Hi,

Is the desiccant for the air suspension in the compressor and, if so, is it replaceable? Its only been in there a couple of years but the front valve-block had some white stuff in it and the rear wheels have started to droop so I'm thinking some desiccant might have got into the rear valve-block now.

A nuisance, in any case.

Thanks,

Hugh

I think you can just replace the whole canister Hugh. Part number: VUB504700 I believe. 2012 SDV6 - it's missing a couple of cylinders
2008 TDV8 - it was a labour of love and is much missed

Easy enough to change. Just whip the compressor off and take the end cap off. If your desiccant has turned to powder, you'll also need to replace the little filter which is pressed down by the spring between the end cap and the desiccant.

A little tip when reinstalling your compressor...the top bolt on the compressor bracket is a bit of a pig to reinstall. It's worth cutting a horizontal slot to the hole so that you can screw the bolt into the chassis a few threads, slide the bracket on and then tighten up. Kev

MY2014 L405 RR Vogue SE 4.4 SDV8 in Corris Grey
MY2010 L320 RRS HSE 3.0 TDV6 in Stornoway Grey

Thanks, chaps.

knwatkins wrote:

Just whip the compressor off...

Did you used to write Haynes manuals, Kev?

you should see my engine swap procedures! Kev

MY2014 L405 RR Vogue SE 4.4 SDV8 in Corris Grey
MY2010 L320 RRS HSE 3.0 TDV6 in Stornoway Grey

The D4 allows for the air dryer to be removed without removal of the compressor itself.
In the interests of not disturbing anything unnecessarily, I would personally go that route..

https://www.disco4.com/forum/dryer-assembly-removal-177424.html

https://x8r.co.uk/products/land-rover/land...it-end-cap 2011 MY D4 HSE
Previously 2001 D2 TD5, 1996 D1 300Tdi, 1985 90 2.2 petrol.
Bikes! KTM, BMW, British, Classics and others.

knwatkins wrote:

you should see my engine swap procedures!

Chapter 9, Engine Removal: See Chapter 3.4
Chapter 3.4: See Chapter 11.2
Chapter 11.2: See Chapter 6.5
Chapter 6.5: See Chapter 9  2014 BMW 530d Touring, 2006 BMW 650i, 2018 Mini Cooper S

https://www.disco4.com/forum/sale-hitachi-...a511a9a673 2011 MY D4 HSE
Previously 2001 D2 TD5, 1996 D1 300Tdi, 1985 90 2.2 petrol.
Bikes! KTM, BMW, British, Classics and others.

aaronjb wrote:

knwatkins wrote:

you should see my engine swap procedures!

Chapter 9, Engine Removal: See Chapter 3.4
Chapter 3.4: See Chapter 11.2
Chapter 11.2: See Chapter 6.5
Chapter 6.5: See Chapter 9

I can't believe you've read it! Kev

MY2014 L405 RR Vogue SE 4.4 SDV8 in Corris Grey
MY2010 L320 RRS HSE 3.0 TDV6 in Stornoway Grey

I think I'm going to have to replace my dryer unit (hopefully not the complete compressor). I've got the problem whereby the air suspension will work for 30 seconds or so after ignition but then a fault shows with normal height only. Its been like this a while, I've been putting the job off but now I want to get it cracked. I'm happy enough with the procedure (after reading several posts on here and the Disco3 site, and thanks for the tip ref cutting a slot for the top bolt) but the problem I've got is finding a dryer unit. I tried calling LR but they say it is no longer available as a seperate item, you have to buy the compressor complete, at a cost of over £800......Don't really want to spend that sort of money if the compressor is OK. Thought about drying the beads out in the microwave/oven but the car is 15 years old so I figured best throw a new dryer unit on. Searching for VUB504700 on the internet throws up a number of sub £50 options but I'm wary of the quality, has anyone had any experience with these? Alternatively lrdirect have a Hitachi dryer unit listed at around £90. I think the compressor is Hitachi so this is maybe the best option?

Why replace the complete dryer unit? Just replace the desiccant and the filters within the dryer itself. You can buy kits on eBay. It's easy enough to change. Kev

MY2014 L405 RR Vogue SE 4.4 SDV8 in Corris Grey
MY2010 L320 RRS HSE 3.0 TDV6 in Stornoway Grey

It's a fair point but my thinking is that the unit is 15 years old and I've read many posts about problems with cracked caps on the unit. Also, considering the time it takes to replace the unit, if I can get a new unit for a reasonable amount it might be more cost effective. If I can't get a dryer unit then I will look to get a kit and re-condition.

You're right Tony. The caps do crack between the two fittings on the top. Many people replace these with machined alloy caps. You could get one of these and refit it to your existing dryer body. That could still be cheaper than buying a complete dryer unit. It's worth looking into anyway. Kev

MY2014 L405 RR Vogue SE 4.4 SDV8 in Corris Grey
MY2010 L320 RRS HSE 3.0 TDV6 in Stornoway Grey

Ah yes I've seen those, I'll take a look.....