Receiver/dryer on Xsara Hatch

deejay93 · Post by **deejay93** » 27 Aug 2009, 20:58

The air con compressor on my 2002 110 HDi SX Xsara has packed up and needs replacing. I have been told that it is wise to replace the receiver/dryer at the same time. Is this really necessary and if so how difficult is it to do?

Post by **CitroJim** » 28 Aug 2009, 08:35

Yes, it is a good idea to without a doubt.

They're easy to replace, certainly easier than a compressor. It's the bottle-like thing with the sight-glass on top and the HO/LO pressure switch on the side.

Just two pipe unions on it. Do replace the pipe seals though.

deejay93 · Post by **deejay93** » 28 Aug 2009, 21:43

Thanks for the reply Jim but can you tell me where it is situated on the Xsara Hatch as for the life of me I cannot find it!

addo · Post by **addo** » 28 Aug 2009, 23:02

It will be engine side of the radiator, not sure if right or left. Look for a canister about two inches across, and seven inches tall. Follow the aluminium aircon pipes to find it.

I would leave it phyiscally installed (but unconnected and sealed shut) so the fridgies could plumb it in immediately when they were going to vacuum the system down after compressor replacement. Leaving a new unit open to the air ruins it super-fast.

deejay93 · Post by **deejay93** » 07 Sep 2009, 15:48

Thanks Addo for your reply, sorry for delay but been away.

This is an elusive piece of kit as I still cannot locate it. Looks like Citroen in their wisdom have buried it away somewhere. There are pipes leading under the driver's side wing but without taking the liner out you cannot see properly and there does not seem to be enough room under there. Other pipes go towards and under the dash, which seems ominous to me. Rather strangely it all seems to be a bit of a secret as nobody has actually said where it is yet!

Regards

Dave

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