RAM 1500 Van V8-5.2L VIN Y (1999)
Hose/Line HVAC: Service and Repair
A/C Suction Hose/Line Replacement
Suction and Discharge Line
A/C SUCTION AND DISHARGE LINE
Any kinks or sharp bends in the refrigerant plumbing will reduce the capacity of the entire air conditioning system. Kinks and sharp bends reduce
the flow of refrigerant in the system. A good rule for the flexible hose refrigerant lines is to keep the radius of all bends at least ten times the
diameter of the hose. In addition, the flexible hose refrigerant lines should be routed so they are at least 80 mm (3 inches) from the exhaust
manifold.
High pressures are produced in the refrigerant system when the air conditioning compressor is operating. Extreme care must be exercised to make
sure that each of the refrigerant system connections is pressure-tight and leak free. It is a good practice to inspect all flexible hose refrigerant lines
at least once a year to make sure they are in good condition and properly routed.
WARNING: REVIEW THE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS BEFORE PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
REMOVAL
1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
2. Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant system. See Refrigerant Recovery.
See: Service and Repair/Refrigerant Recovery
3. Unplug the wire harness connector from the high pressure cut-off switch.
4. Remove the radiator grille from the vehicle.
Suction And Discharge Line Remove/Install
5. Remove the screw that secures the block fitting on the discharge line to the block fitting on the inlet of the condenser, and separate the fitting from
the condenser. Install plugs in, or tape over, all of the opened refrigerant line fittings.
6. Disconnect the flare nut on the suction line from the threaded fitting on the suction line jumper. Install plugs in, or tape over, all of the opened
refrigerant line fittings.
7. Remove the screw that secures the refrigerant line manifold to the compressor. Install plugs in, or tape over, all of the opened refrigerant line
fittings.
8. Remove the suction and discharge line assembly from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
1. Remove the tape or plugs from the refrigerant line fittings on the compressor and the refrigerant line manifold. Install the manifold to the
compressor. Tighten the mounting screw to 22 Nm (200 in. lbs.).