Lexus RX450h Expansion Valve (Orifice Tube) Replacement Costs

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Expansion Valve (Orifice Tube) Replacement Service

How much does a Expansion Valve (Orifice Tube) Replacement cost?

On average, the cost for a Lexus RX450h Expansion Valve (Orifice Tube) Replacement is $420 with $116 for parts and $304 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

Car	Service	Estimate	Shop/Dealer Price
2010 Lexus RX450hV6-3.5L Hybrid	Service typeExpansion Valve (Orifice Tube) Replacement	Estimate$679.51	Shop/Dealer Price$813.40 - $1089.06
2016 Lexus RX450hV6-3.5L Hybrid	Service typeExpansion Valve (Orifice Tube) Replacement	Estimate$535.31	Shop/Dealer Price$649.25 - $864.84
2015 Lexus RX450hV6-3.5L Hybrid	Service typeExpansion Valve (Orifice Tube) Replacement	Estimate$598.47	Shop/Dealer Price$728.19 - $991.14
2014 Lexus RX450hV6-3.5L Hybrid	Service typeExpansion Valve (Orifice Tube) Replacement	Estimate$615.51	Shop/Dealer Price$749.37 - $1025.00
2011 Lexus RX450hV6-3.5L Hybrid	Service typeExpansion Valve (Orifice Tube) Replacement	Estimate$615.51	Shop/Dealer Price$749.58 - $1025.38
2012 Lexus RX450hV6-3.5L Hybrid	Service typeExpansion Valve (Orifice Tube) Replacement	Estimate$615.51	Shop/Dealer Price$749.49 - $1025.22
2017 Lexus RX450hV6-3.5L Hybrid	Service typeExpansion Valve (Orifice Tube) Replacement	Estimate$551.31	Shop/Dealer Price$640.76 - $837.98
2013 Lexus RX450hV6-3.5L Hybrid	Service typeExpansion Valve (Orifice Tube) Replacement	Estimate$631.51	Shop/Dealer Price$766.82 - $1043.54

Show example Lexus RX450h Expansion Valve (Orifice Tube) Replacement prices

What is the Expansion Valve (Orifice Tube) all about?

The air conditioning system in your vehicle depends on the refrigerant that circulates in the A/C system. In particular, the evaporator core inside the passenger compartment requires a specific, metered amount of refrigerant in order to efficiently cool the interior. The expansion valve, also known as an orifice tube in some designs, regulates the pressure of refrigerant that enters the evaporator. The tube is also where liquid refrigerant under pressure converts to a gaseous form. The gaseous refrigerant absorbs heat from air passing through the evaporator core and carries it to the condenser where the heat is removed.

In a situation where the orifice tube is either blocked or stuck open, the air conditioning will not cool properly. Too much refrigerant will cause frost on the core and prevent air from passing through to cool the air temperature. Too little refrigerant passing through the evaporator means not enough heat is absorbed and the interior is insufficiently cooled. In either situation, you may need to replace the expansion valve/orifice tube.

Keep in mind:

Air conditioning work needs to be completed by a trained and licensed professional in nearly all circumstances because refrigerants are regulated substances.
It is possible for the expansion valve to become blocked by excessive moisture in the air conditioning system, which would indicate a receiver/drier problem.

How it's done:

The AC refrigerant is removed from the system
The defective expansion valve is removed
The new expansion valve is installed
The a/c system is recharged with refrigerant
The a/c system is tested for leaks and proper operation

Our recommendation:

Whenever air conditioning repairs or refrigerant recharges are performed, have the expansion valve inspected for proper operation. If the expansion valve is not opening or closing properly, you may need one of our expert technicians to replace the expansion valve or orifice tube.

What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the Expansion Valve (Orifice Tube)?

Air conditioning doesn’t cool sufficiently
Air conditioning expansion valve is frosty but the air conditioning isn’t blowing cold air

How important is this service?

Air conditioning is a comfort item in a vehicle, not a safety issue. However, the air conditioning also removes moisture in the air for the defrost setting to clear your windows. If the air conditioning is not working properly, your vision may be impaired in humid or very cold weather.

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John

19 years of experience

138 reviews

John

19 years of experience

by Priyank

Lexus RX450h V6-3.5L Hybrid - Brake Pads Replacement (Rear) - Austin, Texas

John provided excellent services, was timely and polite in his conversations.

Martin

10 years of experience

7 reviews

Martin

10 years of experience

by lisa

Lexus RX450h V6-3.5L Hybrid - Oil Change - Denver, Colorado

Martin was personable and professional, and he let me know when he was going to be delayed.

Peter

43 years of experience

1321 reviews

Peter

43 years of experience

by Rachel

Lexus RX450h V6-3.5L Hybrid - Brake System Flush - New River, Arizona

I would like to rate Peter 10 stars if I could! Here's a guy who's already hit 1000 5 star reviews! That's insane! When two other mechanics cancelled on me for a brake flush on my Lexus RX450h, YourMechanic sent their "best" tech out to do it. And they weren't kidding. Peter is one of the very best if not "the best" there is. Not only did he do the job quickly and correctly but he has an amazing bedside manner. He is one of the most intelligent people I've met in a long time and I had an amazing conversation with him. You can tell that he loves people as well as cars and it is more than just about the money for him. YourMechanic has a superstar here and they should have him training staff for how to treat clients as well as for his vast knowledge about cars, how the subsystems work, and how to troubleshoot and repair them. If YourMechanic continues to hire such top tier guys like Peter, car shops are going to be in trouble. Absolutely amazing service in every way. YourMechanic has brought humanity back to car care and has given amazing mechanics a more flexible schedule so it's a win-win. I really enjoy getting to know the person who is directly taking care of my vehicle. You just cannot compete with that. Thank you Peter. It was a sincere honor to meet you! And what a great accent! If you're lucky enough to book him, definitely do.

Chris

22 years of experience

2235 reviews

Chris

22 years of experience

by Debbie

Lexus RX450h V6-3.5L Hybrid - Oil Change - Laguna Niguel, California

Nice guy and he knows what he is doing. He gave me good tips and is always professional. It was nice to see the same man as my last visit. My neighbor came by asking for cards. I hope I get referral rewards!

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