R50/53 A//C service parts question.
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2nd Gear
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 71
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From: Orange CA
A//C service parts question.
The a/c on my 06 JCW is i need of recharging but i was wondering if should r& r a few things while im at it . Generally i like to change out the receiver/dryer but this car only has 56K miles and has never been apart and isnt venting refrigerant. Should i leave it be or swap in a new one?. Thanks!
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 1,515
Likes: 255
If your AC is just a little low, I would just evacuate and recharge.... if you want to replace the dryer, you will need to put the correct amount of pag oil in there as well.
I still don't see how to just replace the dryers on my two cars.... looks to be part of the condenser to me
Bryan
I still don't see how to just replace the dryers on my two cars.... looks to be part of the condenser to me
Bryan
5th Gear
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 766
Likes: 80
From: Texas
If it’s just a little low just recharge it. If you evacuate it you will have to draw a vacuum on the system with a pump. Better to find the source of the leak and correct that problem at some point. If you replace the compressor you will need to replace the dryer in order to maintain the warranty on the new compressor. Vacuuming the system at that point serves two purposes; creating a negative pressure in the system to allow a complete recharge with coolant and boiling off any moisture that was introduced when the system was opened.
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6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 2,359
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From: DFW, TX
Some MINIs have separate replaceable receivers and dryers and some don't (my 2004 is a single unit for instance). A leak-down test will let you know if your AC system can hold a vacuum. With only 56k miles, and if your system has never been open, it's doubtful that your dryer/receiver needs replacing. Your AC repair shop will want to replace it anyway because they want the revenue but if, after a recharge, you're not losing refrigerant and getting 40F through the interior vent I say, "if it ain't broke don't fix it."
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,838
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Same thing happend to our 06 R53. Took it to my favorite indie shop and after an inspection of all components, it only required a recharge of a half pound of refrigerant to make it good again. After thirteen years of ownership, the tech and I were both impressed. He said the manual states that the system must be charged down to the gram of required refrigerant to meet factory spec so as to not overcharge the system. He also mentioned that a DIY without the proper equipment is not a prudent move with such tight tolerances- risking the chance of an overcharge. So this again this convinced me to let the pros handle this one.
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 1,515
Likes: 255
Some MINIs have separate replaceable receivers and dryers and some don't (my 2004 is a single unit for instance). A leak-down test will let you know if your AC system can hold a vacuum. With only 56k miles, and if your system has never been open, it's doubtful that your dryer/receiver needs replacing. Your AC repair shop will want to replace it anyway because they want the revenue but if, after a recharge, you're not losing refrigerant and getting 40F through the interior vent I say, "if it ain't broke don't fix it."
Bryan
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