I am putting in a new compressor and dryer. I am buying parts from checker auto online, factory dryer for like $33.00 best deal I can find. But it says I should get an expansion valve/orifice tube...now I don't know much about a/c but I can't for the life of me picture where this is. Do I need to purchase it? It is another ~$25. What does it do? Thanks in advance

 

I don't know if you need to replace it but you need to have one it's the heart the A/C system. It's what keeps high pressure Freon(hot) in the condenser and low pressure Freon(cold) in the evaporator. As the rpm of the A/C compressor changes with engine RPM the expansion valve varies the flow of Freon to maintain a constant pressure in the system. With out the expansion valve the compressor would simply pump Freon instead of compressing it.

 

So would you recommend getting a new one? The clutch went out on the compressor that is why I am replacing it.

 

I would suggest replace the expansion valve, it's cheap insurance. Also I would recommend not using a compressor from a parts store, most are junk according to what I've read on A/C forums. Go to Courtesy Nissan or one of the other online dealers and ask for a Maxima.org discount. I think I paid < $300 when I got mine from Courtesy several years ago and that was significantly cheaper than the parts stores. I've also ordered from ACKits.com and been very happy with prices and service.

I'd also drop in some UV dye while you have it apart, I'd also use Nylog on the o-rings.

 

I purchased a compressor from an .org member, I purchased the dryer and expansion valve yesterday. Should have all of it installed by the weekend then I will take it over to a shop and have them evacuate and fill the system. I just wasn't sure how important the expansion valve was, I still have no Idea where it is in the car...care to fill me in? Thanks

 

The expansion valve is connected to your evaporator (under the dash). The evaporator is located under the dash just behind your blove box.

 

Good luck your gonna need it, i went through that last year, arrrrrrrgggghhh

 

When you guys did it how long did it take you about? What all is involved, I looked all through the Haynes manual, nothing about expansion valves? But do you guys think it is really necessary? Should I replace it or just skip it?

 

You don't need to replace the expansion valve if you only putting a new compressor in. You really don't need to replace the dryer if the system is only going to be open for a short amount of time.

 

I have had the system open for a couple weeks so I figure I need to do the dryer but you don't think I need to do the expansion valve?

 

thread revival!!!!!

Does anyone know the location of the expansion valve in our cars!?

 

It's with the located behind the glove box, with the Evaporator core

 

Ok cool, so I can just take the glove box off and get to it right there?

 

No, it is not that simple.

The system must be evacuated first because the valve contains refrigerant. Even then it will be difficult to replace while the evaporator housing is still in the vehicle.

 

Here are 2 videos that will show you what you need to do.

They are by an .org member, Pmohr

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuJAS...E3C3345DC2C64F

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NImwU...E3C3345DC2C64F