Skip to main content
Superior Auto Clinic Building

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 Superior Auto Clinic, 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.

More AC Repair Services:

Truck and Car AC Repair Services

Freon Recharging Services For Your Car Or Truck

AC Evaporator Services


image-people-driving

OUR REVIEWS

 (44 Reviews)
image-quotes
reviewicon

Paul and his skilled team successfully diagnosed and resolved the issue preventing my 1996 Mustang from starting. Moreover, they expertly assisted in finding a set of new tires. They are fair and honest, all of the qualities I hoped to find in a mechanic.

, 08/11/2023

partners

Penske
NAPA
World Pac
Smog
Turbo
Ture Hub
NTW
ATD
Ture Warehouse
IMC
H & H
Cal State
APW
ASCCA
Car Care Aware