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The best air-conditioning orifice tube for your car is the one specified for its exact vehicle and A/C system—not a tube chosen by color or a universal “best” ranking. Before buying, confirm the OEM or cross-reference part number, then verify fitment in a current parts catalog or vehicle service information.
What an A/C orifice tube does
An orifice tube is a fixed, calibrated restriction in some automotive A/C systems. It meters refrigerant from the high-pressure side into the evaporator on the low-pressure side. The resulting pressure drop allows refrigerant to evaporate and absorb heat. Many designs also include a screen that can catch debris; if the screen becomes clogged, refrigerant flow can be restricted. Four Seasons explains the tube’s function and application-specific construction, and GM’s parts catalog lists an example genuine orifice tube.
How to choose the right replacement
- Identify the vehicle and A/C system. Use the vehicle’s year, make, model, engine, and any other details requested by the catalog. A model name alone may not establish the correct part.
- Find the OEM number or a verified cross-reference. Check the vehicle service information or a parts catalog with application lookup. Four Seasons says orifice tubes are built for specific applications to OEM size and color; that makes color a specification clue, not a safe stand-alone fitment method. Four Seasons application information.
- Confirm the listing matches the system. Check that the catalog identifies your exact application and that the replacement’s part number or cross-reference agrees. If information conflicts, confirm with a reliable parts supplier or service source before ordering.
- Compare only compatible options. Once fitment is established, compare OE versus aftermarket status, published specifications, warranty, seller return terms, and current price. The cited sources do not provide head-to-head cooling, durability, or reliability test results, so they do not support naming one brand or tube as the performance winner.
A GM part number is an example, not a universal pick
GM’s Chevrolet catalog lists GM Genuine Parts air-conditioning orifice tube 52477004, also associated with ACDelco 15-5612. The listing includes product specifications and example vehicle applications, but that does not make it suitable for every car—or even every vehicle from the same manufacturer. Use the GM listing to check whether its application details match your vehicle; do not order by the part number alone.
When replacement matters during A/C repair
A failing compressor can send debris through the A/C system, where it may clog the orifice tube. Four Seasons describes replacing the tube during compressor replacement and states in its application guide that failing to replace the orifice tube—or a contaminated expansion device—when installing a compressor will void that compressor’s warranty. That is Four Seasons’ warranty guidance, not a universal rule for every compressor or warranty. Check the applicable compressor warranty and repair instructions. Four Seasons application guide.
#1 Best Overall
- Brand New, OE replacement: UAC branded Red Orifice Tube
- 100% Guaranteed Fit! Add your car (year/make/model) to Amazon's garage to confirm
- Premium ISO/TS 16949 quality; tested to meet or exceed OEM specifications
- Maximum cooling efficiency
Installation and system cleaning
Orientation matters: Four Seasons cautions that the tube must be installed correctly to seat properly and avoid restricting the system. The precise location and procedure vary by vehicle, so follow the relevant service information rather than assuming a single access point or installation method. Four Seasons product guidance.
If debris has contaminated the system, replacing the tube alone may not address contamination elsewhere. Four Seasons installation instructions recommend a non-oil-based flush product designed for automotive A/C and a flush cylinder with pressurized air as a cleaning method. Which components can be flushed, and the correct procedure, depend on the vehicle and system; use the service manual and applicable refrigerant-system procedures. Four Seasons installation instructions.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- [Vehicle Fitment-1]: Compatible with GMC C3500HD 2001-2002, Sierra 1500 2001-2013, Sierra 1500 Classic 2007, Sierra 1500 HD 2001-2003, Sierra 1500 HD 2005-2006, Sierra 1500 HD Classic 2007, Sierra 2500 2001-2004, Sierra 2500 HD 2001-2014, Sierra 3500 2001-2006, Sierra 3500 Classic 2007, Sierra 3500 HD 2007-2014, Yukon 2001-2014, Yukon XL 1500 2001-2014 --- It comes with 17mm Orifice Tube Diameter
