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AC High-Pressure Hose Replacement Cost Estimate

Worried you might overpay for your AC high-pressure hose replacement? Use Jerry’s GarageGuard™ to get fair cost estimate for your AC high-pressure hose replacement.
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John Davis
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Reviewed by Kathleen Flear, Director of Content
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Edited by Jessica Barrett, Senior Car & Insurance Editor

How much does an AC high-pressure hose replacement cost?

The average total cost for an AC high-pressure hose replacement is $381, including $169 for parts and $212 for labor. The exact price will depend on your vehicle’s year and model.
The parts cost includes installing a new AC high-pressure hose, but you might also require a new low-pressure hose, condenser, or compressor. As for labor costs, it takes around 1.8 hours for a certified mechanic to inspect your vehicle, determine whether a repair is necessary, and then perform an AC high-pressure hose replacement. 
Here’s how much you’ll pay for a new AC high-pressure hose for some popular vehicle models:
Estimate DateCustomerCarFair Cost EstimateParts CostLabor CostLabor Time
April 24, 2024
Rosa, 22
Boise, ID
Genesis G70
$350
$135
$214
1.9 Hours
April 22, 2024
Sara, 25
Springfield, VA
Honda Accord
$361
$135
$225
1.9 Hours
April 21, 2024
Frances, 28
Monroe, NC
Geo Metro
$363
$135
$228
1.9 Hours
April 17, 2024
Minerva, 35
Chaparral, NM
Ford Focus
$416
$150
$266
1.9 Hours
April 13, 2024
Jerome, 42
Cheyenne, WY
Chevrolet Tahoe
$390
$150
$240
1.9 Hours
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How did we estimate these prices?

Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.
Get a free fair cost estimate for my car

What parts do you need for an AC high-pressure hose replacement?

Your car’s AC consists of a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator core, and a compressor, among other parts. A loop of pressurized refrigerant connects every part of the system. When the refrigerant is at its coldest (around the evaporator), it absorbs moisture from the air being blown into the cabin. When it’s at its warmest, it’s already on its way back to the compressor and condenser.
If your AC unit is on the fritz, the total parts bill could include:
  1. A replacement AC high-pressure hose ($10-$375): When the refrigerant in your car’s AC is at its coldest (between the condenser and the expansion valve), it’s also under the most pressure. An AC high-pressure hose is specially designed to cope with the force of containing this liquid, but it can leak or crack after years of wear.
  2. A new
    air conditioning condenser
     ($70-$880): The condenser looks like a miniature radiator. The warm, liquid refrigerant passing through its coils cools off as it passes through the condenser, then moves through the expansion valve or orifice tube. 
  3. A new
    air conditioning expansion valve or orifice tube
     ($2-$270): The AC expansion valve (or orifice tube) removes pressure from the cool, liquid refrigerant before it passes to the evaporator.
  4. A replacement air conditioning evaporator core ($2-$415): Relieved of pressure, the cooled refrigerant can now expand into a gas and absorb all the heat from the air passing through the evaporator on its way to the vents in the cabin.
  5. A new
    AC compressor relay
     ($30-$4,100): At its last stop in the cycle, the warm cloud of refrigerant flows into the compressor to be pressurized and forced back into a liquid state.
  6. A replacement
    AC low-pressure hose
     ($10-$375): When the refrigerant in your car’s AC is at its warmest (between the compressor and the condenser), it’s also under the least pressure. An AC low-pressure hose is specially designed to keep low-pressure gas moving through the loop.
Keep in mind: An AC high-pressure hose replacement requires only a single part, but you may also need a new condenser or expansion valve to put your cooling system back in order.
Top brands for high-pressure and low-pressure hoses include Four Seasons, UAC, and ACDelco. When shopping for AC condensers, look for TYC and Spectra Premium. For expansion valves or orifice tubes, search for ACDelco and UAC. Finally, for AC compressor relays, brands known for their reliability include Standard Motor Products and Bosch. You can purchase all these parts for your car from retailers such as AutoZone, Amazon, and Advance Auto Parts.
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts cost much more than aftermarket parts, but they often include better warranties. For example, asking a Toyota mechanic to install a genuine high-pressure hose will net you a 24-month/25,000-mile warranty. The average cost of parts is even higher for luxury makes like Audi or Mercedes-Benz. That being said, some aftermarket performance parts are just as high-quality as OEM parts.
You can buy parts for a high-pressure hose replacement at automotive body shops, parts shops, dealerships, or online stores like Amazon, AutoZone, and Advance Auto Parts. If you prefer OEM parts, you can also try your vehicle manufacturer’s official website. Honda, Hyundai, and just about every other car maker sell OEM parts online. Check your owner’s manual for any crucial specifications so you don’t buy the wrong part.
Find out what parts are recommended for my car

Where can I get my AC high-pressure hose replaced?

