Hi there,

I went for air con recharge and all was OK until lad disconnected the lines and refrigerant started to leak immediately. Lads tried to replace valve core, but they only snapped the two notches on it, the core wouldn't move. Apparently low pressure service point didn't have a cap screwed on, I had no idea that it's located where it is btw, and it seems that valve core is seized. I bought brand new pipe for a replacement, but I would appreciate any info how to remove the old one? The refrigerant has been extracted, so the A/C system is empty now. It's the pipe from compressor to "somewhere behind wheel arch". Is removal of that pipe straight forward or do I have to dismantle 10 other things to get it out?
Thanks

 

The low pressure line is number 3, and the valve is 4. it comes up behind the LH wheel into the engine bay under the coolant expansion tank. You should be able to access the compressor end by dropping the undertray and the top bit via the engine bay, you might need to remove the LH wheel and wheel arch lining, I'm not sure, I've never tried to take that pipe work out.

 

Thanks for the tips, unfortunately the job is much more difficult and complicated, than it seemed initially.
Removed RH front wheel and wheel ach liner, one end of that low pressure line is 4 inches above the service point, disconnected it by undoing the nut with 13mm socket. To get to the other end (on the compressor) I removed air filter housing, removal of the pipe that connects air filter with LH turbo intake it needs loosening hose clamp on the smaller hose, which is connected on the side. The problem is that it has to be done blindly, only by feel, but it was very difficult for me to even grab two tabs of the hose clamp with pliers or self locking spanner, so I left this attached, only slid this pipe off the turbo inlet (no clamps there). I was then able to undo the other end of low pressure line, 13mm nut on the compressor - it's tight anyway, but doable with flex head ratchet. Then I removed the metal pipe goint towards intercooler and the red silicon hose connecting it with LH turbo and I've spent probably over 2 hours on trying to remove this AC line, because it's shape, and in the end I simply cut it in half. Then I've spent another hour trying to install the new AC pipe, but I realised that it's impossible with the space available. I raised the other side on axle stand, I've loosen bottom nut on RH engine mount, removed the top and bottom nuts on LH engine mount, raised the engine using another jack and solid piece of wood, so I could remove LH engine mount completely, creating the space needed to guide the AC line. After the new AC line was in place, it took me another 2 hours to refit engine mount, hoses and metal pipe. Started about 3pm and stopped at 11pm, I still have to tighten all jubilee clips, reassemble air intake, undertray, wheel arch liner and LH front wheel.
Honestly, it's really **** job, there's no space anywhere for wiggling around with parts when removing/refitting them. And I scratched my both hands so bad, that I had to use super glue on couple cuts...
Second, finishing part after I get up in the morning. Then to a garage for AC vacuum check and recharge.