Refrigerant Circuit Components Allocation, High And Low Pressure Sides: Receiver/Dryer

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The receiver/dryer collects the fluid drops and then directs them in an uninterrupted stream to the expansion valve. Moisture which has entered the refrigerant circuit during repairs will be collected by the desiccant bag in the receiver/dryer.

Fig 1: A/C Receiver Drier

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

NOTE:

Replace the receiver/dryer if refrigerant circuit has been open for a long time (beyond the normal repair time) and moisture has penetrated inside, or if required due to a specific complaint. Refer to REFRIGERANT CIRCUIT COMPONENTS, REPLACING .

Only remove sealing plugs shortly before installation.

A desiccant bag in an unsealed receiver/dryer becomes saturated with moisture after a short period of time and unusable.

When installing, note arrow for direction of flow if necessary.

Depending on the version of the refrigerant circuit, the receiver/dryer is also installed (integrated) either on the condenser or inside the condenser. Refer to Refer to OVERVIEW - COMPONENTS OUTSIDE OF PASSENGER COMPARTMENT (vehicle-specific repair information) .

The procedure is different for each complaint depending on the version of the receiver/dryer and the dryer cartridge. If the receiver/dryer, for example, is attached to the condenser, then it can be replaced complete with the drying cartridge. If the receiver/dryer, for example, is inside the condenser, then the dryer cartridge, and any possible additional filters, can be replaced separately, on most versions. If the receiver/dryer is inside the condenser and there is absolutely no way to replace the reservoir or the dry cartridge individually, then the entire condenser must be replaced. Refer to RECEIVER/DRYER, REMOVING AND INSTALLING and CONDENSER, REMOVING AND INSTALLING (vehicle-specific repair information) .

Depending on the construction of the refrigerant circuit, the receiver can also be secured onto the condenser. Refer to OVERVIEW - REFRIGERANT CIRCUIT (vehicle-specific repair information) .