ANOTHER thread about front air suspension drama...

[beerdog]

I did not read the whoel thread, but did you check the upper mount for leaks?

 

[izackary]

I did not. I would have today if it had ever started leaking. That said, though, I have yet to discern any hissing from that high up.

 

[budpytko]

As there isn't a leak with it extended..... I'd tuirn off the switch and let it drop to park height..... bet you hear it leak then! Those cracks really expand.....

 

[izackary]

So last week in my junkyard hunt I came across one shop who says he can order new "lifetime warranty" strut assemblies for $150 apiece. What I ultimately would like to do is to try out Eddie's new assemblies when (if?) they go into production, but he is apparently M.I.A. according to some. I didn't get too much out of the guy as to his sources or the brand, but I would imagine they wouldn't be OEM, maybe they're Arnotts or something...sound familiar to anyone? It may be a feasible go-between to save my compressor until I can actually get what I want.

 

[Yokomo99]

I always wondered if one was to remove the solenoid and put some Green Slime in the bag and swish it around would it fix the leak like it does with tires? This thought was running through my head as I was replacing my front struts a few of weeks ago.

Matt

 

[XLRVIII]

Tip:

Start the car and let it jack itself up.
Turn the air ride OFF.

Drive the car for 50 miles.
Does it drop?


If so, replace both front bags.


this procrastination, is doing one thing for sure.
Killing the compressor.

you probably only have 1 bag leaking really badly, which is why the car appear to be leaning to one side, but I would replace them both to prevent further destruction of your air ride compressor.

Long before the car shows signs of leaking bags, the compressor is already being overworked.
Long before you get the first "check air ride" message the compressor is being overworked.


At this point you may only need a single bag, but by this time next week/month/tomorrow you could need both bags, compressor and air ride relay and computer.

Before you drive the system into the point of no return/coil springs.
replace the bag....

 

[dbleb88]

air struts

I have for sale a pair of front oem struts that do not leak. They have less than 20,000 miles on them and I want $300 for the pair. Let me know. Thanx Bruce

 

[izackary]

Thanks for the tip, Tom. By now I am positive both bags need replacing. And they need to be done yesterday. I am working on balancing that with everything else on my plate, both car related and not, while living off unemployment.

Bruce, PM me if you want to discuss selling your struts...If I knew a month ago where you lived and that you had struts for sale, I'd have driven up from the cape to check them out myself!

 

[izackary]

I think I'll call THIS GUY up today!!

 

[izackary]

I think I'll call THIS GUY up today!!

So this guy says he pulled them out of a '96 a year and a half ago, they held air at the time, but the compressor had died so he jumped on a deal to convert them. Asking price was $100, 100k miles on them, he took $60. We will see if they will hold air until I can jump on some new parts...

 

[XLRVIII]

^ Awesome.
used bags will likely hold you over til you can get others.

I've done the same in the past

 

[izackary]

I was sent a pic of these struts from a gen 2 for sale out toward the city. They are listed for $100 and I have my eye on them in case these ones are a bust. The seller claims the car they came off sat for 2 months and they still held air when they came out, but he didn't think to note the mileage on the car when that happened. Other than the condition of the air bag, I am also thinking of the hydraulics. But in any case, as I am not home and am posting from a Tim Robbins (yum), is it me, or does this dent belong there??

 

[tixer]

this dent?

is normal.

 

[izackary]

Thanks, Freehand.

 

[tixer]

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. the "snipping tool" in Windows 7 is the best thing ever.

Edit: also. all of the write-ups suggest replacing the "o" rings on the solenoids when you swap the air bags. they are dead serious. I had all kinds of trouble because I tried to simply re-lube 'em the first time.

double-edit: here's my info from when I found them last time. if you are feeling particularly lazy, send me a PM with your address. I'll toss a few in an envelope.
----------------------------------------------8<--------------------------------------------------
Here are the O-Rings I ended up purchasing. Fastenal part number 1166809.
http://www.fastenal.com/web/products/detail.ex?sku=1166809&ucst=t
#015 9/16" ID x 11/16" OD x 1/16" diameter.

Apparently these fit both the coolant crossover tube cap, as well as the air suspension solenoids. I can personally confirm that they work on the solenoids. (thus far, anyway)

Thanks to both DLF, and 98mark8lsc, whose threads provided the information that eventually lead me to them.

 

[izackary]

Good call! I am still new to 7 after fiddling with the release candidate for a while a couple years back. So maybe I should hold off on my install until I get O-rings...are they only available from the usual online suppliers or can they be had at local parts retailers?

 

[tixer]

heh. I think I edited after you posted your comment. I added some details you will find useful.

 

[izackary]

Hmm, instead of using the "L" word, let's just say I plan on doing this work by the weekend. The following weekend I have a feeling I will be driving out to Boston yet again, with a trailer hitch, and hauling my stuff back over here...and then Carlisle is the weekend after. Neither are times for involuntary semi-lowrider mode! My address is coming if you have enough to cover the front bags. (2? 4?) I can get ya back in PA.

 

[tixer]

I think the entire bag of 50 cost me less than that black & tan in your profile photo.. I'm not too worried about it.

I mean. YES you owe me beer at Carlisle.

if you want to..
whatever.

 

[izackary]

MMMM, black & tans....