Dollar signs and stars are eye-catching, but if you’ve ever wished to compare local auto shops in more detail, you need to try Jerry's
GarageGuard™
.  Jerry's GarageGuard™ helps you compare fair pricing estimates for an expansion valve replacement, just like Jerry helps you compare
car insurance quotes
.
Join the app and you’ll connect with a network of over 2,500 vetted auto repair shops across the country. You’ll get real hourly labor rates, diagnostics fees, and user reviews to compare so you can make an informed (and money-saving) decision.
Download the app today to browse quotes from vetted shops like the ones below!
115 Reviews
Coyote Tire & Automotive, Inc
address
13127 W Glendale Ave, Glendale, AZ
AC High Pressure Hose Replacement Cost
Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop
$376
(Parts - $151, Labor - $225)
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$155
Compare this shop for free with Jerry(623) 536-9974
100 Reviews
Innovative Auto Solutions
address
4135 Jackie Rd SE #101, Rio Rancho, NM
AC High Pressure Hose Replacement Cost
Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop
$367
(Parts - $151, Labor - $216)
Compare this shop for free with Jerry(505) 273-7313
100 Reviews
Wrench Inc. - OKC

AC High Pressure Hose Replacement Cost
Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop
$359
(Parts - $151, Labor - $208)
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$150
Compare this shop for free with Jerry
153 Reviews
Uncle Ed's Oil Shoppe
address
49830 Van Dyke Ave, Shelby Township, MI
AC High Pressure Hose Replacement Cost
Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop
$201
(Parts - $151, Labor - $50)
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$0
Compare this shop for free with Jerry
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How did we vet these shops?

Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.

How do mechanics replace AC lines?

When replacing a car's AC high-pressure hose, a mechanic will:
  1. Unseal the vehicle’s AC unit, connect an AC recovery machine, and suck the refrigerant from the lines.
  2. Remove the faulty high-pressure hose and O-ring (the connection type varies by vehicle).
  3. Install a new hose and O-rings and tighten it at each end.
  4. Create a vacuum inside the AC unit to remove any remaining refrigerant, moisture, or air.
  5. Recharge the AC with fresh refrigerant and reseal the unit.
  6. Test the AC to make sure it’s working properly.

Is it bad to run AC with a leak?

Although cars don’t need an air conditioner to run, a leaky AC line can be hazardous. Turn off the AC unit immediately if you notice a refrigerant leak—the refrigerant is toxic, corrosive, and flammable. Running your AC (or vehicle) any further could expose you to respiratory problems and cause the leak to widen, potentially causing damage to the condenser, compressor, and other AC lines.

What is an AC high-pressure hose replacement?

Your car’s air conditioning system has a low-pressure side and a high-pressure side. On the low-pressure side, your car’s coolant is a gas, and on the high-pressure side, it’s a liquid. The low and high-pressure hoses are noticeably different in size, with the high-pressure hose being narrower.
An AC high-pressure hose replacement involves removing the line on the high-pressure side and installing a new one. If you think your AC high-pressure hose may have a crack, leak, or clog, a mechanic can take a look at your air conditioning system and replace it if necessary.

How do I know if my car's AC hose is bad?

The air conditioning unit in a car is a sealed system, and most experts will tell you it doesn't need to be serviced or inspected until it stops working properly. To determine whether the hoses are causing the problem, the mechanic will open the system to inspect it.
If your AC is blowing cool but not cold air, or if your AC system fails to lower the thermostat at all, you might have an issue with your high-pressure hose. Refrigerant leaks are accompanied by a slightly sweet chemical smell. Seek medical attention as soon as possible if you feel dizzy, short of breath, nausea, or experience difficulty breathing.

How long do car AC hoses last?

A high-pressure AC hose can last for eight to ten years. Regular maintenance and checks of your AC system can help extend its lifespan. On the other hand, if you neglect to flush the system, or you live in an extremely hot climate, you might need a replacement sooner.

Can I fix an AC leak myself?

A high-pressure AC hose replacement isn’t a good DIY project. It requires specialist equipment to suck the refrigerant from the AC lines and then return it. In addition, refrigerant is flammable, toxic, and corrosive—definitely not something you want to spill on your skin or clothes!

FAQs

A leak in your AC hose can be caused by age, wear, moisture, or contaminants like dust and dirt. Age and wear are self-explanatory; all the components in your AC (especially those containing high-pressure liquid) will thin and loosen over time. But you can prevent moisture and contaminants from entering your car's cooling system by
cleaning the AC condenser
 and replacing the HVAC
car air filter
.
An AC with a leak will run as long as there is sufficient refrigerant left in the system. Depending on the size of the problem, it could last a few weeks or a few months. If you smell anything funny, take your car to a mechanic as soon as possible. Refrigerant leaks are bad for you and your car.
Using duct tape on your car's AC hoses is a bad idea. Refrigerant contains oils that will eventually cause the sticky side of the duct tape to peel away, causing a major leak.

Meet Our Experts

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John Davis
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Car Expert
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Certified mechanic with 10+ years of experience
John Davis is an expert automotive writer and former automotive mechanic. John's work spans multiple categories, and he relishes the opportunity to research a new subject and expand his area of expertise and industry knowledge. To date, John has written more than 200 articles covering car maintenance and care, car advice, how-to guides, and more.
Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, John worked as a mechanic and freelance writer, creating content for clients including HotCars and SetPower.
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Jessica Barrett
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Car Expert
Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit.
Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.
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Kathleen Flear
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Car Expert
Kathleen Flear is an expert insurance writer and editor who heads up Jerry’s editorial team as director of content. Kathleen empowers drivers to make smart car ownership decisions through  best-in-class articles on insurance, loans, and maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry in 2021, Kathleen served as managing editor for a team of SEO content marketing professionals at Article-Writing.co and worked as a freelance writer and editor for a range of digital publications, including Chicago Literati magazine and Golden Words. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Queen’s University, and a master’s degree in creative writing and fiction from Sierra Nevada University.
*The price information provided on our car repair webpages is intended for general informational purposes only. Actual prices for car repair services may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to the make and model of your vehicle, the extent of repair required, and the prevailing market conditions. All prices for real repair shops are estimations based on our research only. Therefore, the prices listed on our webpages should not be considered as final quotes or binding offers.