Prevent those annoying leaks with correct installation of hose fittings.
It is critical to install hose fittings correctly, if leaks and other problems are to be prevented. Moisture, dust and contaminants can all be contributors to a leaking hose. It would be remiss of us not mention that Pag or Ester oil, depending on the oil in the system, should be used for install. And Nylog or Oil Spray are recommended for use in assembly. This helps create the seal and won't contaminate the system.
There are two types of hoses found in auto A/C - the flexible hose and rigid piping. They are used for the flow of refrigerant to each component of the air-conditioning system. While these components are designed to withstand the intense stress of heat, pressure and vibration, they will eventually wear to the point of requiring repair or replacement.
The first sign that hose repair or replacement is needed, is when you notice a refrigerant leak. Often, the refrigerant oil will leak onto the outside of the hose and this is a good indicator that the hose is the cause of the leak.
You know the drill to find leaks and repair hoses as necessary, but if you’re still spending time soldering, welding or threadcutting, your time is wasted and you are potentially causing future weak spots in the refrigerant circuit.
These days, there are customised solutions for tube connections covering every conceivable repair situation in vehicle air conditioning systems. Using simple hand-assembly tools, these customised tube connections are the most economical and reliable method of re-connecting hoses to the refrigerant system.
How do they stack up against traditional methods?
Vulkan Lokring is the market leader in the field of braze-free and non-detachable tube joints. Using products such as Lokring and Lokclip is working smarter, not harder. These systems are specifically made and tested for hose repair in air conditioning and will save you time and re-work issues with your customers. The quality of connection is not diminished in comparison to expensive original spare parts and there is almost no limit to the combination variations in materials used.
Lokclip is the fast alternative to pressed and screwed connections for both hose-to-hose and hose-to-tube connections. The components of a Lokclip system include stainless steel clips, clip position holder and contoured joints. You can almost exclude user error when implementing this system.
Lokring is the hermetic sealing of metal connections. The typical union joint consists of two Lokrings and one tubular joint across two tube ends. During assembly, the diameter of the connection is reduced to such an extent and radial forces are produced so that the lifetime air-tightness of the fitted connection is guaranteed.
We work closely with our suppliers to ensure we meet our customers’ needs. Highgate Air recently worked with Vulkan Lokring to develop the #6 Lokclip joiner to fit the 8mm (#5) aluminum pipe. This universal fitting suits the liquid pipes on a wide variety of vehicles including Toyota, Subaru, Mitsubishi, Hitachi, Kubota, Komatsu, Cat Excavators and Nippon Denso systems.
What about heavy duty solutions that last?
When it comes to heavy duty requirements, the Eaton E-Z Clip solutions offer flexible hose lines with the advantages of routing ease, vibration absorption, sound deadening and movement accommodation for connected components. It wins hands down over rigid tubing, with no guess work or leaking crimps. You can do the job once and do it right, the first time. Similar in concept to the Lokring, the Eaton E-Z clip uses a barb with two o-rings and two clips that crimp down on the hose, creating an unbeatable seal.
Want to know more? Request our FREE Lokclip/Lokring or Eaton E-Z Clip Guide for full details on installation, product range and support from Highgate Air.
Ready to order? Stock up on our starter kits for Lokclip/Lokring and Eaton E-Z Clip
Learn directly from the manufacturer. Visit Vulkan Lokring to find out more about their economical and reliable tube connections.