How to Replace an Air Suspension Dryer Assembly

The air suspension dryer assembly keeps the air in the suspension system dry to prevent rust. Sagging or bouncing while driving are signs of a malfunction.

The air suspension dryer assembly plays an important role in the suspension system. It keeps the air in the system dry to prevent corrosion and rust from developing on suspension parts. If the air suspension dryer assembly fails, this will show up in problems with the suspension itself, such as sagging or excessive springiness while driving.

Part 1 of 2: Removing the Air Dryer

Necessary materials

• Basic hand tools
• Scan Tool

Step 1: Turn the ignition key to the "on" position..

Step 2: Relieve Air Pressure. Using the scan tool, open the bleed valve and relieve all air pressure from the air lines. After depressurizing the air lines, close the vent valve. You don't need to deflate the air springs.

• A warning: Before disconnecting or removing any air suspension components, completely relieve air pressure from the air suspension system. Failure to do so could result in serious injury.

Step 3: Turn the ignition key to the off position..

Step 4: Disconnect the air line from the compressor dryer.. Press the locking ring of the quick connector down (marked with a red circle above), then pull the plastic air line out of the air dryer.

Step 5: Disconnect the electrical connector. Disconnect the electrical connector from the air compressor (marked with a green circle above).

Locate the release tab on the connector. Press the tab and separate the two halves of the connector.

Step 6: Remove the Compressor. Remove the bracket bolts that secure the air compressor to the vehicle, then remove the air compressor and bracket assembly from the vehicle.

Using an appropriate size socket and ratchet, loosen and remove the bolts holding the compressor to the vehicle body.

Step 7: Remove the screws. Remove the screws that secure the air dryer to the compressor.

Step 8: Remove the air dryer. Pull the air dryer outward from the air compressor to remove it.

You may need to turn the air dryer counterclockwise by pulling to release it from the retaining tabs.

• Attention: Make sure the O-ring is removed with the air dryer and not left inside the air compressor assembly.

Part 2 of 2: Installing the dehumidifier

Step 1: Install the air dryer on the air compressor. If you are installing a new air dryer, make sure it comes with a new o-ring.

If the old air dryer is being reinstalled, fit a new O-ring to the dryer.

Step 2: Tighten the screws. Install and tighten all air dryer mounting screws.

Step 3 Install the air compressor and bracket assembly to the vehicle.. Secure the compressor in place and tighten all fasteners to the specified torque (approximately 10-12 lb-ft).

• Attention: When the air compressor is installed, make sure that the air compressor moves freely in the rubber insulators. This prevents noise from the air compressor from being transmitted to the car body while the air compressor is running.

Step 4: Connect the electrical connector to the compressor.. The connector has an alignment key or a special shape that prevents incorrect connection of the connector.

This connector only goes one way. Slide the two mating halves of the connector together until the connector lock clicks.

• Attention: To avoid noise or vibration problems, make sure there are no objects under or on the bracket and that the air compressor is not in contact with any surrounding components. Make sure the compressor bracket is not deformed which could cause the rubber insulators to stress each other.

Step 5: Install the air duct to the air dryer.. Insert the white plastic air line into the air dryer port as far as it will go. No additional tools are required.

• Attention: When installing air lines, make sure the white inner air line is fully inserted into the fitting for proper installation.

If you have any problems with the installation, qualified AvtoTachki specialists can replace the air suspension dryer assembly for you. Give them a call to set up a convenient meeting at home or work.