The Dreaded A/C Evap Leak

[flatlanderaz]

It’s my turn.

2005 limited 4x4 T4R, 190k miles started blowing warm on driver side a couple weeks ago. Did usual, freon low so added dye. Can see where it is coming from drain tube under passenger side. I’ve added some freon just to see if it gets cold again and it does but without proper tools, not willing to put in a bunch. Those OTC gauges that come with the freon/dye products might not be most accurate and don’t want to overfill.

Here’s my question: I took apart our 2010 Rav4 to the firewall 6 months ago dealing with the diverter flaps. Got lucky and was able to fix that issue and put it back together, with no extra pieces!

I don’t have a vacuum pump, gauges or a repair manual. I am 100% certain I can get to the evap. but without the manual and various AC specific tools, any advice on if this can be done buying or renting some of the tools, maybe from an AutoZone. I imagine Harbor Freight also carries some of the items. Just lacking confidence on the AC portion of the job.

Yes, money is playing an issue. I have not started looking around town but from what I know on labor taking this apart, got to be looking at $2000+. If I replaced just the necessary part(s), what am I looking at in costs? Half that or $1000?

I know you all don’t know me from Adam but any input is welcome. Plus, I’m in Southern AZ so if you know anyone you can recommend that might be a better choice than me, maybe I just have it done. It was a good 8 hours to get the Rav4 apart and back together and yes, my back was sore after.

Thanks in advance for any input.

J

 

[eleven14]

It’s my turn��.

2005 limited 4x4 T4R, 190k miles started blowing warm on driver side a couple weeks ago. Did usual, freon low so added dye. Can see where it is coming from drain tube under passenger side. I’ve added some freon just to see if it gets cold again and it does but without proper tools, not willing to put in a bunch. Those OTC gauges that come with the freon/dye products might not be most accurate and don’t want to overfill.

Here’s my question: I took apart our 2010 Rav4 to the firewall 6 months ago dealing with the diverter flaps. Got lucky and was able to fix that issue and put it back together, with no extra pieces!

I don’t have a vacuum pump, gauges or a repair manual. I am 100% certain I can get to the evap. but without the manual and various AC specific tools, any advice on if this can be done buying or renting some of the tools, maybe from an AutoZone. I imagine Harbor Freight also carries some of the items. Just lacking confidence on the AC portion of the job.

Yes, money is playing an issue. I have not started looking around town but from what I know on labor taking this apart, got to be looking at $2000+. If I replaced just the necessary part(s), what am I looking at in costs? Half that or $1000?

I know you all don’t know me from Adam but any input is welcome. Plus, I’m in Southern AZ so if you know anyone you can recommend that might be a better choice than me, maybe I just have it done. It was a good 8 hours to get the Rav4 apart and back together and yes, my back was sore after.

Thanks in advance for any input.

J

I did this a few months ago and had no experience with A/C systems in general. It took a significant effort but none of it was hard and I rented the manifold, etc, from Autozone for free.

I took it to Toyota for a final evac/recharge (more so to check my work) and they found no issues. For the whole job here in KC, the dealer was $2200 and my local Toyota shops were all $1500. The critical parts themselves are less than $100 but if you're going to that extent, there are a few other things you may want to consider replacing (I did condenser too, as the dryer needs to be replaced if the system has been opened).

I'm working on a detailed write up but due to the sheer number of steps, it's taking awhile. That said, I saw another member posted a step-by-step YouTube video recently that would be all that you'd need.

If you get into it and have questions, PM me and I'll give you my cell #.

 

[thomas.william7895]

My AC has gone out as well... I hope it's an easier fix than this...

 

[BostonJon]

I’ve done this repair on various Jeeps over the years as well as my previous 3rd gen. It’s tedious but very manageable if you’re organized and document your work with notes and pictures.

With the exception of gauges and a vacuum pump, it’s all basic hand tools.

 

[Drcoffee]

Give this product a try. Could save you a lot of work. Has good reviews. It should fill small pinhole leaks. They have a small size for automobiles as well.

