Receiver Dryer Replacement Cost Estimate
Concerned about overpaying for your receiver dryer replacement? Utilize Mymechanic to obtain a fair cost estimate for your receiver dryer replacement.
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How much does it cost to replace a receiver dryer?
The process of replacing your receiver dryer typically incurs varying expenses. Keep in mind that the exact cost for a receiver dryer replacement may differ based on your vehicle's make and model.
How long does it take to replace a receiver dryer?
A certified mechanic typically takes about 1-2 hours to replace your receiver dryer. The mechanic will first inspect the air conditioning system refrigerant and receiver dryer to determine if it’s damaged or faulty, then proceed with a complete replacement if needed.
How did we estimate these prices?
My Mechanic experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all states in Malaysia, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified MyMechanic in Malaysia, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair.
What parts do I need for a receiver dryer replacement and how much do they cost?
The receiver dryer is a single component of your car’s AC system, and if it breaks, it’s generally the only part you’ll need to replace. However, if other cooling system components are damaged, your mechanic may replace them.
The average cost for a new receiver dryer varies.
You may also need to purchase new refrigerant oil (PAG oil) for your receiver dryer, which varies in cost.
You can purchase receiver dryer parts for your car from auto parts stores in Malaysia, as well as online retailers. Three recommended brands for receiver dryer parts are Four Seasons, UAC (Universal Air Conditioner), and ACDelco. However, the best part and brand for your receiver dryer replacement will vary based on your vehicle’s year, make, and model.
When it comes to replacing your car’s receiver dryer, OEM parts are generally recommended, as they’re higher-quality and manufactured to your vehicle’s specifications. Properly fitting parts are important for optimal cooling system performance and to prevent future problems. However, if you can find an aftermarket part that’s high-quality and fits seamlessly, you may be able to save some money without compromising performance.
Most automotive stores—or stores that sell automotive parts—will carry aftermarket replacement receiver dryers. You can also find them through online auto parts stores, along with other retailers. However, you may have to contact your local dealership if you're looking for OEM parts.
Where can I get my receiver dryer replaced?
Finding a reputable repair shop to replace your receiver dryer can be tricky, especially if you don’t have a trusted auto repair shop or mechanic in your area. Luckily, Mymechanic has your back. It can help you compare costs from over 2,500 trusted car repair shops in Malaysia..
Mymechanic even helps you compare fair price estimates* from each shop using their actual hourly labor cost, determine if you need to budget for additional fees (and if it’s included in the service cost), and provide reviews from real customers to help you choose the best shop for your cooling system repairs.
How did we vet these shops?
My Mechanic experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the Malaysia. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually.
How will a mechanic replace my receiver dryer?
Below are some of the steps a mechanic will take when replacing your AC receiver dryer:
- Evacuate the AC system refrigerant
- Disconnect any electrical connections attached to the receiver dryer
- Disconnect the lines attached to the receiver dryer
- Remove AC receiver dryer
- Install the new receiver dryer for the AC system
- Add oil to the receiver dryer
- Replace the O-rings on the pressure line
- Reconnect the lines and electrical connections
- Vacuum and recharge the AC system
- Test the AC system to ensure it is functioning properly
What happens if I don’t replace the receiver dryer?
Not replacing your receiver dryer when it shows signs of wear or damage can harm important components of your vehicle. If the receiver dryer is worn, damaged, or inoperable, it can lead to system clogs (condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator), abnormal system pressures, and poor cooling system performance. Low performance can put extra pressure on other system components, especially the compressor, and could cause it to seize.
What is an AC receiver dryer?
Your car’s air conditioning system can be divided into two parts: the high-pressure side and the low-pressure side. The low-pressure side maintains the refrigerant in a gaseous state, whereas on the high-pressure side, it exists as a liquid.
As the refrigerant circulates through the air conditioning system, the air conditioner receiver dryer filters excess moisture and debris/contaminants. It comprises three parts:
- Container
- Desiccant sack
- Inlet/outlet
The container temporarily holds oil and refrigerant when less of it is needed. The desiccant removes excess moisture and debris from the refrigerant. The inlet/outlet keeps the refrigerant flowing.
How do I know if my receiver dryer needs replacing?
A/C receiver dryer failure isn’t very common, but when it occurs, it's often attributed to clogging.
Your mechanic should replace the AC receiver dryer whenever your A/C system is serviced, or at least every three years.
You may need to replace your car's AC receiver dryer if:
- You hear unusual sounds while your AC is operating
- You observe varying temperatures in your car while driving
- You detect a mold or mildew odor when your AC is running
- You see refrigerant leaking
Even though your car can operate without a functioning air conditioning system, if you need to replace your AC receiver dryer, it’s not something you should delay for long. Since its role is to filter out excess moisture and debris from the refrigerant, postponing it for too long could harm other components of the system, leading to more expenses in the long term.
How often should the receiver dryer be replaced?
Similar to an air or oil filter, the AC receiver dryer is a disposable component of your car’s cooling system. Its function is to filter and safeguard the AC system against moisture damage. Your car’s receiver dryer contains desiccant pellets that absorb incoming moisture. Once they have absorbed a significant amount of moisture, they will no longer be effective, and the receiver dryer will need to be replaced.
Unless the AC unit is constantly running in your car, the receiver dryer should be replaced every two to three years. After that point, the desiccant pellets will have deteriorated and can start to break down, which could clog the expansion valve and potentially damage the AC compressor. Still, having it inspected during routine car maintenance is a good idea.
Typically, the receiver dryer should be replaced whenever your AC system undergoes servicing.
Can I replace my receiver dryer myself?
Regrettably, replacing your receiver dryer at home as a DIY project isn't feasible. Before the receiver dryer can be removed and replaced, the refrigerant in the cooling system must be recovered, a task that can only be performed by a professional using an evacuation machine.
FAQs
Not every car has a receiver dryer. Depending on your vehicle make and mode, you may have a receiver dryer or an accumulator. Cars with a thermal expansion valve tend to have a receiver dryer, while accumulators are found in vehicles with an orifice tube.
As with any other filter in your vehicle, the receiver dryer must be replaced regularly. Depending on how often you run your AC unit, it should be replaced every two to three years or when the AC circuit has been opened. It’s a good idea to install a new receiver dryer when the compressor is replaced or if you notice any symptoms of a bad receiver dryer.
The average repair for an AC receiver dryer involves replacing the part.
