Press Release

Garage tip from Behr Hella Service:

Proper flushing of the air-conditioning system increases service life

Lippstadt, Ferbruary 2009. Especially when parts are replaced or repairs are made, a vehicle's air-conditioning should be cleaned. This is because only a clean system ensures that the system functions perfectly and that possible consequential damage can be excluded. Therefore, an increasing number of vehicle and component manufacturers require flushing to be carried out and documented in the context of a repair to the air-conditioning system. Only then are guarantee claims safeguarded.
Even old filter-dryers or a defective compressor can damage the system due to, for example, dislodged particulates or particles of dirt being distributed throughout the entire refrigerant circuit and leading to blockage of components. Therefore, it is important to flush the entire system before fitting new parts. The experts from Behr Hella Service recommend two methods for this:
Flushing with the refrigerant: In the case of this method, the specialist uses the air-conditioning service units, such as the SECUmobile or SECUsmart from Behr Hella Service, as well as an additional flushing device with filter and adapters, in order to flush the system components with the refrigerant. This allows oil and loose particles of dirt to be removed. This method, which is approved by various vehicle manufacturers, does not give rise to costs for the flushing medium or its disposal.
Flushing with flushing fluid: In the course of this, the air-conditioning system is cleaned with chemical solvents. Following this, it is necessary to remove from the circuit the residues of flushing agent with the aid of nitrogen and to dry the system in this way. The highest effectiveness in the combination of flushing fluid and nitrogen makes this method essential when replacing the compressor. Behr Hella Service offers a corresponding tool suitable for this, namely the Air-Conditioning System Flushing Set 100 as well as the Air-Conditioning System Nitrogen Set 150.

1. Contamination due to metal abrasion in the case of compressor damage is eliminated; this prevents blockages of valves, as well as of the condenser and the evaporator.
2. Residues of acid are removed which arise through the penetration of moisture, such as in the case of the air-conditioning system being open for a long time due to an accident, and which can lead to corrosion.
3. The flushing-out of elastomer particles, which otherwise cause blockages in the system (e.g. of the throttle or expansion valve)
4. Total removal of contaminated refrigerant and refrigerant oil, through which acids can otherwise form and attack the hoses and O-rings.

• Only ever flush the individual components of the circuit.
• The dryer, valves and compressor cannot be flushed and must be replaced.
• After flushing with special, chemical fluid, drying must be carried out using nitrogen.
• Every time the refrigerant circuit is opened, it is necessary to replace the filter-dryer and the O-rings of the components opened.

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