Rear A/C refrigerant line leak

[alvocado]

I had my A/C recharged with dye over the summer after it stopped cooling and I believe I found the leak. The rubber to metal connection on the rear line is wet. Are there any repair options other than sourcing a factory part and replacing the entire line? I just spliced in one of the coolant lines in the pic below and used the Dorman quick connector. It seems that could be an option here with some AN fittings and step clamps.

Also, there is a 2ft diameter wet spot on the ground immediately below this pipe which is what caught my attention to take a look. Does that indicate the A/C system leaked out the compressor oil over night? It seems this fitting let loose last evening.

 

[alvocado]

I stumbled on this company with repair kits which have a lifetime warranty. I ordered up a 12" section to splice in and will have a shop handle the recharge. Hopefully they can figure out how much PAG oil to add.

I'll report back after I install the new hose section.

AC Line Repair Kits | Flexible High Pressure AC Line Splice Kits

EZ Flex AC Line Repair Kit for any line anywhere in your AC system. Splice kit for ac line repair designed to be easy to use! No special tools needed.

www.autocoolingsolutions.com

Question: the system had to bleed off quite a bit of pressure (or all of it) to lose the amount of oil that was on the ground. I have never worked on A/C systems. To confirm the system is no longer under pressure before cutting into the tubing, is it best to hit one or both of the Schrader valves on the front lines?

 

[alvocado]

I have the Auto Cooling Solutions hose section on hand and am ready to splice it in. I thought the system fully discharged after the initial puddle of PAG oil was on the driveway on Monday. There was an equally large puddle of oil under the failed connection this morning. The leak apparently stopped for a few days then flowed more last night.

Figured out the charge valves: I didn't notice the ball inside the low pressure inlet and was able to determine if there's pressure on the system. Will post a pic of the replacement line spliced in when complete.

 

[alvocado]

Line is in. Looks like a quality part and will be easy to swap if it ever fails since it’s connected with compression fittings. Lifetime warranty to boot. Recharge is scheduled for Tuesday for the final test.

I tried to find a shop who would install the part and recharge but no one will install a customer sourced part.

 

[alvocado]

Update on the Auto Cooling Solutions hose. One end did not seal because the ferrule didn’t seat. I phoned the company and they sent a replacement ferrule out next day which fixed the issue. They definitely have great customer service and were willing to replace the entire line and send a longer line if I had to cut back the tubing more. What a difference dealing with Made in USA parts and companies who are customer centric.