Open Road

So my AC lines from the compressor are garbage and leaking and need replacement. The high pressure line was sort of easy to get apart, but the low pressure line from the AC compressor to the hard line is a problem.

It's easy enough to get the compressor dropped and the 1 1/8 nut off the compressor, but the hard line is a different story: I can get a 1 1/4 wrench on the nut with no problem from the top, but there seems to be no way to support the line behind it which also seems to have the low pressure AC port on the nut.

And I know if I try to turn it the hard line will rip apart and I'll be looking at an engine pull.

Can't go from the top as there is a hard line to the radiator above it, can't go from the bottom as there is a smog pump filter canister in the way. Any ideas?

ChrisZ wrote: ↑Wed Jul 22, 2026 6:10 pm It's easy enough to get the compressor dropped and the 1 1/8 nut off the compressor, but the hard line is a different story: I can get a 1 1/4 wrench on the nut with no problem from the top, but there seems to be no way to support the line behind it which also seems to have the low pressure AC port on the nut.

Loosen the joint from underneath. There's just enough room to get an open-end 27mm wrench on the hardline's hex to counterhold while you juggle the 32mm in the other hand.

I tried for hours on mine and still kinked the line. I ended up cutting it off and it was extremely difficult to break the connection off the car.

Good luck!

Hm, could be time to get the dremel cutting wheel again. Got the one on the radiator off by cutting into the nut several times, cutting off the line, then getting a socket on the nut with a wrench on the counterbolt.

What a pain in the ass.

Having BTDT the *SUBSTANTIALLY* easier path is if you're able to get it off without damage.

I would strongly advocate for taking your time and operating with care.