L322 front suspension issue

2003 L322 td6

Hi folks, Had an issue with an intercooler hose that had come off at the egr valve which I sorted but now I've got a suspension issue. I mention the intercooler pipe because the suspension issue started just after I had the boost problem. Came out to the car one morning a few days after the intercooler problem and the left side was low, no suspension faults, I started the car and it raised up but was a fraction lower on the left side than the right. When i park up and leave it for a few hours it drops again on the left. I have only done a few miles in it locally and its now dropped at the front both sides and i got a self levelling error max 35mph message today. I only have a cheap icarsoft which shows me an error of "to much energy for regulation needed front axle." If i reset the fault, it raises up and again the left is slightly lower than the right and is ok while im driving but I can hear the compressor buzzing away quite a bit while moving, but the front suspension drops down again after a while when parked. The rear looks normal. I'm not sure if its the ride height sensor or sensors, or I have a leak. I was going to replace the front sensors anyway as they were replaced about 8 years ago and they look to be a reasonably easy job to do. Apart from the airbags what else is there to check for leaks? What would you recommend? What's the easiest way to check for leaks as not as mobile or flexible as i used to be and struggle working on cars nowdays. I'm not super confident working on the RR either but cant afford to be taking it to a dealer.

Thanks for any help

Lee

Sounds like a typical leaking air spring.

I'd agree, soapy water and spray around any areas on the suspecte corner where ever you can see rubber.

Leaking air spring for the win; it will effectively balance the pressure across the front so both sides will drop over night. They crack quite badly over time and when you lift them or do work on them it's usually the nail in the coffin (ask me how I know).

The good news is that they're dead easy to replace with the only caveat being that you will need a compressor to get about 60PSI in it to seat it on to the strut. The Dunlop ones come with really good instructions in them.

Also, you'll want some silicone spray to lubricate the O-Rings when you seat the spring. If like me, you're lazy and you only want to do one side, you will almost certainly be doing the other very soon so you may as well do them both while you have the tools out and as you'll need both wheels off the floor to release the ARB drop link it's really not worth only doing one.

That reminds me, I expect my rear ones will let go soon so I'd better just order them. *sighs
Stick some details in your profile to let us know where you are in the country as there may be someone local that can offer advice/assistance.

LR docs attached to help you out.

I'd very much doubt that you have a height sensor issue BTW. Just have a look in your 4x4 settings screen and see where the markers are for the wheel heights to confirm.

As you say you can hear the compressor running quite a bit it must be unusual and you shouldn't be too aware of it. You'll cause yourself another problem if that runs too much as it will overheat trying to maintain pressure and then you'll be into a compressor rebuild, again not too bad on the L322. The only other thing that I can think of that could be an issue is the air tank (I've heard but not experienced) rotting out at the front where they get battered by the elements over the years as, yours is an older car it could be more prone to that but as you say, it's the front that drops and I'm fairly confident that the valve block will sort of seal off the air tank when not needed and it shouldn't be doing any adjustments over night.

Assume you park it on fairly level ground? Only asking as it's worth considering that the front is heavier and so will often be the first bit to sink if you should have a leak elsewhere but again I'm pretty sure it won't be able to do that, we're probably in danger of looking way too deep into a problem here.

I'd put money on the air spring but I realised I hadn't addressed your other questions.

As Mark says, spray soapy water around it and in my experience I have found that you'll probably be able to hear it if you can get the car in to off road height as they seem to fail more where it's rolled under itself and when you expose that section it's more obvious.

If you can hear it, you won't need the soapy water! Do make sure you've got an axle stand or something under the car to stop it bottoming out if you're going to put your hands in there though. Better safe than sorry and all that.

I agree with all above.
our 2011 had new bags all round last year (i think, could have been year before )
Started with 1 leaky bag on the front. we had the backs done 3mths later before any leaks.
Have also rebuilt the compressor.

So with that said, dont run it or you will need a compressor/rebuild.
Change at least both fronts.
If the Ht sensors are ok dont touch them. They are easy to change and not hard if/when you get a failure, as you have noted. The reason I say this is because when you fit new you will need to recalibrate and I am pretty sure your diagnostics will not do that so you would have to pay somebody to do it.
Some peeps have said they got away without having to calibrate but I wouldnt bet my house on it so just to be prepared.

J