Corroded Ac Pipes And Fix

[NeilP1960]

The recent warm spell in the UK resulted in my reaching for the AC button on my 2005 LS430 but alas - just warm air. Took it to a local AC specialist who did a recharge of refrigerant but it soon became apparant that the system was leaking. Whilst up on the hydraulic ramps and looking underneath, the technician identified a couple of points of corrosion (probably from salted roads) and informed me that he couldn't repair/replace the pipe as a result of its inaccessibilty. He advised that I'd need to take it to an independent Lexus specialist who is familiar with this sort of problem but he did suggest that there might be considerable labour (costs) involved in 'dropping' several major parts of the car (rear axle, fuel tanks etc) in order to access the area and connect up to the condenser/compressor.

Any on here had this problem previously and can indicate how big a job it's likely to be? The car is under a comprehensive warranty but corrosion to the AC pipes isn't included I'm afraid (wear and tear).

Any assistance/advice most welcome from a sweltering owner.

[steve2006]

I can't believe an "AC Specialist" who by law needs to be registered simply recharged the AC without firstly checking for leaks as this in itself is illegal.

If it the pipes to the rear AC that have gone it may be possible to bypass this part leaving you with just the normal front AC.

Personally I would get a 2nd opinion as you seem to have met a "specialist" without the required skills and training, I would have thought replacing parts of an AC system were part of that job description.

Corrosion of the pipes may be expected on a car of this age but unless quality has fallen they are normally stainless steel on a Lexus so unlikely to be perforated.

The main AC problems associated with leaks of refridgerant is due to bad seals/O rings.

Had your "Specialist" been up to the job, the system should have been purged of the remaining gas and then filled with a mix of nitrogen and an ultra violet dye. An ultra violet lamp is then used to show up any leaks.

[NeilP1960]

Will seek another opinion then though the refrigerant gas must have a tracer dye in it as you could see where the lime green fugitive emission was escaping from quite clearly. To a novice like me, when the vehicle was elevated on the pneumatic ramps, the access to the AC pipework did look to be a real challenge.

[Dell]

Hi Neil

I have recently had this exact same issue with my 2005 LS430.

The leak was picked up during the MOT and identified as corrossion on the rear pipes.

I did a search and found that it was due to the pipes rubbing against each other eroding the protective coating and allowing the road salt in. Later pipes were modified to keep them apart.

Replacement is very labour intensive and involves dropping the fuel tank , and I was advised to replace all sections of piping.

I did read of people who had simply plugged the pipes to and from the rear air conditioning unit , still retaining the front , but I decided to bite the bullet and go for the full fix.

Now for the bit you've been waiting for........total cost was about £970 from Lexus Edinburgh.

I think this was about £250 + vat for parts and 8.5 hours labour.

Del

[Alun H]

Now for the bit you've been waiting for........total cost was about £970 from Lexus Edinburgh.

I think this was about £250 + vat for parts and 8.5 hours labour.

Del

I had the same issue, but mine was under warranty. A bit over £1,000 from the same dealer.

[Parrot of Doom]

I'm not sure I'd be happy paying to rectify what is essentially a design fault.

[NeilP1960]

Thanks for the feedback guys, will have to increase my daily rates I think?

Will take it to an independent (ex Lexus mechanic) quite local to me and watch his face light up!

[NeilP1960]

Corrosion of the pipes may be expected on a car of this age but unless quality has fallen they are normally stainless steel on a Lexus so unlikely to be perforated.

Lexus Chester assured me they were aluminium not SS so they've perforated it would seem, not too uncommon a problem with 7 year old LS430' apparantly

[Malc]

One more reason to stay put with a simple and old LS400 !

Malc

[steve2006]

One more reason to stay put with a simple and old LS400 !

Malc

Very true, I had a look at mine tonight on my 1994 model and they do look like stainless steel pipes, did quality suffer on the later models then?