SfoSubaru

We have a 4 cyl with 60k miles and the air conditioning had stopped working. We took it to get fixed and they told us the low side hose had a "very slow leak". They suggested we fix both the hose ($500 w/labor) and the valve ($600 w/labor) and the estimate was $1100 total. Obviously I did not do that right away. A couple questions: 1. They said we should fix the valve since it is often related to the hose leaking, but I'm not inclined to do that if I don't know there is definitely an issue. What do people here think? 2. This wasn't my usual repair shop (SF Auto Works) or a dealer, so what is people's opinion on what this should cost? 3. Is this common on Outbacks of this year? I've seen other posts w/similar issues at relatively low mileage. Thanks

Thanks so much for the help. I'll go try out these tips tonight and let you know if they help!

I just bought a used '02 Outback wagon and I find that when I get above 55 mph that the windows seem to be pretty noisy...as in a windy sort of noise. I'm wondering if people have had their window seals go bad on this model before? I've also noticed that the right side mirror gets a bit wobbly at speed too and wonder if the noise is coming from there. I know its a bit of an odd request, but wondered if others have seen this before?