Why Care About Air Dryer Replacement

Pay Attention to Air Dryer Performance

Air dryers help protect air systems in heavy-duty trucks as well as other systems that require clean air to properly operate. If air dryers are not regularly inspected and replaced during the recommended timeframe, different parts of the vehicle can fail. Keep reading to learn the importance of air dryers, when to replace air dryer cartridges and the warning signs of failing air dryers.

What Is an Air Dryer?

The air dryer is installed between the air compressor and reservoirs. Its job is to remove solid and liquid contaminants, such as water, aerosol pollutants, and vapors before they reach the air brake system. In addition to removing moisture, the truck part works hard to keep oil at bay. Oil contaminants can be quite harmful, leading to premature failure in other systems within the vehicle that require clean air to run efficiently. Therefore, air brake, engine, emissions, and drivetrain systems are put at risk of premature failure if oil contaminants are present.

There are non-oil-coalescing cartridges on the market but for better performance, it's best to shop for oil-coalescing cartridges.

When To Replace Air Dryer Filters

Replacing air dryer cartridges in -heavy-duty trucks is recommended during routine maintenance work on air brake systems; however, when to do it will depend on the existing cartridge in commercial vehicles. Ultimately, it comes down to whether drivers are cruising the roads with Bendix compressors or not.

Bendix is a leading carrier of air dryers and air dryer components – agreed by many leading truck experts as one of the best (if not the best). Bendix PuraGuard oil-coalescing cartridges, for example, are a top choice for truckers looking for replacement; however, Bendix warns that if this existing dryer cartridge is replaced by an OEM, it must be the same standard type of unit (best to check the cross references/part interchanges to know for sure). Using another type of air cartridge that is not similar in attributes could cause damaging effects to the major systems we discussed earlier.

Vehicles equipped with Bendix compressors should have a one-, two- or three-year air dryer cartridge replacement (depending on vocation), as recommended by Bendix. Refuse trucks and school buses should replace air dryer cartridges every 100,000 miles whereas pick-up and delivery vehicles should replace every 200,000 miles. Line haul operations using a single trailer should replace filters ever 300,000 miles (information cited from HDT: Why You Need to Pay Attention to Your Air Dryer) If truckers are not equipped with Bendix compressors, it's best to replace the cartridges every 50,000-200,000 miles depending on application.

Warning Signs of Failing Air Dryers

Compressors that are making noise, shaking, or stopping are all common symptoms of worn air dryers . Sometimes, compressors won't start at all – a sure sign that it's time to replace the cartridge. And, of course, if there are visible signs of moisture/oil in the air brake system, then it's time to replace the cartridge – and fast.

Never Drive with a Failing Air Dryer

You say you'll take care of it this weekend but then it doesn't happen. Don't risk damaging other systems! Remove the oil contaminants and moisture from the air brake system to avoid trouble down the road. The cost of air dryer replacement is cheaper than buying a new truck.