Remove the oil o-rings from the A/C pressure lines with a small screwdriver. Some receiver/driers will come with replacement o-rings, or your can replacements from your local auto parts store. Lubricate the new o-rings with refrigerant oil and slide them into place.
Full Answer
Replacement Auto AC O-rings
When car makers used R-12 as the refrigerant and mineral oil as the lubricant in auto AC systems, they often used neoprene AC O-rings and gaskets. Neoprene and Buna O-rings worked well in those R-12 applications. But as R-12 was phased out and R-134a took its place, they found the neoprene and Buna O-rings didn’t hold up as well.
What are Buna O-rings?
Buna o-rings (NBR or nitrile rubber o-rings) are similar to neoprene in composition and application uses. Another alternative to neoprene o-rings is HSN (highly saturated nitrile) o-rings that are compatible in automotive, air conditioning, and other low-temperature applications.
Why do o-rings fail?
The only way to properly install an o-ring is by deforming it. Male and female fittings or other ac component connections must be compressed to a point where the clearance between the gland and the o-ring is zero not allowing the refrigerant gas to escape.
What is compression set failure?
Compression set failure:#N#This type of failure produces flat surfaces on the sides of the o-ring that were compressed. Compression set failure has its roots in the material used for the fabrication of o-rings with low compression set resistance and limited heat resistance.Excessive o-ring swelling in the cavity can occur due to refrigerant or oil incompatibility or too much squeeze in the groove or cavity.#N#After the replacement or repair of any ac component the replacement of o-rings are a must. It�s never a good idea to reuse o-rings. High quality, low compression set material is the best way to minimize this type of failure, along with choosing the right o-ring size according to cavity dimensions.#N#Explosive decompression o-ring failure:#N#Random ruptures, crater-like pores and small slits, which have originated within the body of the o-ring. These are signs indicating gases permeating the o-ring material and then rapid changes of compression and decompression taking place with micro-explosions occurring during decompression stage.#N#Heat hardening and oxidation o-ring failure:#N#A flattened area will appear on the dynamic surface of the o-ring. Sometimes cracked, hardened and pitted areas can be seen throughout the entire body of the o-ring. This failure is caused by higher than recommended temperatures for the material.#N#Spiral o-ring damage:#N#The surface of the o-ring appears to have been twisted, or to have rolled in its groove. It stays in this position when freed. This type of failure is caused if the wrong o-ring size is chosen causing excessive clearance in its cavity or during an improper installation. Choosing the right o-ring size and properly lubricate the o-ring is a good way to minimize this type of damage. It is always a good idea to check the ac component where the o-ring will be installed for roundness.#N#Excessive o-ring swell:#N#Identified by obvious dimension of the body of the o-ring. Reduced physical properties, which causes improper fit. Heat and friction accelerates seal failure. Due to chemical incompatibility the material absorbs ac system fluids causing swelling of the o-ring.#N#Materials used for o-rings.#N#Material usage will depend upon the environment the o-ring is to be used in.Various fluids,gases temperatures,and other environmental properties will affect the material.
Why does my AC ring swell?
Due to chemical incompatibility the material absorbs ac system fluids causing swelling of the o-ring. Materials used for o-rings. Material usage will depend upon the environment the o-ring is to be used in.Various fluids,gases temperatures,and other environmental properties will affect the material.
What is an O-ring in an air conditioner?
O-rings are used at every connection of the air conditioning system creating a sealed system. The seals can withstand variable or constant pressures,high and low temperatures,preventing the venting of the refrigerant into the atmosphere.
What is an O ring?
An o-ring is doughnut-shaped object, generally made from an elastomer. It is usually installed in a cavity and then pressed against. The combination between the hard cavity and the soft o-ring results in a completely leak free system. O-rings are used at every connection of the air conditioning system creating a sealed system.
How to store O rings?
The best practical way to store o-rings is inside a sealed polyurethane bag and then placed in a closed box or container which light cannot penetrate . O-rings should be kept cool below 86 F. Excessive humidity will deteriorate some seal element material as well as cause corrosive damage to metal cases and spring.
How tight should an O-ring be?
The general rule for properly tightening an o-ring fitting is hand-tight, plus a quarter turn.
What to do if playback doesn't begin?
If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device.
Do O rings need to be tightened?
Contrary to popular believe, o-ring fittings don’t require significant tightening. Over-tightening can cause many problems, but the most common issues that arise from over-tightening an o-ring connection is splitting an o-ring. This can happen right away, or sometimes later on down the road.
Why use O rings on auto air conditioner?
Their design will ensure that the refrigerant running through the system stays where it belongs. The relatively high pressure of the refrigerant requires strong and durable seals, which is why o-rings are the perfect sealing option for this application. The high temperatures involved will also be no issue for an o-ring. For HNBR o-rings that are custom made for auto air conditioning units, remember to visit Aclube.com, where you’ll find a great selection of sizes.
Why do air conditioners use O rings?
O-rings tend to be the seal chosen by most mechanics for air conditioning systems because of their high-performance rate when confronted with extreme temperatures and pressures. The whole system relies on creating very high pressures, and then suddenly reducing these pressures.
How to tell if a compressor is leaking?
The compressor will generally show a leak on the front of the clutch as if it leaks thru the front seal, the dye will leak there and then sling out along the clutch. Might be worthwhile to intentionally spill a bit of dye on something and look at it with the light/glasses so that you know what to expect.
How to check if a leak is fast enough?
There are other ways to check if the leak is fast enough. The old soap bubble test works fine. Just spray 409 or something on every connection and look for bubbles. About the only place you can't do this is the evap core because it is hidden inside the heater box under the dash.
What happens when a freon leaks?
When the freon leaks, a small amount of oil leaks with it. Then, dust and dirt stick to the oil, marking the location of your leak. I'd suggest inspecting the condensor more carefully as well. It isn't uncommon to get a rock or other piece of road debris lodged in the condensor, causing a leak.
Can you see if a condenser leaks?
It is also hard to see leaks in the condenser. As freon and dye leak out, they will migrate toward the rear of the condenser since the air thru the front end will force it that way. And now it is between the condenser and the radiator, although if it leaks much you can probably see it on the radiator fins.
Do hoses leak?
But o-rings rarely develop a leak (with the exception of the ones on the AC connector since that is held by a bolt that can loosen up over time).
What is the best NBR O ring?
A better type of NBR O-ring is the HNBR which stands for Hydrogenated NBR, and is sometimes called Hydrogenated Nitrile, or Highly Saturated Nitrile Rubber, or HNB. The compatibilty of HNBR with Mineral oil, PAG, POE, R12, and R134a is about the same as NBR (good).
What is the name of the O-ring?
The standard O-Ring that has been in use for 50 years or more in hydraulic systems and AC systems is known by various names such as NBR, Nitrile Rubber, Buna-N, or just Buna. They are usually black, but could be any color.
Can you use O rings in military?
The rule in Military systems is that an O-Ring is prohibited from being used unless it is taken from an individual package that has the correct part number, rubber compound, and cure date, and expiration date imprinted on it (with the expiration date not passed, of course).
