Tools Required
J 38042 Dual O-Ring Tube Separator
Important: Use only recommended service replacement air conditioning O-rings, even though other O-rings may look similar. Excessive leakage of Refrigerant 134a may occur if the recommended O-rings are not used.
Install new GM-approved service replacement air conditioning O-rings whenever a joint or fitting is disassembled, except when provided on new components.
When replacing O-rings on an air conditioning component or joint connection, carefully identify the fitting design in order to ensure installation of the correct air conditioning service replacement O-ring.
This vehicle uses dual O-ring joints in the system. The dual O-ring design increases the durability of the joint seal by providing a second O-ring seal. The dual O-ring fitting consists of the following components:
| • | An aluminum-alloy, externally-threaded fitting, that is brazed or welded to an aluminum tube |
| • | A free-spinning, plated steel, internally-threaded nut |
| • | A precision-machined, male-piloted aluminum tube end that accommodates 2 O-rings |
Use the following procedures when you service dual O-ring joints:
- Completely recover the refrigerant from the system.
- Use the J 38042 in order to separate the joint while loosening the female nut.
- Replace the old O-rings with new O-rings when a fitting joint is opened.
- Use a nonmetallic tool in order to prevent damage to the seal surface when you remove O-rings.
- Do not excessively stretch or twist the replacement O-rings.
- Apply a small amount of 525 viscosity A/C oil in order to ease insertion.
- Align the ends for pilot-to-bore insertion. Push the ends together completely.
Important:
• Dual O-ring fittings are different in size from the standard A/C
fitting O-rings. • Dual O-ring fittings require a steel nut torque of 24 N·m
(18 lb ft).
Before installing, verify that both O-rings and fittings are not nicked or deformed. Replace any damaged parts.
