Orifice Tube: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Tools Required: Orifice Tube Remover (J-26549-E).

Recover the refrigerant. See RECOVERY, EVACUATION & RECHARGING in GENERAL SERVICING PROCEDURES article in GENERAL SERVICING. Raise the vehicle. Remove the bolt holding the evaporator hose assembly to the condenser. Remove the evaporator hose assembly from the condenser. See Fig 1.
Immediately cap or tape the open end of the condenser line to prevent contamination. Remove and discard the seal washer. Use Orifice Tube Remover (J-26549-E) to remove the orifice tube.
Use the following procedure in order to remove a restricted or plugged orifice tube:
- Remove as much as possible of the impacted residue.
- Use a heat gun in order to apply heat to the orifice tube.
- Apply the heat approximately 1/4" (7 mm) from the dimples on the inlet pipe.
- While applying heat, use pliers in order to grip the orifice tube.
- Use a turning motion along with a push-pull motion.
This will loosen the impacted orifice tube and remove the tube. Swab the inside of the evaporator inlet line to clean any contamination from the line.
Inspect the expansion orifice tube for the following conditions and clean or replace with a new tube as indicated:
- Broken Plastic Frame
- Filter Screen Torn, Damaged Or Plugged With Fine Gritty Material
- Brass Orifice Tube Damaged Or Plugged
- Filter Screen Coated With Metal Chips, Flakes, Or Slivers
Coating may be removed with low pressure shop air and reused if cleaned satisfactorily If reusing the orifice tube, install a NEW O-ring.

Fig 1: Removing & Installing Orifice Tube

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.