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