How often should the truck air dryer cartridge be replaced?
2 Answers
When any of the following three situations occur, the dryer cartridge needs to be replaced: 1. A large amount of water can be drained from the air reservoir; after removing the old dryer cartridge, if a certain amount of water is found inside the dryer assembly, it indicates that the dryer cartridge has been ineffective for some time. 2. Oil droplets form at the exhaust port of the air processing unit; 3. The service time exceeds one year. Air leakage has appeared at the bottom of the cartridge, allowing internal moisture to escape through the gaps in the cartridge, creating visible traces around the entire cartridge. Note that when there is a small amount of oil contamination at the exhaust port of the air processing unit, replacement is not necessary as it is a normal drainage phenomenon.
I've been driving trucks for over thirty years, and I never take the replacement of the air dryer cartridge lightly. Usually, I replace it once a year, especially when I'm on long-haul trips with lots of rain and snow. The cartridge can get saturated with moisture, leading to blockages and brake failure. I remember one time hauling cargo in the mountains when I didn't replace the dryer cartridge in time—the brakes got spongy, and it was downright dangerous. Now, I make sure to replace it during my annual maintenance and check if the moisture warning light on the dashboard is on. Also, the environment matters—replace it more frequently in humid areas, but you can stretch it a bit in dry regions. Don't try to save money by delaying the replacement; repairing the brake system can cost thousands and put you out of work. Develop a habit of regular checks to keep the cartridge working properly—that’s how you keep your truck running safely.
