I need to replace the ac compressor. I have the new one already, bought cheap on ebay, and I'm ready to install.

My question is regarding the filter drier. I was told that I had to replace the drier when I do the compressor. I HAD to do it. I'm wondering if that's actually true or not. Has anyone done a compressor swap without changing the drier? Any problems or regrets?

My understanding of the drier is it takes any moisture out of the system so as to not freeze anything in the system up. But, if all I'm doing is replacing the compressor the system isn't going to be exposed to air for more that 2 hrs. Would this really create enough moisture in the system to begin to freeze the lines up?

 

late response, but no.
as an AC technician, in a shop, youre supposed to replace it to eliminate any chance of a come back and its usually not that hard (domestics smdh).
in your own car, you can get away with not replacing it, just pay attention to it just in case

 

Any professional mechanic will advise replacement, since if the drier is saturated and causes a problem... it can take out the compressor he just replaced. Getting an angry customer back with a problem that's bigger than the original problem es no bueno. Much better to suggest replacement of a fairly inexpensive item.

The issue is that some of the 02-03 have the drier welded to the condenser. If you have one of those condensers, then you might want to risk it. If you have the style with removable drier, I'd replace it.

 

+1


the purpose of an AC drier is to absorb moisture in the AC system. and like Concillian said some models do not have a removable and replaceable canister like most cars. they are integrated in the condenser. finding a decandecent bag for these is a PITA ill tell you that. After not finding any repalcement bags, i removed drier bag and vaccum and air blasted it. did t he same the the condenser. that was the closest i would get to "replacing" the bag.

All in all, it IS a good idea to repalce the bag. Will your system fail before the end of the driveway? no

 

I didn't replace mine. Just swapped the compressor and took it in to get it vacuumed and refilled.