant leaks in small cars is at the compressor's shaft seal. Since the compressor is constantly rotating, the sealing components are prone to wear and aging. Another common issue is the condenser's joints, especially when vehicle vibrations cause pipe connections to loosen or develop cracks. O-rings are also problematic—those small rubber rings at the AC system connection points can harden and fail over time. The evaporator can develop leaks too, particularly in older vehicles where moisture corrosion leads to refrigerant loss. For detection, you can use a UV lamp and dye or spray soapy water to look for bubbles. Timely repairs are crucial; otherwise, poor AC cooling makes driving uncomfortable. Regular maintenance checks on these areas can save you unnecessary expenses.

[LeAdrian]

Once my car's AC suddenly stopped cooling, and after checking, it turned out to be a refrigerant leak. The repair shop mentioned that leaks usually occur at pipe connections, such as the O-rings of the high and low-pressure pipes or the sealing points near the expansion valve. The evaporator housing is also prone to leaks, especially in older car models where long-term moisture can cause corrosion. The front shaft seal of the compressor is another high-risk spot, as the technician told me it’s subject to a lot of friction and can wear out easily. Ignoring a refrigerant leak can lead to other issues, like pressure imbalance damaging the compressor. That time, the repair cost me around a thousand bucks. If you notice your AC isn’t performing well, it’s best to get it checked early—don’t wait until the cooling completely fails like I did.

[JulietteAnn]

Checking for refrigerant leaks in your car's air conditioning system is actually not difficult. Key areas to inspect include the high and low-pressure valve ports around the compressor, where O-rings are prone to aging. Also check the pipe connections at the front of the condenser, as exposure to sun and wind can cause rubber to harden and crack. Leaks often occur inside the evaporator too, but you'll need to disassemble it to see. Apply soapy water to these points - leaking spots will show obvious bubbles. Regularly replacing aging components like O-rings can prevent major issues at low cost with good results. Before working, ensure the system is depressurized for safety, and don't attempt blindly.