Replace Your Car's AC Thermal Expansion Valve or Orifice Tube
Your car or truck's AC system is under extreme pressure and the thermal expansion valve or orifice tube monitors the amount of pressure and the temperature of your A/C system. It calculates the precise amount of refrigerant that can safely go into the evaporator. A failing expansion valve or orifice tube often causes a vehicle's air conditioner to blow hot air.
Replace or Repair
- Expansion Valves: Too much refrigerant causes your evaporator to get too cold whereas too little refrigerant would result in inadequate cooling. The expansion valve is a complex valve that regulates refrigerant flow. This process of metering the refrigerant adjusts the flow according to the temperature of the refrigerant in the evaporator coil. Talk to one of the pro mechanics at AutoSmith, as this part can be replaced on its own and does not require the entire replacement of the AC assembly.
- Orifice Tubes: Unlike the expansion valve, the orifice tube is a simple fixed device with no moving parts. It therefore cannot vary the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator, but rather causes a permanent restriction in the system. However, like the expansion valve the orifice tube regulates refrigerant flow through the system and filters debris which may come through in its screen. Often fixing a "bad orifice tube" requires replacing the entire evaporator assembly.
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Sue, 09/19/2024I cannot say enough good things about this place! My son had just moved to Ohio for a job when he began having trouble with his transmission. This was his first time living on his own and his first car he was responsible for on his own. A coworker suggested this shop to him. They were wonderful with my son. They completed the work at a reasonable price and even provided my son with a loaner during the repair time. They also worked with his warranty company to try to get the service covered. That was not successful but at least they tried. Thank you for taking care of my son! It is a nice feeling to know he has some place he can go if he has further troubles. He was treated with fairness and respect. He definitely will be back if needed.