Air suspension

Rangie boy · Feb 5, 2010

Can anyone help please? I have recently purchased my P38 diesel (2001) and have noticed that the suspension drops on the N/S/R after 30 mins stationery. When ive started it then it rises and no problems, i get the light flashing on the dash and then sits in the middle, great.

Today, suspension was low on the back as usual, started the car and it came up on the back but light kept flashing as the front had not come up!! I had to use the car, so drove it and after 5 mins it came up. Does anybody have any ideas please? I am quite good at mechanical things but not air suspension.

Datatek · Feb 5, 2010

Sounds like you have a leaky air suspension unit, put it up to full height, open the tailgate to freeze the suspension and spray the airbag with a soapy water mix and look for bubbles. The air bags perish with time. If you leave it, it overworks the compressor and shags it. Replacing the air suspension units is a simple DIY job and not too expensive, idealy you probably should replace them all, but at least do them in pairs rear or front or it will affect the handling. I have done an idiots guide to replacement, either do a search on here or PM me for a copy.

rewmer · Feb 5, 2010

Will have to agree with all the above. If you have the original springs on there then they are all at the end of their life so you should consider changing all of them. It is indeed an easy job, but the rears can be a bit fiddly getting the air pipe into the new spring. There are plenty of walkthroughs to help though. I did one myself http://www.landyzone.co.uk/lz/f10/air-spring-change-84210.html

996TURBO · Feb 6, 2010

Datatek said:
Sounds like you have a leaky air suspension unit, put it up to full height, open the tailgate to freeze the suspension and spray the airbag with a soapy water mix and look for bubbles. The air bags perish with time. If you leave it, it overworks the compressor and shags it. Replacing the air suspension units is a simple DIY job and not too expensive, idealy you probably should replace them all, but at least do them in pairs rear or front or it will affect the handling. I have done an idiots guide to replacement, either do a search on here or PM me for a copy.

I'm sorry but it's a common error to do this test at full height.
At full eight the rubber is extended so you minimize the risk of leaks.
Very often i do have customers (professional mechs) that tell me the range keeps height at full height but doesn't keep height on normal height.

hippolover · Feb 6, 2010

That'll be because the perished hole can flatten out and self seal kind of like a tubeless tyre. Personally I check them when it's at the height I know it leaks from and go from there. If its leaking at the union then probably best at full height though. (Most pressure and easier to see.)

Rangie boy · Feb 7, 2010

Thanks for all the advise chaps, it is the n/s/r air bag and it leaking like mad, just ordered a new set of Arnott gen11's, will fit them next weekend.

Steve

kernowdragon · Feb 8, 2010

Don't get frightened off fixing your EAS just cause it's different, once you get the hang of it it's actually surprisingly easy to sort, and if your prepared to have a go at rebuilding the valve block etc (if need be), not that expensive either.

Rangie boy · Feb 9, 2010

Just like to say thankyou for all your advise about my suspension, changed the 2 rear air bags today and it only took me 1 1/2 hours from start to finish.This is one very good site, cant fault you all, thanks again.

Steve

Air suspension

Rangie boy

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Datatek

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rewmer

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996TURBO

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hippolover

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Rangie boy

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kernowdragon

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Rangie boy

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