Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum

Good morning All !!
Another noob joins the crowd !!
How often should one replace their Robinair manifold hoses? I bought this manifold gauge set probably 8 ish years ago and only used it maybe 10 times in that time. I keep the kit in a cool dry spot in my garage. Went to use it yesterday and after about 10 minutes, the red hose had a pin hole leak in the hose.
I have an old r12 set that has to be 20 years old and they still work fine.. I know nothing is made like the old days, but I didn't expect to see the new hose go bad already. Of course the warranty is only a year. Maybe that answers my question.
Anyway, any thoughts would be appreciated..
THX

Welcome to the Forum, Archer.

I don't think that the hoses need to be replaced at any particular interval. I do as you did and inspect them at every use to ensure they're still intact.

Usually, the hose-end seals wear out, not the hoses themselves, and I replace the seals as needed. Could be that the hose in question had a weak spot since new and just decided to give out at that particular time. But I think that's a fairly unusual occurrence.

I have R-134a hoses dating from 1993 that still look and work fine. My R-12 hoses from the 1960's still work well, too, although they're not quite as supple as they used to be. They still hold pressure without leaking, though.

Hello JohnHere,
Thank you for the reply and welcome !!
I was thinking I got a bum hose from new. The hose still looks like brand new! And the hole is the size of a pin, with no soft spot.
Guess I need to spring for another one.
I am going to send the bad one to Robinair and see if they will do anything... Maybe I will get lucky !!
Thx again !! AL

Sending it back is worth a try. Hopefully, they'll replace it in the spirit of maintaining their good reputation. Let us know the outcome.

Many techs will replace their hi side hose every year regardless of use. Your call. Your eyes.