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 Darrell's Firestone, 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
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What our clients are saying about us
We have established longterm and stable partnerships with various clients thanks to our excellence in solving their automotive needs!
This was the best experience I've had with a mechanic shop in my life. I had some exhaust issues come up on Tuesday morning. They had my car in the shop by the end of the day Tuesday, and I picked it up by 4 pm on Wednesday fully repaired. Jason, the guy working on my car, called me as soon as their inspection was done and let me know what the issue was, how they were going to fix it, and what the cost was going to be up front. He also suggested I get my brakes done because they were in really bad shape but left that additional work up to me. He did not try to up sell me at all. When I came to pick up my car, Jason had me pay and gave me an itemized receipt without me needing to ask. So far, my repair seems to have corrected the problem and I will be going back to Darrell's Firestone with any car troubles in the future.
It was quick and he updated me as they were going along on the performance.
