imports only

I want to recharge my ac dealer wants about $170.00 for basic recharge, ouch!

I have only a high side service port if i were to purchase the equipment to do this myself what would I need?

Could I do this with only a Vacuum pump, gages, some cans of 134a and some type of coupler for high side port?

A friend has a vacum pump and some gages but they are not for auto ac systems so the connecters don't plug up.

Could I just buy some adapters for the high side port to connect to his hoses and a couple of cans of 134a.

Is it as simple as just vacuuming the system and then just hooking up a can to the port with the hose/coupler?

Will the system suck in the freon from the can once it is vacuumed or does it need to be pumped in?

Any DIY links?

TIA

moribundman

It's not a DIY job

bogelo

Duh... Don't go to your dealer, go to audi or A/C specialist somewhere in your area. I did it and it costed me $100 (check leaks and recharge).

Don't mess around with the a/c system. It's different from other car (been there done that). If you try to mess around with it, your damage will cost you even more.

If you have a bentley, it should tell you that you need a machine to do A/C evacuation and recharge.

eep

Not only do you need to pump the coolant in, but you will need to verify the mix of coolant and PAG oil or you'll cook the compressor.

I've heard of people getting those cans of R134a from a FLAPS and boiling them so that the pressure was high enough to force some in the high pressure port, but frankly that scares the crap out of me ... nothing about boiling those cans seems like a good idea.

Getting the A/C recharged at a mechanic with the proper equipment will only run $50-$100; it's worth spending the money.