A/C freon leak

[pragmatic]

My air conditioning was not working well last week as I left for vacation (99 and humid outside, barely cool inside). While checking it out by the side of the road I noticed oil where compressor outlet line attachs to the condenser (top driver's side of the condenser). A quick charge with some 134a (into the low pressure port on the compressor) restored the cooling. So far (a week) the a/c is still working well but I'll need to fix the leak.

Chances are its the o-ring in the fitting, but has anyone else had a leak develop at this location? If so was it the o-ring or have there been problems with the condenser or line fittings?

The car is a 2000 V6 manual tranmission (as if that matters).

Thanks

 

[pragmatic]

I know its not as exciting as 20 inch wheels but surely someone has some else has experience with freon leaks caused by failed o-rings, bad condenser or faulty high pressure lines.

 

[GrayGhost1]

I'm not an A/C expert simply because I haven't had to mess with mine (knock on wood). However, I'm sure someone here has experienced what you are seeing. Was the A/C not cooling on both sides or just one?

 

[2001LS8Sport]

It's probably o-rings. Unless you have all the special tools to work on a/c properly, it's not a DIY job. First thing to do is double check that the leak is at the fitting with a good leak detector. Then recover the system, fix the leak, evacuate and recharge, then leak detect again.

 

[joshluvsla]

I think i Might have a leak as well.... were can i check it? and how much should i pay to repair it....Having no AC sucks....

 

[jmz2k5]

I had an A/C problem with my car. I can't remember exactly what hose was replaced but there was a leak. I went on vacation to GA from WI and around IN it went out. Drove about 500 miles with little to no A/C in 90+ degree weather.
Once I checked it out, the mechanic showed me the hose they replaced and it looked like it had deteriorated somewhat on one end.
Didn't seem like much IMO, but A/C worked perfect afterwards.
I'll look for my service write-up but I think it was a couple hundred for the part plus 30 or 40 for the refill of refrigrant

 

[jmz2k5]

Oh yeah, the service tech guy was not very happy about the LS and said it was a pain in the *ss to check the whole A/C system for a leak and then to get through to replace the hose.
Altogether, they worked on it for about 3 hours. So it doesn't seem like a DIY-type of job.