Expansion Block/Orifice Tube: Service and Repair

A/C System Plumbing:

The expansion tube or orifice tube is located at the condenser to evaporator tube connection in the evaporator tube.

Important

^ Different designs and colors or orifice tubes may have been used in past production vehicles. When replacing an orifice tube, compare its DESIGN to the replacement part for correct orifice tube selection. The different styles of orifice tubes ARE NOT INTERCHANGEABLE.

Tool Required:
^ J 39500 R-134a Refrigerant Recovery, Recycling, and Recharging (ACR4) System

Remove or Disconnect

1. Recover refrigerant. Refer to Recovery.
2. Raise vehicle.
3. Connection at condenser. Discard O-ring seals.
4. Evaporator tube from condenser.
5. Carefully remove the expansion tube with needle-nose pliers, or J 26549-E.

In the event that difficulty is encountered during the removal of a restricted or plugged expansion tube (orifice tube), the following procedure is recommended:

Important

^ Remove as much of any impacted residue as possible.
^ Carefully apply heat with heat gun (hair dryer, epoxy dryer or equivalent) approximately 7 mm (1/4 inch) from dimples on inlet pipe. Do not overheat pipe.
^ While applying heat, use expansion tube removal tools or J 26549-E to grip the expansion tube. Use a turning motion along with a push-pull motion to loosen and remove to the impacted expansion tube.


Install or Connect

1. New expansion tube.
2. Evaporator tube to condenser.
3. Using new O-ring seals, assemble evaporator tube/condenser connection.

Tighten

^ Bolt to 25 N.m (18 lb ft).

4. Lower vehicle.
5. Evacuate and charge the system. Refer to Evacuation.