Abstract: A thermostatic expansion valve for a vehicle air-conditioning system includes a valve body with a condenser passage and an evaporator passage, and a power element supported on one end of the body. The power element includes a diaphragm and a pressure pad disposed against the lower surface of the diaphragm. The pressure pad includes a valve stem engaging a valve assembly in the valve body to control the flow of refrigerant between the condenser and evaporator. The valve assembly includes i) a plunger retainer threadably received in the condenser passage, ii) a plunger moveably connected to the plunger retainer and having a throttling member controlling the flow through an orifice in the metering passage, and iii) a spring extending between the plunger retainer and the plunger and biasing the plunger, and hence the throttling member, toward the orifice.