- [Vehicle Fitment-2]: Compatible with GMC Yukon XL 2500 2001-2013; Compatible with Cadillac Escalade 2006-2014, Escalade ESV 2006-2014, Escalade EXT 2006-2013; Compatible with Chevrolet Avalanche 2007-2013, Avalanche 1500 2002-2006, Avalanche 2500 2002-2006, C3500HD 2002, Silverado 1500 2002-2013, Silverado 1500 Classic 2007, Silverado 1500 HD 2002-2003/2005-2006, Silverado 1500 HD Classic 2007 --- It comes with 17mm Orifice Tube Diameter
- [Vehicle Fitment-3]: Compatible with Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD Classic 2007, Silverado 2500 2002-2004, Silverado 2500 HD 2002-2014, Silverado 3500 2002-2006, Silverado 3500 Classic 2007, Silverado 3500 HD 2007-2014, Suburban 1500 2001-2014, Suburban 2500 2001-2013, Tahoe 2001-2014; Compatible with Hummer H2 2008-2009 --- It comes with 17mm Orifice Tube Diameter
- [Reference Number]: 19259601, 19418346, 15784601, 3411884, 38644, EX33410C
- [Buy with Confidence]: A-Premium offers a one-year unlimited-mileage guarantee on our meticulously crafted compatible with Silverado 1500 AC Orifice Tube. We offer a wide variety of automotive accessory categories, ensuring that you can hit the road with peace of mind
Rank #4
- [Vehicle Fitment-1]: Compatible with Ford Models - Fit for F-250 (87-97/99), F-350 (87-96), F-250 Super Duty (99-07), F-350 Super Duty (99-07), F-450 Super Duty (99-07), F-550 Super Duty (99-10), F-650/F-750 (00-05), F-150 Heritage (04)
- [Vehicle Fitment-2]: Compatible with Ford Models - GT (05-06), Probe (93), Ranger (87-93/98-11), Windstar (95-03), Aerostar (86-97), Bronco (87-96), Bronco II (87-90), E-150 Econoline (92-01), E-250 Econoline (92-01), E-350 Econoline (92-98), E-150 Econoline Club Wagon (92-01), E-350 Econoline Club Wagon (92-01), E-450 Econoline Super Duty (00-01), Excursion (00-05), Expedition (97-02), Explorer (91-10), Explorer Sport (01-03), Explorer Sport Trac (01-05/07-10)
- [Vehicle Fitment-3]: Compatible with Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury Models - Blackwood (02), Mark LT (06), Navigator (98-02), Town Car (04-05), B2300 (01-08), B2500 (98-01), B3000 (98-07), B4000 (98-08), Navajo (91-92/94), Mountaineer (97-10)
- [Reference Number]: EX 1000C, EX1000C, YG-346, ZZM061179B, 155755, F2DZ19D990A
- [Buy with Confidence]: A-Premium offers a one-year unlimited-mileage guarantee on our meticulously crafted A/C Expansion Tube. We offer a wide variety of automotive accessory categories, ensuring that you can hit the road with peace of mind
Rank #3
- [Vehicle Fitment]: Compatible with Jeep Grand Cherokee 1993-1998, Grand Cherokee 1999-2001 4.0L, Wrangler 1997-1999; Compatible with Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup 1994-2008, Ram 2500 Pickup 1994-2008, Ram 2500 Pickup 2009 5.9L 6.7L, Ram 3500 Pickup 1994-2009, Ram 4000 2000-2009, Ram 4500/Ram 5500 2008-2010, Dakota 1994-1996 3.9L 5.2L, Dakota 1997-1999, Monaco 1990-1992; Compatible with Eagle Premier 1988-1992
- [Important Note]: To ensure compatibility, please note: ①It only fits models using a Fixed Orifice Tube (Cycling Clutch Orifice Tube), NOT fits models with Thermostatic Expansion Valve (TXV); ②It is located in the liquid line, Professional installation is highly recommended for this A/C Orifice Tube
- [Reference Number]: EX4101C, EC01614G9, 55036182, 4883551A, 5511611, 555037439AC
- [Directly Fit]: This A/C Orifice Tube is made to the original equipment dimensions for dependable fit and performance
- [Buy with Confidence]: A-Premium offers a one-year unlimited-mileage guarantee on our meticulously crafted A/C Expansion Tube. We offer a wide variety of automotive accessory categories, ensuring that you can hit the road with peace of mind
Rank #2
- Professional, premium aftermarket replacement
- Provides the performance and dependability you expect from ACDelco
- Manufactured to meet expectations for fit, form, and function
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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