
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 Auto Performance Center, 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
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!
I needed body work done on my pickup truck. I spoke with Mr. Ward regarding estimates. Their prices were very fair, and I authorized the work. My particular repairs required paint work; body work; and some mechanical work. The finished product was excellent! Additionally, both Mr. Ward and Mya (from the office) kept in touch with me throughout the process, with updates and answers to my questions. They were both so friendly, quick, and competent! I will definitely be back should I need auto body repair, and I would happily recommend their shop to anyone!
I've visited this business several times for regular maintenance and repair. The service has always been fantastic. The wonderful woman in the office is friendly, knowledgeable, and very easy to work with. The mechanics are thorough, extremely knowledgeable, and straight forward without trying to up-sell you at every turn. This is the type of garage I grew up around. The money seems to go toward hiring highly qualified people, and not toward making the garage look trendy or sporty. If my mom lived in this area, Auto Performance Center is where her car would go. I can't give any higher praise than that.

Garner, North Carolina