Forum Discussion

donkim's avatar
donkim
Explorer
May 28, 2017

Haldex Air Dryer stuck open

So it finally happened......... Got stranded on the road. Just left for first trip out for the season. Air pressure came up normally could hear pressure release normally while hooking up toad. But a few miles down the road noticed both air pres gauges losing air. Pulled off road and heard a constant whistling noise from bottom output of air dryer. Called Freightliner and they believed the "turbo valve" was sticking in the dryer. I disconnected fittings and was able to bypass the air dryer w/a 1/2" female coupling. Back on the road and pressure is normal but annoying bleed off sound coming from tanks which I assume is the pressure relief valve since dryer is regulating pressure. Looking for suggestions as to replace or rebuild?
  • Ivylog's avatar
    Ivylog
    Explorer III
    Thanks for the update...glad it's fixed. I go more than two years on the filter/descant change.
  • The good thing about a factory reman is that not only the filters, but also the heater and all valves are new.
  • Update, I removed the purge valve and cleaned the body and applied grease to the o rings and connected the air dryer back into the system and seems to working normally. I've changed the filter a couple of years ago, but suppose its time rebuild or replace.
    Thanks to those who responded.
    Don
  • My only observation is based on my own experience with the Dryer. For about a year, I was having a problem building air pressure, sometimes revving the engine seemed to help but the pressure building was getting harder and harder. Long story short, changed the filter in the dryer and the rebuild kit was installed....pressure problem solved. I now make sure to service my dryer as prescribed. Good Luck with your's.
  • Just get a FACTORY reman dryer and put it in. Factory, as in the factory that made it (Haldex), not a "replaces one made by XXXX to whatever specs".

    And, I would not drive it if air pressure is being controlled by the tank's safety valves. That is TOO HIGH.
  • Ivylog's avatar
    Ivylog
    Explorer III
    "since dryer is regulating pressure"...NO, the governor controls the air pressure so "which I assume is the pressure relief valve"...NO nothing has changed in regulating the pressure. There is a small air ling from the governor that tells the air dryer when to purge and it's letting air out if you did not put 1/2" plugs in the air dryer where you removed the two lines.
    In the bottom of the air dryer there is a check valve...maybe the "turbo valve" and it can get calcium deposits in it and make it stay open. Cleaning it may solve your original problem and change the cartridge at the same time. The check valve is a small metal leaf with rubber glued on one side...held in place with a spring. The round sides of the holder were it sits get rough and hangs it up. Easy enough to clean.