Disco II Air suspension – the definitive guide

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I've just tried a 'repair kit' on my compressor whilst I wait for delivery of a replacement and two air bags - just a piston ring replacement and a new gasket.

No change at all with the suspension rising and all I get is an intermittent 'pump' from the compressor when I turn the engine off. i'm guessing this could be a little more serious with the ECU?

If the compressor is operating but the airbags are not inflating is it possible the valves are not working properly?
 
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Hi, fantastically informative thread, well done and a sincere vote of thanks. Sadly I cannot find my problem included !!!! I own a 2003 'Facelift' Discovery, TD5.
Air bags, compressor assembly, fuel pipe and a few more bits were all replaced by Land Rover Main Stealer, about two years ago. ABS sensors were also changed by the same Stealer, who is situated in the Costa Del Sol, so I also have the language and "twice the price of the UK complication".
Been ok and a wonderful ride ever since, or so I thought !!! Intermittently, since the repair, had an annoying fault. Not every time, but randomly, when I switch the ignition on, I get a 'three Bongs' audible warning. If I ignore it and just drive, nil result. Everything remains OK and performs quite normally. If I immediately elect to switch ignition off and then back on, start the vehicle, the second time of turning the key, there will be no warning 'bongs'.
Recently, it has sunk on both sides whilst parked up, in the garage. The car is rarely used and can be parked up for 4-5 months at a time, yet it has never 'sunk' since the stealer's repair, despite the warning 'bongs'
After reading your very informative blog and thanks to Señor Google, I have only just found out that the three 'bongs' are apparently an audible warning from the SLABS/HDC.
My question is, could an air bag / self levelling / ride sensor problem be connected to or triggering these warnings, or is it the ABS ?
The original compressor had the "I don't want to turn off" problem that someone else had, earlier in the thread, very spooky !!!! To turn your key off and the vehicle ignores you is quite disconcerting !! Anyway, compressor carried on it's merry way and basically 'toasted itself.
Had the car diagnosed by a local English mechanic who has lots of off-road customers with Landy's, and there are no fault codes showing ???? Hence, I am a tad perplexed and would gratefully accept any useful slant that anyone can place on my problematic vehicle.
 
Fairly new to discos but I changed a leaking airbag tonight and all is well apart from the ride height is 2 inches lower on the side I changed.
Is there a way to adjust the level of ride height manually ???
I have boosted it to its maximum height and then left it to settle but there is still a definite 2 inch difference.
Or do I have to take it to a garage for them to balance the air suspension ?
Thanks
Steve
 
Fairly new to discos but I changed a leaking airbag tonight and all is well apart from the ride height is 2 inches lower on the side I changed.
Is there a way to adjust the level of ride height manually ???
I have boosted it to its maximum height and then left it to settle but there is still a definite 2 inch difference.
Or do I have to take it to a garage for them to balance the air suspension ?
Thanks
Steve

Do you know anyone with a nanocom? I understand you can recailbrate with that.
 
Hi, When I hit the air suspension switch the light comes on and when I release the light goes off, I seem to be getting no change at all.....any suggestions where to start?
 
Just had a bag go pop on me today, which is annoying as I only replaced them just before Xmas! Are the new push-fit connectors on the bags able to be released to let me remove the pipe, or do I have to cut the pipe again?
 
Yeeehaw! Another thread revival....

Has anyone changed the slab behind the glove box? I hear it's a pig of a job?

Mine has been very temperamental of late:

1) Warning light came on the dash so 'hobbled' back home. Managed to get lucky and the pump worked next day - did a test drive and both sides completely sank after 100m.
2) Tried Sierras trick of starting up, raising the vehicle then unplugging the power supply and both valve supplies - stayed up for a couple of days so not an airbag problem.
3) Bought a brand new Wabco pump to try and eliminate a dodgy pump or valve block - worked fine for a day then the suspension dropped again.
4) Put the originsl pump back on, started up and raised to off-road height, pulled out mains/valve plugs again and it's staying up.

Has to be the damn compoooter slab, surely :(
 
Something I didnt mention in detail when writing the original guide...

When replacing an Air bag, you can release air at the compressor end if it is easier for you. (look at the photo). each bag has its own independant feed. you can release air out of a bag by slackening off the union with the valve block.

It is also common for water to find it's way into the compressor through the intake pipe. although it is possible by removing the compressor to check the bore for the presence of water. this is no gurantee it will work again!

Great post Battenberg. Does water in compressor mean there's problems? As have noticed puddle of water in boot underneath compressor
 
Compressor on a Discovery II is on the nearside chassis rail. Don't know what vehicle you have if the compressor is in the boot. Range Rover perhaps?
Yep! Ok, puddles in boot not an issue then w/ discovery I guess Lol. Interested to know whether water in system is a definitive sign of problems tho? Certainly doesn't sound healthy
 
Hi, just replaced my 94 Disco 300tdi with a 2002 plate. All mod cons seem to be doing what I'd expect and so far the back end has not dropped. What I'm not sure about, when the engine is running the air compressor is whiring away constantly? not making any odd noises but it running constantly? is that normal?? The back end goes up when I press the height button but she does not come down unless you start to drive?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
 
The button is for off-road use. It is to get a bit of extra height if you get in to trouble.
It will drop back down if you go over, something like, 18 miles per hour. [corrected speed]

I can't remember if the pump runs all the time. I'll have to check tonight.
 
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The button is for off-road use. It is to get a bit of extra height if you get in to trouble.
It will drop back down if you go over, I think, 5 miles per hour.

I can't remember if the pump runs all the time. I'll have to check tonight.


Thanks for the response. Will be interesting to see if it should be running constantly. I'm still getting use to the modern technology of 2002 Disco II having driven the old 300tdi for the past 8 years!
 
No my compressor is not running constantly.
According to the very detailed article at the start of this thread, that could be a leak somewhere.

At least the compressor is working. That is about the only expensive part of the system, so whatever other repair you need is likely to be easy and relatively low cost :)

It's slightly off topic but if you are going to maintain the D2 yourself I would recommended getting a Nanocom or Hawkeye diagnostic tool. I have used my Nanocom for many jobs, paid for itself many times over. You need something similar to adjust the air suspension properly.
http://blog.discoverthat.co.uk/2016/05/discovery-2-air-suspension-setup.html

Loads of people offer use of their Nanocom, you might have someone near you.
http://www.thed2boysclub.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=53806

At no time, on a forum, ask which is better, Nanocom or Hawkeye. You will just start a flame war! :)
They both do the job well according to the people that have owned them.
 
@Ice cold 1664

You may be better off placing this as a question in the Discovery section, rather than here, You have placed it as a comment on a sticky for the SLS, which a lot of people never look at unless they have an issue.

Have you checked the relay? If you do not have it then also download a cop of the Rave manual. It will help you trouble shoot.

Cheers
 
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