2002 WRX AC Leak | Subaru Discord | Page 1

fleet dove May 10, 2023, 5:39 PM

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I had my car recharged two summers ago, and it lost functionality after about a year. The shop said I didn't have any leaks.
I recently swapped to a EJ207 and used the compressor from that engine, since my EJ205 compressor was starting to squeal due to bearing failure.

I bought a AC vacuum pump kit to recharge, and the system only holds vacuum for about 20 minutes. I couldn't hear any audible leaks.
I'm going to start by replacing the O-rings on the compressor since I didn't do that when I swapped it out.
Looking through NASIOC forums a lot of people say that the hot hose with the metal crimps to rubber hose often is the culprit as well.

Will probably replace O-Rings, try vacuum again, then move to testing for leaks with UV oil.
Thought I would post here if anyone has more recent experience or any other insights.

quaint coyote May 10, 2023, 5:52 PM

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Replace all the o rings and the valve stems as well

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Soap bubble test will work in a pinch if you don’t have UV dye, but I don’t know how much help the dye will be if your system is depressurized

fleet dove May 10, 2023, 5:54 PM

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quaint coyote Replace all the o rings and the valve stems as well

found a kit on fast wrx - is this a good price for all the parts?

quaint coyote May 10, 2023, 5:54 PM

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Yep that’s the one I used

fleet dove May 10, 2023, 5:54 PM

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https://www.fastwrx.com/products/subaru-a-c-o-ring-service-kit

FastWRX.com

Subaru A/C O-Ring Service Kit 2002-2007 WRX / STI

Subaru air conditioning systems often wear out at the Schrader valves and O-rings. This kits includes seven O-rings and the valve cores for the ports. Looking for the HI-Pressure Line, check here Fits all 2002-2007 Subaru WRX and WRX STI, and most other pre-2008 Subaru models.

quaint coyote May 10, 2023, 5:54 PM

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Could price out individual components and compare, but I got the set cuz lazy

fleet dove May 10, 2023, 5:55 PM

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yeah, who knows about sourcing and shipping. im hoping its not the high pressure line cuz that thing is spendy

quaint coyote May 10, 2023, 5:55 PM

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Only one way to find out

fleet dove May 10, 2023, 5:57 PM

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quaint coyote Could price out individual components and compare, but I got the set cuz lazy

are any of these gaskets located inside the cabin? like id have to take apart my dash?

quaint coyote May 10, 2023, 5:58 PM

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I didn’t replace anything inside the cabin. Just the pair of o rings on the compressor and the ones on the condenser

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Make sure you lube the o rings when installing though

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And use the correct oil, they make it with uv dye already added which can be helpful when you get to that point

gray tapir May 10, 2023, 9:37 PM

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@fleet dove it is almost ALWAYS the o ring on the compressor

odd marsh May 13, 2023, 12:59 AM

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fleet dove are any of these gaskets located inside the cabin? like id have to take apart my...

There is an AC expansion valve right on the passenger side firewall where the lines go in that likes to leak sometimes (o-rings), your evaporator core could also be leaking I know there was a TSB on the evaporator core freezing and cracking. might be worth checking. There is also a small line running down the side of the condenser (right side if you're standing in front of the car) Mine has leaked there several times.

#2002 WRX AC Leak