A/C Underbody Lines - Installation
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: Be certain to adjust the refrigerant oil level when servicing the A/C refrigerant system Refrigerant Oil Level . Failure to properly adjust the refrigerant oil level will prevent the A/C system from operating as designed and can cause serious A/C compressor damage.
NOTE: When replacing multiple A/C system components, see the Refrigerant Oil Capacities chart to determine how much oil should be added to the refrigerant system Refrigerant Oil Level .
NOTE: Replacement of the refrigerant line O-ring seals is required anytime an underbody refrigerant line is disconnected. Failure to replace the rubber O-ring seals may result in a refrigerant system leak.
1. If replacement of one or more of the underbody lines was required, position the line(s) to the underbody line assembly and engage the underbody line brackets.
2. If replacement of the A/C suction line (3) or A/C liquid line (2) is required, install the suction line into the liquid line sealing plate (1) and install the nylon retaining clip (4). Be sure the retaining clip is fully engaged.
NOTE: Illustration shown with rear body cradle removed for clarity.
3. Position the underbody lines (3) under the vehicle and engage the underbody line brackets (1, 2, and 7) to the mounting studs on the underbody (6). Rotate and tilt the underbody lines as necessary. Make sure the brackets are fully engaged to the studs.
4. Position the underbody line bracket (4) onto the mounting stud located near the center of the underbody and install the retaining nut (5). Tighten the nut securely.
CAUTION: Use care not to damage the ABS wire lead or the brake line when repositioning the rear cradle.
5. Carefully raise the jack stand until the right side of the rear cradle is positioned to the body.
WARNING: Be sure to properly support the rear cradle when installing the right side retaining bolts. Failure to follow this warning may result in serious or fatal injury.
6. Install the bolts that secure the right side of the cradle to the body and remove the jack stand Crossmember - Installation.
7. Install the lower right rear shock retaining bolt Rear Shock Absorber, Coil-Over - Installation.
8. Connect the rear ABS wire harness lead and bracket (4) to the right side of the body (3).
9. Position the right rear brake line (1) onto the two brackets (2 and 5) and install the two retaining bolts (6). Tighten the bolts securely.
10. Remove the tape or plugs from all the opened refrigerant line fittings and the rear expansion valve ports.
11. Lubricate new rubber O-ring seals with clean refrigerant oil and install them onto the underbody refrigerant line fittings. Use only the specified O-rings as they are made of a special material for the R-134a refrigerant system. Use only refrigerant oil of the type recommended for the A/C compressor in the vehicle.
CAUTION: Use care when installing the underbody refrigerant lines and sealing plate to the rear A/C expansion valve. Carefully align the refrigerant line fittings ends with the A/C expansion valve prior to tightening the sealing plate retaining nut. Failure to follow this instruction may result in damage to the rubber O-rings and refrigerant line fittings ends.
12. C connect the underbody refrigerant lines (1 and 5) and the sealing plate to the rear A/C expansion valve and install the retaining nut (2). Tighten the nut to 11 Nm (97 in. lbs.).
CAUTION: DO NOT apply excessive force on underbody heater lines or rear heater tubes fittings when connecting the connections. Excessive force may damage or deform the tubes and or lines, thereby causing an engine coolant leak.
NOTE: Replacement of the rubber heater hose ends will be required if the rubber hoses were cut for removal.
13. Connect the underbody heater lines (4) to the rear heater core tubes and engage the spring type hose clamps (3).
14. Position the underbody line shield (2) to the vehicle underbody and install the two nuts (3) and one screw (1). Tighten the fasteners securely.
15. Lubricate new rubber O-ring seals with clean refrigerant oil and install them onto the underbody refrigerant line fittings. Use only the specified O-rings as they are made of a special material for the R-134a refrigerant system. Use only refrigerant oil of the type recommended for the A/C compressor in the vehicle.
16. Connect the A/C underbody extension lines (8) to the underbody refrigerant lines (5).
- Tighten the liquid line fitting nut (6) to 23 Nm (17 ft. lbs.).
- Tighten the suction line fitting nut (7) to 37 Nm (27 ft. lbs.).
17. Position the underbody heater lines (4) into the underbody line bracket (3) and engage the bracket retainer.
NOTE: Replacement of the front heater hoses will be required if the hose ends were cut for removal.
18. Connect the front heater hoses (1) to the underbody heater lines and engage the spring type hose clamps (2).
19. Install the exhaust heat shields as necessary.
20. Install the rear section of the exhaust system Exhaust Pipe - Installation.
21. Lower the vehicle.
22. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
23. Fill the engine cooling system Service and Repair.
24. Evacuate the refrigerant system, adjust the refrigerant oil level and recharge the refrigerant system Refrigerant System Charge and Refrigerant Oil Level.