A/C EasySeal Nu-Calgon

 

[flatlanderaz]

Thx for the reply. I need to figure out how to PM on this board. I will take you up on it if/when I get to it. Quick question, where did you source your parts. I’ve read some issues with getting bad (new) knock-off parts. If I have to buy from dealer I will but if there is a rep source that is less expensive, I’m in for that.

 

[eleven14]

Thx for the reply. I need to figure out how to PM on this board. I will take you up on it if/when I get to it. Quick question, where did you source your parts. I’ve read some issues with getting bad (new) knock-off parts. If I have to buy from dealer I will but if there is a rep source that is less expensive, I’m in for that.

Sounds good. I used a combination of Rockauto.com for Denso parts and my local Toyota dealership.

Avoid ebay/Amazon, the reports you've read are accurate and with the amount of labor involved, I simply wasn't willing to risk getting a knock-off to save a few more bucks.

 

[audio]

Cut a hole

My 4runner developed the dreaded evap leak.
I was given 2 options -

1: $1600 to repair (taking out entire dash)
2: $1000 to disassemble part of the dash and cut hole and take out evap/parts that need changing.

I asked if there's any negative to cutting the hole and they said no and they did it many times before for the police dept. etc...

I went with the hole and they did the job in a few hours.
When I went there I asked where the hole is cut and they said inside the dash.

I have never heard of this before, but I guess it works. Just another crazy option.

 

[Gasass]

My 4runner developed the dreaded evap leak.
I was given 2 options -

1: $1600 to repair (taking out entire dash)
2: $1000 to disassemble part of the dash and cut hole and take out evap/parts that need changing.

I asked if there's any negative to cutting the hole and they said no and they did it many times before for the police dept. etc...

I went with the hole and they did the job in a few hours.
When I went there I asked where the hole is cut and they said inside the dash.

I have never heard of this before, but I guess it works. Just another crazy option.

Any more info on this repair? I have to do this to my '06 very soon... Florida sun is HOT!!

 

[flatlanderaz]

Update

Weather cooled off a bit here in AZ so going to put off until spring. In the meantime, for the life of me, cannot figure out how to PM a member on this board. I even contacted the forum help desk and they never answered the question. I intend on doing this job in a few months. In the meantime, I think I’ll replace my leaky rear suspension (x-reas) with an all new suspension. That could be fun

 

[OopsIBrokeIt]

Weather cooled off a bit here in AZ so going to put off until spring. In the meantime, for the life of me, cannot figure out how to PM a member on this board. I even contacted the forum help desk and they never answered the question. I intend on doing this job in a few months. In the meantime, I think I’ll replace my leaky rear suspension (x-reas) with an all new suspension. That could be fun

Don't forget that it's all or nothing with the x-reas removal. I just did mine, took about 6 hours total to do the full suspension and two axles having never worked on a 4runner before that day.

 

[AuSeeker]

Weather cooled off a bit here in AZ so going to put off until spring. In the meantime, for the life of me, cannot figure out how to PM a member on this board. I even contacted the forum help desk and they never answered the question. I intend on doing this job in a few months. In the meantime, I think I’ll replace my leaky rear suspension (x-reas) with an all new suspension. That could be fun

According to forum rules which says that a member has to have 15 posts before they can start a new topic and or send PMs, this is to cut down on Spammers and Bots from posting right away, I have seen other new members that have circumvented this rule somehow and started a topic without having 15 posts, but for the most part most have to have the required 15 posts.

 

[alia176]

I'm intrigued with the "hole in the dash" concept. Can anyone speculate where this hole might be located?

My 4runner developed the dreaded evap leak.
I was given 2 options -

1: $1600 to repair (taking out entire dash)
2: $1000 to disassemble part of the dash and cut hole and take out evap/parts that need changing.

I asked if there's any negative to cutting the hole and they said no and they did it many times before for the police dept. etc...

I went with the hole and they did the job in a few hours.
When I went there I asked where the hole is cut and they said inside the dash.

I have never heard of this before, but I guess it works. Just another crazy option.