Failed A/C hose

[fka]

Went to have my AC re-gassed today. Got about 20 mins in and the hose I'd noted had been rubbing on the downpipe (pic below) burst. In hindsight, not so surprising! Part number 5047048 for the pipe, should I also be replacing the two o-rings and is it worth replacing the dryer?

[sgould]

Check the plastic clips that hold the metal pipes.  A Saab specialist broke them while fixing another part.  Then another re-installed the pipes incorrectly.  Both times the pipes rubbed through.

It seems that the clips are fragile...

[fka]

Already checked and replaced when Mark brought it up the other week as I'd noticed something wasn't right when I fit the Abbott intercooler - replaced too late though!
Can't say for sure when they were broken and not replaced on mine so can't point fingers. Also the 3" downpipe leaves little room and I had to add a second cable tie to the offside to pull the AC hose away sufficiently.

I don't think it's had a major leak until today when the pipe bust about 20 mins into the garage pressurising the system, it's just not been recharged for a long time and steadily got worse over the 3 years I've owned it.

I've ordered the pipe, o-rings and screws from Bill today and actually managed to get it booked in with Joe next Wednesday, as I just don't have any spare time to DIY at the moment. Question is - can I get away without replacing the dryer? They seem to be rather pricey from Orio..

[sgould]

There are quite a lot of aftermarket dryers.  There is (was?) a company called Vehicool that sold the basic bits, like condensers and dryers.

I've just ordered a few bits from Bill and then it's going in to Joe for the fitting on Monday week. I changed the wheels yesterday and found the rear discs worn to the limit and the rubber spring seats were rotten. I would have had a go myself, but he's having it for a check and MOT anyway. These days I don't want to have to work to a deadline. I can't rush heavy stuff, in case the arthritis in my hands brings work to a stop for a couple of days.  And it also means working in the open on a hot day.  The car has been too hot to touch today!!  

I already have to do the headlamp bulbs before the MOT, maybe tomorrow before the sun gets over the fence...

[fka]

I've got new work commitments and had already taken on too many "lockdown projects". Joe will be doing the rear ARB bushes too whilst it's there.

Only Vehicool I can find make fridges but I see PFS have an after market receiver dryer for around £50. I wonder if it comes with the o-rings, will call tomorrow and ask. I'm already pushing my luck getting the parts from Bill on time, they'll be with him on Friday and he'll parcel force 24 hour them to me, not sure I've got time to amend my order with him and add the two o-rings for the dryer..