Aircon rear pipes

[benali]

So it looks like the rear pipes are leaking on my 2008 gal. Can see the UV around the clamp to the chassis, pretty poor design by the looks. Pipe is approx Ã,£200 (outrageous) plus fitting. Or a used one from galaxy breakers Ã,£80 (gamble as to how long it will last). Or another option I was offered is to bypass the rear ac, surely this would leave the ac running inadequate as this thing is barely efficient when it was running well!
Has anyone else had this problem, apparently pretty common?

[SirDavidAlhambra]

Just bite the bulletin and pay the 200 is my advice. Second hand parts just arenââ,¬â,,¢t Worth it, you pay 50% of new price for something that has 10% life left in it.

Or just wind the windows down instead, we only get hot weather 1 week a year really and you donââ,¬â,,¢t need it in winter either if you put the heated windows on.

200 plus labour and tax is going to be like 350, is it really worth that just to stay slightly cooler 5 days a year. Pay off a bit of the mortgage instead or enjoy a takeaway every month for the year.

[benali]

Well, I got to fix it now, after already putting money into the regas.
Mines glass-roof, and no ac is just not an option with people to carry over distances.
You can get pattern parts for most of the pipes, but can't see them available for those 2 shortish rear ones.

[johnnyroper]

I would fix it aswell if it was me, having had air con in cars for god knows how many years I would not have one without again.

Whatââ,¬â,,¢s the cost of a used pipe and is it from a decent breaker or an eBay job?

I wouldnââ,¬â,,¢t bypass rear air con either as the air con in galaxy is not exactly the best system so having rear air con will make cabin more comfortable than just from cooling alone.

[johnnyroper]

Should have read the post property so itââ,¬â,,¢s Ã,£80 from a breakers for used then. I would take a punt on a used one

[benali]

The part is from galamotors who seem to specialize in recycled galaxy parts. Only one month warranty though!
Haven't got ford price yet, but believe it to be circa Ã,£200 for 2 shortish aluminium pipes! Which apparently are prone to failure.

[johnnyroper]

I suppose with a 1 month warranty you can check itââ,¬â,,¢s in good condition prior to fitting.
Any idea why they are prone to failure do they rub on something or just exposed.

[benali]

To do with the way salt and debris can collect between the pipe and the plastic mount that it passes through I believe.

[johnnyroper]

Oh ok so as long as the used one is in good condition you may be able to do something to protect from happening again then?

[SirDavidAlhambra]

For the sake of the extra 120 (not that Iââ,¬â,,¢m free and easy about such large sums of money), why not just get a good pipe, brand new, and rest knowing you wonââ,¬â,,¢t be doing the same job again in a yearââ,¬â,,¢s time

[brianh]

If its a straightforward pipe it may be worth phoning round some of the mobile a/c repair folk, some of them are able to cut and rejoin pipes with a new bit of pipe. Becomes a bit more difficult with pipes that are more complicated (failures on bends or the end fittings especially).

A second hand pipe should be fine with new seals on it provided its in good condition, you know where its likely to fail so can inspect it before attempting to fit it, and as said above try to protect it somehow (painting the outside of the bit prone to the problem and washing it when the weather has been bad probabbly your best bet there).

[benali]

That's a thought. Its 16mm od ally tube, should be able to get someone to repair this. Photo of leak attached.