Saturn LS Car AC Receiver Dryer Replacement at your home or office.

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Car AC Receiver Dryer Replacement Service

How much does a Car AC Receiver Dryer Replacement cost?

On average, the cost for a Saturn LS Car AC Receiver Dryer Replacement is $449 with $145 for parts and $304 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
2000 Saturn LSL4-2.2LService typeCar AC Receiver Dryer ReplacementEstimate$657.17Shop/Dealer Price$761.47 - $1002.38
Show example Saturn LS Car AC Receiver Dryer Replacement prices

What is the AC Receiver Dryer all about?

The AC receiver drier is a device that only appears in air conditioning systems that employ expansion valves. The cylindrical component is found between the condenser outlet and the expansion valve inlet.

To understand what an AC receiver drier does, one must have a basic understanding how their car’s air conditioner works. Yes, it transforms hot air to cold. But there’s more to it. It does so by circulating a refrigerant that changes phase from liquid to gas and back again when forced through the system. The cold liquid refrigerant is squeezed through an evaporator, removing heat from air pulled in from the car’s cabin. Once cooled and dried, a blower pushes the air back out into the car. The warmed and vaporized refrigerant circulates through a compressor, where the vapor is cooled and transformed back into a liquid. And the process is repeated, over and over again, until you shut the AC off.

Th receiver drier serves as a filter to remove any moisture and contaminants that get into the AC system during this process. ACR Drier has three parts:

  • The Container: Acts as a temporary storage for oil and refrigerant during periods of low cooling demand.
  • The Desiccant Sack: Usually filled with silica gel, it removes moisture from the refrigerant. It also traps other debris, preventing clogs.
  • Inlet / Outlet: Allows the continuing flow of refrigerant around the system.

Keep in mind:

  • Think of the receiver drier in the same vein as you would fuel, oil, or an air filter: it is strictly a disposable. By that, we mean that it’s a necessity that can be easily replaced at a relatively affordable cost to you.
  • Receiver driers rarely fail on their own. When a failure does occur, however, it is usually due either to clogging from debris inside the AC system (like from a failing or failed compressor), or that the desiccant bag has broken open, allowing it to circulate throughout the system, mixing with the refrigerant and lubricant.

How it's done:

  • The A/C system refrigerant is removed
  • The A/C receiver drier is removed and replaced with a new one
  • The A/C system is evacuated for 30 minutes
  • The A/C system is recharged with the proper amount of refrigerant
  • The system is checked for proper operation

Our recommendation:

The receiver drier must be changed each time your mechanic opens the system for service. Most compressor warranties require it. At the very least, it should be replaced every three years.

What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the AC Receiver Dryer?

  • Unusual sounds while the system is running
  • Wide variances in cabin air temperature

How important is this service?

Moisture kills an air conditioning system. Once inside, it combines with refrigerant, forming hydrochloric acid, which is extremely corrosive to metal components. So replacing the receiver drier is essential when servicing the air conditioner. If you replace any component of the system you must also replace the receiver drier. If you do not, there could be serious damage to the other parts of the system, which could be very costly in the long run.

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Excellent Rating

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Rating Summary
1,561
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1,561
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Richard

11 years of experience
450 reviews
Richard
11 years of experience
Saturn LS L4-2.2L - Coolant is leaking - Odenton, Maryland
Great Service! He was knowledgeable about what my issue was and provided me with the help that I needed.

Oscar

24 years of experience
72 reviews
Oscar
24 years of experience
Saturn LS L4-2.2L - Car is not starting - Odenton, Maryland
Oscar was very professional and knowledgeable about cars. He let me know exactly what was wrong with my car. I had been told my fuel pump was bad which is why my car wouldn't start. Well turns out that wasn't the case at all. Oscar found that it was a broken timing chain was the reason for my car not starting. I'm glad I found that out before shelling out unnecessary money on something that wasn't broken at all. All in all Great service across the board and I would highly recommend Oscar for any auto needs.

Ben

41 years of experience
1452 reviews
Ben
41 years of experience
Saturn Vue V6-3.5L - AC Receiver Dryer - Houston, Texas
Ben was not only very courteous and professional but very efficient and informative. He photographed each step and showed me the defected part and what the problem was Highly recommend him and will use him for any future work... 

Tien

23 years of experience
903 reviews
Tien
23 years of experience
Saturn Vue V6-3.5L - Check Engine Light is on - Alameda, California
Tien was fantastic and helpful! Very friendly and professional and put me at ease regarding my car troubles. I have gone thru so many mechanics that steered me the wrong way and making me pay for things that weren't the right fix costing me unnecessary repairs! Will definitely call on him for further fixes on my 2005 AWD Saturn Vue!

Excellent Rating

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Rating Summary
1,561
70
14
7
27
1,561
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7
27
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