727-201-4494 | 4000 54th Ave N, St Petersburg, 33714
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 LT Foreign Car Service German & Japanese Auto Repair, 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.
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Testimonials
Peter Dehkes, 07/03/2025
I’ve brought my 2008 Infiniti, which has over 350k miles, to LT’s three times now, and each experience has been excellent. The first visit was to replace the ignition coils and spark plugs. Later, he identified and fixed the root causea leaking oil gasket that had led to the ignition issues in the first place. Most recently, he repaired a faulty fuel pressure regulator. What stands out most is his responsiveness and trustworthiness. He communicates clearly by text, explains what needs to be done, and is transparent with pricing. The quotes he gives upfront are accurateno surprises on the final receipt, and his labor costs are fair and consistent. It’s hard to find a mechanic you feel you can trust, but I definitely trust him with my car, which I am very attached to, and will keep going back to give it the care I feel it needs.