This procedure covers the replacement of the AC receiver/drier on a 2016-2024 Hyundai Tucson with 2.5L I4 engine, including refrigerant recovery, component replacement, and system recharge.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• AC receiver/drier assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• AC line O-rings × 2 — Use OEM specification
• PAG 46 compressor oil × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• R-134a refrigerant

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is cold and vehicle is on level ground
2. Verify AC system refrigerant type is R-134a (label on hood or radiator support)
3. Note the exact refrigerant quantity removed during recovery for proper recharge
4. Have new receiver/drier ready but keep sealed until installation
5. Ensure AC recovery machine is calibrated and functional

Procedure

1. 1

   Recover refrigerant from AC system
   Connect AC recovery machine to service ports (low side on suction line, high side on liquid line near condenser). Follow machine instructions to fully recover all refrigerant from the system. Record the amount recovered for recharge reference. Verify system pressure reads 0 PSI on both high and low sides before proceeding.
2. 2

   Access receiver/drier location
   Open hood and locate the receiver/drier mounted on the right side (passenger side) of the engine bay, typically attached to the condenser or nearby bracket. On AWD models, ensure clear access from above. Remove any plastic engine covers or air intake components if they obstruct access.
3. 3

   Disconnect AC lines from receiver/drier
   Using flare nut wrenches, carefully loosen and disconnect the inlet line (from condenser) and outlet line (to evaporator) from the receiver/drier. Support the lines to prevent stress on fittings. Immediately cap all open connections with plugs or tape to prevent moisture ingress and debris entry. Remove and discard old O-rings from the line fittings.
   ⚠Even after recovery, residual refrigerant may remain. Loosen fittings slowly and allow any pressure to bleed off before fully disconnecting.
4. 4

   Remove receiver/drier mounting
   Remove the mounting bolts securing the receiver/drier to its bracket or condenser. On this model, the receiver/drier is typically secured with two bolts to a bracket on the condenser. Support the receiver/drier while removing the final bolt to prevent it from falling. Remove the old receiver/drier from the vehicle.
   Torque spec

   Receiver Drier Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Prepare new receiver/drier
   Remove new receiver/drier from packaging immediately before installation. Remove protective caps from inlet and outlet ports. Add 30ml (1 oz) of fresh PAG 46 oil into the inlet port of the new receiver/drier to replace oil lost with the old drier. Rotate the drier gently to distribute oil internally.
   ⚠Do not leave new receiver/drier exposed to atmosphere for more than 15 minutes. Work quickly to minimize moisture absorption.
6. 6

   Install new receiver/drier
   Position the new receiver/drier in the mounting bracket, ensuring correct orientation (flow direction arrow should point toward evaporator/cabin). Install mounting bolts and tighten to specification. Ensure the drier is secure and properly aligned with AC line connections.
   Torque spec

   Receiver Drier Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Install new O-rings and reconnect AC lines
   Install new O-rings onto both AC line fittings. Lightly coat each O-ring with fresh PAG oil using a clean finger to ensure proper seal and prevent damage during installation. Thread line fittings into receiver/drier ports by hand first to ensure proper alignment, then tighten to specification using flare nut wrenches and torque wrench.
   ⚠Cross-threading AC fittings will ruin the threads and require line replacement. Always start threads by hand and ensure smooth threading before using wrenches.
   Torque spec

   AC Line Fittings20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Evacuate AC system
   Connect vacuum pump or AC machine in vacuum mode to service ports. Evacuate the system to at least 29 inches of mercury (inHg) vacuum and hold for minimum 30 minutes. System should maintain vacuum without rise in pressure, indicating no leaks. For best results, evacuate for 45-60 minutes to ensure all moisture is removed.
   ℹ️If vacuum does not hold, there is a leak in the system. Do not proceed with recharge until leak is found and repaired.
9. 9

   Recharge AC system
   Using AC machine or charging equipment, recharge system with the exact amount of R-134a recovered earlier (typically 650-700 grams for this model, but use actual recovered amount or consult underhood label for specification). Monitor pressures during charging. System should accept refrigerant smoothly without excessive pressure spikes.
10. 10

    Reinstall components and test system
    Reinstall any engine covers, air intake components, or other parts removed for access. Start engine and turn AC to maximum cold setting with fan on high. Allow system to run for 5 minutes. Verify compressor engages, pressures are normal (low side 25-35 PSI, high side 200-250 PSI at idle with ambient temp 75-85°F), and cold air is produced at vents.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all AC line connections are secure and properly torqued
2. Verify no refrigerant leaks using electronic leak detector or soap solution at all connections
3. Confirm receiver/drier mounting is tight and component is not vibrating
4. Check that all removed covers and components are reinstalled properly

Verification

• AC system produces cold air (vent temperature 40-50°F with ambient temp 75-85°F)
• No unusual noises from compressor or AC system during operation
• System pressures are within normal range on both high and low sides
• No visible oil residue or frost indicating refrigerant leaks at connections
• Compressor cycles on and off normally as system reaches temperature
• No warning lights on instrument cluster related to AC system

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