OEM 2000 Buick Century A/C Orifice Tube

2000 Buick Century Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to Replace an A/C Orifice Tube on 2000 Buick Century?

  A: To replace the expansion (orifice) tube, start with removing the air cleaner and duct assembly to then take out the cross vehicle brace if so equipped. Recover the refrigerant, as described in refrigerant recovery and recharging. Then take out the vacuum Brake Booster and the condenser tube. Loosen the expansion (orifice) tube by gripping it with needle-nose pliers to twist, and use both turn and push-pull approach to finally take it out. Look over the tube and see if there is a broken plastic frame, broken or clogged inlet filter, or inlet filter covered in metal debris; replace the tube if necessary and in circumstance where it is being used again, clean the inlet filter with low pressure shop air and dispose of the o-ring seals. Before installation, lubricate the o-ring seals with mineral base 525 viscosity refrigerant oil, watching the opening in the section of the tube closest to the compressor and carefully reach in for the edge of the tubular expansion (orifice) part, never handling the inlet filter , squeezing it into the condenser tube until seated. Reinstall the condenser tube, evacuate and recharge the system and inspect the a/c system for leaks. Finally replace the cross vehicle brace if equipped and the air cleaner and duct assembly.