Q: How to Properly Service and Replace the A/C Orifice Tube on Chevrolet Impala?
A: Proceed with expansion (A/C orifice) tube replacement after you remove the air cleaner and duct assembly along with the cross vehicle brace. After recovering the refrigerant you should remove both the vacuum Brake Booster and the condenser tube from the vehicle. Needle-nose pliers should be used to grasp the A/C Orifice Tube so you can both turn and push it until it separates from its housing before removal. Check the expansion tube for plastic frame damage and replace it if required while inspecting for a plugged inlet filter or a coated inlet filter which should also be replaced when necessary. When the tube can be reused you should clean the inlet filter using low pressure shop air before discarding the o-ring seals. Insert the new o-ring seals into their positions by applying mineral base 525 viscosity refrigerant oil followed by a careful insertion of the A/C Orifice Tube into the condenser tube while avoiding contact with the inlet filter. Install the condenser tube followed by the vacuum Brake Booster and carry out system evacuation before recharging. Once leak inspection of the a/c system is complete the technician should reinstall the cross vehicle brace followed by the air cleaner and duct assembly.
Q: How to replace the A/C Orifice Tube on Chevrolet Malibu?
A: The necessary replacement tools for the expansion (A/C Orifice Tube) consist of the Halogen Leak Detector (J 39400-A) together with the A/C Orifice Tube Remover (J 26549-E). The first step requires recovery of refrigerant and vehicle lift. The first step involves removing the bolt that connects the evaporator hose assembly to the condenser before detaching the assembly while using tape to seal the condenser line opening against contaminant entry. The process requires discarding the seal washer before extracting the A/C orifice tube with A/C Orifice Tube Remover (J 26549-E). The presence of restrictions or plugging requires residue removal and heat application from a heat gun at 7 mm distance (1/4 in) from the inlet pipe dimples followed by plier use to extract the A/C orifice tube through push-pull movements for loosening. Clean the inside of the evaporator inlet line for removing any source of contamination. The expansion A/C orifice tube needs to be inspected for damage and a replacement should be conducted in case of issues. A new O-ring must be installed after applying mineral base 525 viscosity refrigerant oil to the surface lightly. The A/C orifice tube needs to be inserted into the evaporator line so start from the short filter screen outlet side before cleaning all line fitting sealing surfaces using a lint-free cloth. After installing a new seal washer to the condenser tube you can connect the evaporator hose assembly to the condenser as you tighten the bolt to 25 N.m (18 lb ft). Evacuate and charge the A/C system following a leak test on all fittings done with the Halogen Detector (J 39400-A).
Q: How to replace the A/C Orifice Tube on a long wheel base on Chevrolet Trailblazer?
A: The refrigerant recovery procedure must start before you replace the expansion (orifice) tube of a long wheel base vehicle. Take away both the accumulator and Coolant Reservoir from the vehicle. First loosen the Evaporator tube nut installed on the Evaporator while removing the Evaporator tube from its position on the Evaporator. Before continuing remove the nut of the Evaporator tube block then disconnect the Evaporator tube at its block fitting . The expansion tube requires removal with the orifice tube remover (J 26549-E). Dispose of the original o-ring seal. Insert the smaller end of the expansion tube to the Evaporator tube before using the orifice tube remover (J 26549-E) for installation. First place the new o-ring seal and then put together the Evaporator tube with block fitting before tightening the nut to 28 n.m (21 lb ft) on the Evaporator tube block. Pair the Evaporator tube along with its nut to the Evaporator and apply 28 n.m (21 lb ft) of torque to both components. The last step includes reattaching the Coolant Reservoir with the accumulator and recharging the refrigerant system followed by inspecting for leaks with the halogen leak detector (J 39400-A).