Replacement
Note: Desiccant change intervals may vary from vehicle to vehicle. Typical desiccant cartridge life is three years. However, if experience has shown that extended or shortened life has resulted on a particular installation, then the interval can be increased or decreased accordingly.
For air dryer desiccant and filter replacement, order either kit DQ6022 or kit DQ6026. The DQ6022 kit contains 1 desiccant cartridge, 1 coalescent filter, and 2 O-rings. The DQ6026 kit contains 1 desiccant cartridge, 1 coalescent filter, and a heater cover. Follow the replacement procedure below.
- Park the vehicle on a level surface. Shut down the engine, set the parking brake, and chock the tires.
- Completely drain all air reservoirs. Air pressure gauges should read 0 psi (0 kPa).
- Loosen the desiccant cartridge with a strap wrench at the base of the cartridge. Spin off the cartridge and discard it.
- Remove the O-ring from the threaded neck and discard it.
- Remove the coalescent filter and discard it.
- Install the new small O-ring in the groove on the bottom of the new coalescent filter.
- Insert the coalescent filter with the O-ring end going into the air dryer opening first. The end of the filter with the "X" will then be facing out.
- Install the other new O-ring over the threaded neck of the desiccant cartridge.
- Screw on the desiccant cartridge until resistance is detected. Then, tighten the cartridge 1/4 to 3/4 of a turn by hand.
Important: Lubricate the new O-rings prior to installation.