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 EuropAsian Auto Pro's, 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.
Savings & Specials
Discount does not apply to Pre Purchase Inspections or Towing
Must present Ad at time appointment is made to get discount
Reviews
Patrick Price, 04/27/2026
I was in negotiations to purchase a classic Mercedes Benz and after speaking with the owners of EuropAsian Auto Pros (Nathan and Claudia), I was convinced this was where I needed to have the pre-purchase inspection done. And I am glad I did: The seller had assured me the car had no issues "nothing broken, seats not ripped" and that "everything was functioning as it should." As soon as the car arrived, Nathan did a detailed inspection of the car's exterior and interior and called me immediately to fill me in on what he discovered. The car would easily need repairs totaling at least $10k, just to fix the cosmetic issues, a new set of tires and repair of the wheels, which had serious issues (two were out of round and all had the finish peeling off). Upon further inspection of the car it was determined the alignment had serious issues as well. Under the hood, one of the valve covers had a moderate leak (I had asked the seller if there were any leaks, specifically the valve covers, rear main seal and coolant system and he said "no leaks anywhere"). Long story short - Nathan gave me a thorough assessment of the car's condition, which was 180 degrees from what the seller told me. Based on the report, I decided against purchasing the car. It turned out to be a "barn find" restoration project instead of the driver it was represented as. Thank you Nathan and Claudia for the excellent communication and service. I highly recommend EuropAsian Auto Pros if you want to work with experienced people who will shoot straight and give you peace of mind.
