Does a receiver-drier have a typical lifespan, after which it can no longer effectively remove moisture from the AC system? If so, what is it? If I'm understanding correctly the way these things work, it seems like they ought to be replaced periodically even if the AC system is not opened up.

Thanks.

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14 E250 Bluetec 4Matic "Sinclair", Palladium Silver on Black, 159k miles
06 E320 CDI "Rutherford", Black on Tan, 179k mi, Stage 1 tune, tuned TCU
91 300D "Otis", Smoke Silver on Tan, 145k mi, wastegate conversion, ALDA delete

19 Honda CR-V EX 77k mi
Fourteen other MB's owned and sold
1961 Very Tolerant Wife