A/C Problems. Replace Expansion Valve?

[Jeff_SS]

Been chasing an A/C issue with my Camaro like many of us have. Air doesn't blow cold.

Initially I thought blend door based on the popularity of that issue. Took apart everything underneath to find the blend door was perfectly fine.
Replaced evaporator temp sensor. No change.
Evacuated and refilled freon to proper amount. No change.
Changed A/C Schrader valve. No change.

Finally took to an A/C repair shop here in Scottsdale to have them attempt to diagnose the issue.
They evacuated and refilled the system and checked for leaks etc.
They came to the conclusion that the issue is the expansion valve.

I'll attach a picture of the work-order notes from the shop.


Anyway, has anyone replaced the expansion valve easily themselves? I assume it's not that hard based on a quick skim of what I'm reading online.

Any tips or advice would be appreciated!

[bsn]

You will need to pull a vacuum if you open the system. They should have caught the expansion valve when they put the gauges on Abnormally hi high side and abnormally low, low side.

[Jeff_SS]

Originally Posted by bsn

You will need to pull a vacuum if you open the system. They should have caught the expansion valve when they put the gauges on Abnormally hi high side and abnormally low, low side.

Makes sense. So I'll have to pull everything out of the system, replace the expansion valve, and then fully recharge the system again.
Hope that works.

[Jeff_SS]

Well I took the time to vacuum the system, replace the thermostatic expansion valve and recharge the system. Really wasn’t too bad replacing the expansion valve with the right 3/8” extensions.

$65 part and a few hours work using the loaner vacuum equipment from autozone and all is well.

Very happy to report that my a/c is working as it should, ice cold, again.