Warning 1: The air conditioning system is under high pressure. Do not loosen the couplings or remove components without first discharging the system when contacting an authorized or specialized service station. When disconnecting the air conditioning system couplings, wear protective glasses or a mask.
Warning 2: Before proceeding with this procedure, wait until the engine has cooled down completely.
1. Discharge the air conditioning system at a service station of the appropriate profile (see warning above).
2. Remove the accumulator dryer and plug the connectors to prevent moisture from entering the system and clogging it.
3. Remove the air cleaner and the expansion tank of the cooling system (the tank is the lower component of the air cleaner housing - see Chapter 4).
4. Unscrew the evaporator tube nut and remove the connection block. After this, you can throw away the seal, since it must be replaced during subsequent assembly.
5. Follow the direction of the line to the next end and disconnect it as well. Remove the line from the engine compartment.
6. The expansion tube has a constant flow diameter and has a mesh filter at each end (see illustration). One end of the expansion tube is visible in the pipe leading to the evaporator. Using needle-nose pliers, pull out the bypass tube; mark its original location.
18.6 The expansion tube has a conical mesh filter, which must remain clean at all times and have no damage to the mesh
7. The expansion tube serves to dose the refrigerant when it transitions from a liquid state (under high pressure) into gaseous (at low pressure). The tube is suitable for further use under the following conditions.
- a) The screens are not clogged with foreign particles.
- b) The nets are not raised.
- c) The plastic housing in which the nets are located is not damaged.
- d) The bleed hole in the bronze coupling located in the plastic housing is not clogged.
8. Installation is carried out in the reverse order of removal. The tube should be inserted with the short end first.
Caution: When installing the expansion tank (pass) replace the sealing ring on the tube.
9. Install the refrigerant circulation line (with new seals) and tighten the couplings securely. Charge and check the air conditioning system for leaks at the same station where the discharge was performed.