Expansion Valve Replacement Cost Estimate
Concerned about potentially overpaying for your expansion valve (orifice tube) replacement? Utilize Mymechanic to get a fair cost estimate for your expansion valve (orifice tube) replacement.
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How much does an expansion valve replacement cost?
The average total cost of an orifice tube replacement varies depending on your vehicle's year and model. For accurate pricing, use Mymechanic to obtain a fair cost estimate for your orifice tube replacement.
The parts cost includes installing a new orifice tube, which might also entail the replacement of components such as the condenser, compressor, or evaporator. Regarding labor costs, it takes approximately 2.8 hours for a certified mechanic to inspect your vehicle, determine whether a repair is necessary, and then perform the expansion valve orifice tube replacement.
How did we estimate these prices?
My Mechanic experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all states in Malaysia, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified MyMechanic in Malaysia, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repairs
What parts do you need for an AC expansion valve replacement?
Your car’s AC system comprises various components including a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator core, and a compressor, among others. Tubes containing pressurized refrigerant connect every part of the system. When the refrigerant is at its coldest (around the evaporator), it absorbs moisture from the air being blown into the cabin, and when it’s at its warmest, it’s already on its way back to the compressor and condenser.
If your AC unit is malfunctioning, the total parts bill might include:
- New air conditioning expansion valve or orifice tube : The AC expansion valve (or orifice tube) removes pressure from the cool, liquid refrigerant before it passes to the evaporator.
- Replacement air conditioning evaporator core: Relieved of pressure, the cooled refrigerant can now expand into a gas and absorb all the heat from the air passing through the evaporator on its way to the vents in the cabin. It then makes its way to the compressor.
- New air conditioning compressor: At the next stop in the cycle, the warm cloud of refrigerant flows into the compressor to be pressurized and forced back into a liquid state.
- New air conditioning condenser:The condenser looks like a miniature radiator. The warm, liquid refrigerant passing through its coils sheds its heat against the outside air before moving through the expansion valve or orifice tube.
You can purchase expansion valve replacement parts for your car from various auto parts stores and online retailers. However, like price, recommended brands may also vary depending on your vehicle’s specific year, make, and model.
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts usually cost more than aftermarket parts, but they often come with better warranties. For example, asking a Mymechanic to install a genuine expansion valve may provide you with a warranty. However, some aftermarket performance parts manufacturers are highly competitive with the quality of OEM parts.
You can buy replacement parts at automotive body shops, parts shops, dealerships, or directly from your vehicle manufacturer. Many car makers sell OEM parts. Check your owner’s manual for any crucial specifications to ensure you buy the correct part.
Where can I get my expansion valve replaced?
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Join the app and you’ll connect with a network of auto repair shops across the country. After browsing real hourly labor rates, diagnostics fees, and user reviews, you’ll feel more confident leaving your car at the garage.
How did we vet these shops?
My Mechanic experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the Malaysia. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually.
How will a mechanic replace my car’s expansion valve?
An expansion valve replacement requires special equipment, training, and caution. Your mechanic will have to:
- Unseal the AC unit of your car
- Evacuatethe refrigerant and test it to determine if it’s recoverable or too contaminated for reuse
- Locatethe expansion valve (or orifice tube), disconnect the AC hoses, and cap them
- Unfasten and remove the expansion valve or orifice tube
- Install the new expansion valve or orifice tube
- Replace the O-rings that seal the valve or tube and the refrigerant lines
- Reconnect the refrigerant lines
- Rechargethe cooling system with recovered or fresh refrigerant
The refrigerant in your car is a regulated substance and can be toxic, so it's not advisable to replace the expansion valve on your own. Leave it to a professional.
What happens when an expansion valve goes bad?
The expansion valve (orifice valve) in your car's air conditioning system acts as a bottleneck. It receives high-pressure refrigerant and depressurizes it into gas for the compressor. If the valve is clogged, it can lead to the compressor overheating. Additionally, a clogged valve may cause the AC high-pressure hose to burst, potentially spraying corrosive refrigerant into other components.
What is an expansion valve replacement?
Refrigerant is crucial for your car’s air conditioning unit. The expansion valve or orifice tube regulates the pressure and amount of refrigerant entering the evaporator. Replacing the expansion valve (or orifice tube) involves removing the old valve and installing a new one.
When should I replace the expansion valve in my car?
The expansion valve converts refrigerant from liquid to gas for use in the evaporator core. Without a properly functioning expansion valve, your car’s air conditioner will begin to malfunction.
A broken valve could cause too much refrigerant to flood the system, leading the AC unit to freeze, but not emit cold air. Conversely, too little refrigerant will cause the condenser to stop working, resulting in a cabin full of hot air.
How long does an AC expansion valve last?
There is no generally-accepted life expectancy for a car expansion valve or orifice tube. It should last for the lifetime of the car, but it can be affected by wear and tear over time. You will probably have to replace your expansion valve at some point if you live in a hotter climate, especially if you don’t take your car in for routine maintenance.
Is it easy to replace a car expansion valve yourself?
Replacing an AC orifice tube isn’t advisable as a DIY project. It requires specialized equipment to evacuate and replace the refrigerant in the lines, which can be hazardous. The refrigerant in your car is toxic, flammable, and corrosive. Contamination before it returns to the lines could impact other components of the cooling system.
FAQs
Common causes of expansion valve and orifice tube failure include age, wear, moisture, and contaminants like dust and dirt. Over time, components in your AC system, particularly those containing high-pressure liquid, may degrade. However, you can mitigate moisture and contaminant issues by cleaning the AC condenser and replacing the HVAC car air filter.
The location of the expansion valve varies depending on the vehicle, with possible placements including under the hood, under the dashboard, or near the firewall. Consult your model’s repair manual for precise information. Alternatively, if you can't locate the expansion valve, your car may utilize an orifice tube positioned within the AC high-pressure hose leading to the evaporator.
Certainly, a malfunctioning expansion valve can result in a refrigerant leak. The expansion valve, comprising various small valves and chambers, regulates the amount of refrigerant entering the evaporator. If there's a blockage or malfunction, particularly under high pressure, it can lead to leakage from the unit.
