AC dryer replacement

[jw_928]

The pulley on my AC compressor self-destructed and while I am replacing the compressor, I will also be attempting to replace the dryer (desiccator) and the expansion valve.

The expansion valve doesn't look too bad once I can get my wiper off but I'm not really sure what the manual is saying for the removal of the dryer.

I have removed the rubber grommet on the condensor and the manual says that I should use a slide hammer to push the plug down and turn the Seeger ring to gain access.

My question is, how hard do I have to push down and do I really need a slide hammer to push down? Also, do I need to be pushing down when removing the Seeger ring?

[Brett968]

With the refrigerant evacuated and the system open, there shouldn't be any pressure holding the plug upward. You will still have to make sure the plug is slightly depressed to remove the circlip. There are ridges on the cap that prevent the circlip from being removed when it is in the normal upward position. This is to prevent the clip from being removed when the system is under pressure. To press down on the plug, I think I just used a long 3/8" extension (no socket) with the open end facing the cap. In my case, the refrigerant was evacuated but the system was not open. I had to hold very light pressure while removing the circlip. In your case, I'm wondering if you can't just push it down and it will stay.

 

Perhaps the slide hammer is for removing the plug? I could see the plug getting stuck in the downward position if the system is open.

Edited August 4, 2015 by Brett968

[jw_928]

It turns out that once the system is evacuated there really isn't much pressure holding the plug in place other than the spring in the dryer.  I didn't realize this until the circlip spun in place when I was trying to get the pliers on it.  I ended up breaking off the tips of three different snap-ring pliers but finally got the clip started on one end and then it popped out with a tug.

 

I got the plug out without the slide hammer by screwing a bolt into the center of the plug (where the cover came out) and using vice grips on the bolt.  I noticed I was able to move the plug a little bit and after some wiggling it popped right out.  It was basically held in place by the two rubber o-rings.