Air Dryer Description

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Oldsmobile Aurora. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The air dryer is attached to the air compressor head assembly at the pressure outlet and provides a dual function:

It contains desiccant that absorbs moisture from the compressed air before it is delivered to the rear struts. Moisture is removed from the air dryer and returned to the atmosphere when air is exhausted out of the struts during lowering.
It contains valving that maintains a system residual pressure of 48-97 kPa (7-14 psi). This system pressure is maintained for improved ride characteristics and improved air sleeve reliability.