Automotive Air Conditioning Information Forum

I'm working on a 2004 Subaru Forester that has been wrecked in the front end. Pretty sure the condenser with the receiver drier has been replaced. I ordered a receiver drier for the vehicle, but when I took the old one off, they are different. So I've been looking for the right part, but to no avail. As a matter of fact, I've only found 1 that even comes close to the same part, but it's not right either. The part I need has 2 "nipples" where the holes are on all the other ones I've found. They are aluminum nipples, that thread into the receiver drier. I'll attach pics to give you an idea of what I've got. And sorry about the size. It took over 30 minutes to even get the pictures to be accepted. They were only about 65kb, so not sure what was going on. It just finally accepted them.

Also, I only attached 2 photos, but it wanted to double that first one for some reason. When I would delete one of them, both disappeared.

What connected to those two nipples, and how did they attach? Might the fittings on the condenser side of the R/D be the peanut style that attach with individual offset bolts, or studs and nuts?

Regardless, instead of trying to figure out this mystery, I would simply purchase a new condenser and R/D assembly from this Forum's sponsor, ACKits.com, and be done with it. Since the front end took a hit, the existing condenser might be compromised anyway.

If memory serves, this vehicle has a rotary-vane type compressor. I would consider changing it as well.

The nipples go into the 2 holes on the top, with o-rings around them. The bottom 2 holes are where the bolts come up from the bottom and screw into the receiver/drier.

JohnHere wrote: ↑Sat Sep 07, 2024 1:32 pm What connected to those two nipples, and how did they attach? Might the fittings on the condenser side of the R/D be the peanut style that attach with individual offset bolts, or studs and nuts?

Regardless, instead of trying to figure out this mystery, I would simply purchase a new condenser and R/D assembly from this Forum's sponsor, ACKits.com, and be done with it. Since the front end took a hit, the existing condenser might be compromised anyway.

If memory serves, this vehicle has a rotary-vane type compressor. I would consider changing it as well.

Yes, the Forester was wrecked in the front end. The original condenser was replaced with the one that's on it now, but the compressor is apparently on its way out. Found black gunk in the receiver/drier, as well as down where those nipples fit into the R/D. I cut the top of the R/D off, to see what the "bag" of dessicant looked like, and what I found was strange. Instead of the bag of dessicant, it just had a little bit of dessicant (looks like tiny BB's), in between 2 circular metal disks. I guess they held the dessicant in place. But what I can't understand, is why there would be such a small amount of this dessicant in there. It was a VERY small amount! It would take about 5 or 6 times this amount, to fill one of those bags that they put in the newer R/D's. I bought a cheap drier for the compressor in my garage from Harbor Freight. Its plastic and only about 4" long, but it has more dessicant in it, than this R/D did! I will attach some pics. I have no idea what's going on with the pictures that I'm attaching. It just took me over 30 minutes to attach 3 pictures. None of them are over 73kb, yet it wouldn't take them. Only after trying about 6 or 7 times did it finally take them. And it has extra ones and not in the order I attached them in. Pretty frustrating!

Apache23 wrote: ↑Mon Sep 09, 2024 2:38 am Yes, the Forester was wrecked in the front end. The original condenser was replaced with the one that's on it now, but the compressor is apparently on its way out. Found black gunk in the receiver/drier, as well as down where those nipples fit into the R/D.

Looks like you're facing replacement of the condenser and R/D assembly, compressor, possibly the block-type TXV, and all the seals and o-rings. In addition, you should flush everything else that can be flushed, including the evaporator and lines without mufflers, to ensure you get out all the old oil and gunk. Anything that can't be flushed will have to be replaced, so you'll be starting from new with a completely "dry" system.

Tim at ACKits.com, this Forum's sponsor, can fix you up with the best parts at the right price.

Apache23 wrote: ↑Mon Sep 09, 2024 2:38 am Found black gunk in the receiver/drier, as well as down where those nipples fit into the R/D.

Typically, those peanut-style connectors in the photo are configured the other way around—that is, the nipples protrude from the connectors while the hollows into which they fit are machined into the R/D. It's anyone's guess as to why your existing parts are different and why there's such a small amount of desiccant inside the old R/D. Unusual aftermarket parts, maybe.

Apache23 wrote: ↑Mon Sep 09, 2024 2:38 am I have no idea what's going on with the pictures that I'm attaching. It just took me over 30 minutes to attach 3 pictures. None of them are over 73kb, yet it wouldn't take them. Only after trying about 6 or 7 times did it finally take them. And it has extra ones and not in the order I attached them in. Pretty frustrating!

Normally, the system will accept photos sized below 256kb. I'm unsure as to why the system takes so long to accept your photos.

Hey there, I see what you mean. It can be frustrating when parts don't match up as expected. In situations like this, it might be helpful to reach out to a specialized auto parts store or even the dealership to see if they can source the exact receiver drier you need for your Subaru Forester. Sometimes, certain components can be specific to certain models or years. Your detailed description and photos will definitely come in handy for them to assist you better. Hang in there, and hopefully, you'll be able to find the right part soon to get your vehicle back on track!