Expansion Block/Orifice Tube: Service and Repair
EXPANSION (ORIFICE) TUBE REPLACEMENTREMOVAL PROCEDURE
1. Remove the air cleaner and duct assembly.
2. Recover the refrigerant. Refer to Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging
3. Disconnect the ABS modulator electrical connector.
4. Disconnect the electrical connector from the A/C pressure sensor switch.
5. Remove the liquid/suction line bolt and bracket.
6. Remove the liquid line nut (1) at the orifice.
IMPORTANT: If the expansion (orifice) tube is restricted or plugged, remove the expansion (orifice) tube.
7. Remove the impacted residues.
8. Using a heat gun (hair dryer, epoxy dryer or the equivalent), apply heat approximately one inch from the dimples on the inlet pipe. Do not overheat the pipe.
9. While applying heat, perform the following steps:
9.1. Use needle-nose pliers in order to grip the orifice tube.
9.2. Use a turning motion along with a push-pull motion in order to loosen the impacted orifice tube.
9.3. Remove the orifice tube.
10. Add 30 ml (1 oz) of Polyalkylene Glycol (PAG) Synthetic Refrigerant Oil to the system.
11. Lubricate the new expansion (orifice) tube and O-ring seal with mineral base 525 viscosity refrigerant oil and insert into the inlet pipe.
12. Install tube with the smaller screen (3) first.
13. Remove the O-rings seals (2).
INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
IMPORTANT: Coat the new O-ring seals (2) with mineral base 525 viscosity refrigerant oil.
1. Install the new O-ring seals (2).
Install the new expansion (orifice) tube with the shorter screen (3) end in first.
NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.
2. Install the liquid line nut (1) at the orifice.
Tighten
Tighten the liquid line nut to 27 N.m (20 lb ft).
3. Install the liquid/suction line bracket and bolt.
Tighten
Tighten the liquid/suction line bracket bolt to 6 N.m (54 lb ft).
4. Connect the electrical connector from the A/C pressure sensor switch.
5. Connect the ABS modulator electrical connector.
6. Evacuate and charge the A/C system. Refer to Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging
7. Test the system for leaks. Refer to Leak Testing
8. Install the air cleaner and duct assembly.