Working Hours
  • Mon 8:00AM - 5:30PM
    Tue 8:00AM - 5:30PM
  • Wed 8:00AM - 5:30PM
    Thu 8:00AM - 5:30PM
  • Fri 8:00AM - 5:00PM
    Sat Closed
  • Sun Closed
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919-834-7300 | 5312 Atlantic Springs Rd, Raleigh, 27616

Replace Your Car's AC Thermal Expansion Valve or Orifice Tube

Your car or truck's AC system is under extreme pressure and the thermal expansion valve or orifice tube monitors the amount of pressure and the temperature of your A/C system. It calculates the precise amount of refrigerant that can safely go into the evaporator. A failing expansion valve or orifice tube often causes a vehicle's air conditioner to blow hot air.

Replace or Repair

  • Expansion Valves: Too much refrigerant causes your evaporator to get too cold whereas too little refrigerant would result in inadequate cooling. The expansion valve is a complex valve that regulates refrigerant flow. This process of metering the refrigerant adjusts the flow according to the temperature of the refrigerant in the evaporator coil. Talk to one of the pro mechanics at North Raleigh Automotive & Radiator, as this part can be replaced on its own and does not require the entire replacement of the AC assembly.
  • Orifice Tubes: Unlike the expansion valve, the orifice tube is a simple fixed device with no moving parts. It therefore cannot vary the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator, but rather causes a permanent restriction in the system. However, like the expansion valve the orifice tube regulates refrigerant flow through the system and filters debris which may come through in its screen. Often fixing a "bad orifice tube" requires replacing the entire evaporator assembly.


What Our Customers Are Saying

reviewiconProfessional Advice

I usually look at the reviews for places that I've never used before. I found the service and the personnel here exactly as stated on the yelp reviews. Woody was right on target when he provided an on phone analysis of what my radiator problem was. He also provided a range of what the cost might be. I was especially impressed with the time in which it took for them to do it. My vehicle was in their shop by ten am and completed by 4:30 pm.

, 06/12/2017

reviewiconGreat Customer Service

Fantastic business. I will bring my car here for as long as I'm in this area. They are very straightforward, could have raked me over the coals and absolutely did the opposite. My car was leaking coolant and I couldn't find the leak. Brought it here, two days later get a call saying all they can find was a small leak from a clamp on the hose. They tightened it and got me back on the road that very day they called. I will recommend this place to everyone. Thanks guys!!!

, 02/27/2018

reviewiconHonest Auto Shop

I have found my mechanic. Saw that these guys had nothing but good reviews, so I called to ask if I could drop my car off after hours because I work 9-6 every day. I dropped my car off on Monday night, and on Tuesday by 10 am a mechanic had called me to ask for some more info on what was wrong with my car. Woody called back about mid-afternoon to let me know that while they believe it's the compressor, they did not feel comfortable performing such an expensive repair when they weren't 100% sure and when my car was still running mostly fine and blowing cold air. Most other places around here would've happily taken my hundreds of dollars! I appreciated the honesty so much, as that's very rare these days... especially in the auto repair industry. He took my payment for the diagnostic over the phone and said that once my compressor fails, I can use the amount I paid as a credit towards my repair. These guys are super honest and the whole process was so easy and seamless. While it kind of sucks that my car isn't fixed, it still works and I'm not out hundreds of dollars! Super appreciative and I will certainly be here for future repairs and maintenance.

, 07/20/2019

reviewiconFast and Courteous

I got a 1980 Fiat Spider 124 with radiator trouble. I call and spoke to Woody and ask me to get it there and next day was done. Kudos to Woody. Thank you !!!

, 05/28/2020

reviewiconBest Auto Shop

North Raleigh Radiator is the best! My family has been going to them for years, and I have personally taken two of my vehicles to them over the years. They are honest, reliable and kind. As a lady, it feels intimidating to find an auto shop that you can trust. I've gone to other automotive shops in the area who have tried to sell me things that my car hasn't needed, but Neal and Woody have never tried to do that (they just shake their heads at the other guys) and have been my go to for a second opinion when it comes to what repairs I actually need. They are also more accommodating than other shops, as it's been easier to find a time slot when my car needs attention. I will continue coming here for as long as they are open! You will not be let down or disappointed. They are truly the best in the area.

, 05/08/2018
  • ASE (Automotive Service Excellence)
  • NAPA
  • BBB Accredited Business
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  • GWC Warranty
  • Mobile Air Conditioning Society
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  • Call Us For Service: 919-834-7300