Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum (Archives)

jBlaze3000 on Tue July 17, 2012 11:30 PM

Year: 2000
Make: Chevy
Model: Suburban
Engine Size: 5.3
Refrigerant Type: r134
Country of Origin: United States

Trying to find the location of the front expansion valve and orifice tube in my Chevy Suburban.

Bought the truck about 6 weeks ago and it the AC compressor had a noticable tick (like a noisy lifter). AC quit working yesterday and when I cawled under the truck I noticed that the pressure switch mounted in the compressor had blown right out of there. Going to replace the compressor, orifice tube, expansion valve (front) and accumulator, then take it to a shop to have them vacuum and recharge the system. I can't find the expansion valve or orifice tube. If anyone can steer me in the right direction it would be appreciated.

Also, am I replacing the right components based on what happened? Any other suggestions?

Thanks.

TRB on Wed July 18, 2012 1:53 PM

Orifice tube is a condenser mounted Tube.

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GM Tech on Wed July 18, 2012 5:08 PM

If you have a rear system- and I'm assuming you do-- the OT is just beyond the "Y" split on liquid line below battery tray as it leads to the front evap-- there is no front expansion valve. There is indeed a rear exapansion valve-- a little more tricky to get to it though- some pretty good hoops to jump through...

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The number one A/C diagnostic tool there is- is to know how much refrigerant is in the system- this can only be done by recovering and weighing the refrigerant!!
Just a thought.... 65% of A/C failures in my 3200 car diagnostic database (GM vehicles) are due to loss of refrigerant due to a leak......