Title: Air Suspension Compressor Rebuild - Part 3 of 7
Owner: Don B , added Feb 19 2014 19:45:30
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1558x1498 201kb(If the image has failed to load, click on it to view large version) Description: The compressor repair kit from Bagpipingandy includes a new piston ring, cylinder head seals (round for later cars, apostrophe-shaped for earlier cars), screws I didn’t use, and wire ties that were not needed on our car.
1718x1080 214kb(If the image has failed to load, click on it to view large version) Description: A comparison of the old piston ring (left) and the new. Note the lack of end gap on the old ring, which may indicate it has lost its “spring,” reducing its ability to press against the cylinder bore. The ring is made from 25% carbon polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), commonly known as Teflon.
2475x2729 232kb(If the image has failed to load, click on it to view large version) Description: Measuring the old and new piston rings, I found a surprisingly small difference in outside diameter of just 0.4 mm, or about 1/64 inch.
1575x3012 230kb(If the image has failed to load, click on it to view large version) Description: Measurements of the new ring’s other dimensions.
2596x2160 234kb(If the image has failed to load, click on it to view large version) Description: Inspect the leaf valve (arrow) to ensure it is not bent or otherwise damaged. The valve opens as the piston retracts to allow air into the cylinder, then seals so the air can be compressed. Its operation is no different in principle than valves on blacksmith bellows dating to 5th century China.
1950x2544 228kb(If the image has failed to load, click on it to view large version) Description: Measurements of the piston diameters in the ring groove, and at the top rim or “land.”
3100x2134 229kb(If the image has failed to load, click on it to view large version) Description: I didn’t want dust to contaminate the compressor and dryer, so while working on one component I stored the others in re-sealable plastic bags.
2488x2600 234kb(If the image has failed to load, click on it to view large version) Description: Skip to Part 6 if you are not going to service the air dryer. To proceed, remove the nuts on the two long bolts that tie the dryer to the cylinder head. The spring will still have some tension when the nuts reach the ends of the bolt threads, so take care not to drop the cast aluminum head.
3100x2456 232kb(If the image has failed to load, click on it to view large version) Description: The dryer is full of desiccant beads that remove moisture from the intake air. The beads will spill everywhere if you are not careful, so keep the dryer upright at all times. The white retainer just pulls off the shaft. A magnetic retriever will help remove the perforated strainer disc.
3850x2607 232kb(If the image has failed to load, click on it to view large version) Description: A screwdriver helps tip up the edge of the fabric filter so you can carefully lift it off the shaft. This reveals the desiccant beads. Unlike a sponge, the beads do not absorb the moisture throughout their volume. Instead, they adsorb moisture in a condensed layer on their outer surfaces.
3048x2772 222kb(If the image has failed to load, click on it to view large version) Description: I had expected to find traditional silica gel beads, so that’s what I purchased in preparation for this job. Surprise! Our dryer was filled with high-tech molecular sieve beads, so I had to go shopping again. If you can live without your car for a week, check your desiccant type before ordering.
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