Sinking front end?!

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O Bife

O Bife

Active Member
Posts
409
Location
Almada, Portugal
Hi all,

Does anybody know what might be causing the front end of our P38 to lower when parked over night or longer:eek:

What I mean is that every morning when I go down to jump into the RR I notice that the nose end is really low as if on the minimum setting whilest the rear is at the same level as it was when I parked up.

I had a complete suspenssion failure the last month and through that I had to replace the air compressor. That solved the failure problem. But since then this lowering of the front end is happening.

Could it be either of the following:
  1. One of the front air springs has sprung a leak:confused:
  2. One of the coil thingies on the valve block:confused:
Any ideas out there:confused:

Hope to hear from some of you,

All the best,

Phil
 
Most likely I would say is a failed air spring. Listen carefully at both sides under the arches and see if you can hear an air leak. I replaced a front the other week, was pretty easy apart from a seized pin (which ended up being broken out!) but only a 1hr job for even a non-mechanic type. Both my rears are now leaking very slowly - i.e. it takes a long night for them to go down noticeably but I can still hear a leak.

This problem could well be why your compressor has failed - it has been overworked - they are not designed to be used much, only really for
topping up the tank. Best get the problem fixed quickly before you damage another compressor!

I can recommend a place to buy the springs from for £62.50 plus delivery (they ship internationally)

Matt.
 
Hi Matt,

Thanks for the info, sounds right. Although I can't hear anything, I'm sure that that is the prob.:)

Does the place you mention have a web site or phone number? Would sure appreciate it.

Phil
 
Id look at the valve block, its the assembly next to the compressor, if only 1 front corner dropped, then I would look at that corner's air bag or air line, but if the whole front drops, (it's rare for both bags to fail at the same time) then i'd look at the valve block, as this supplies air to the front & rear in pairs. Since your car rises up ok, then that suggests the compressor, lines, tank & lift valves are ok. The entire suspension is then held at as setting by one of the other valves, if that leaks, then thats the end (front in your case) that drops.
 
Yes, it could be other components too! :) I guess I pointed to the air bags straight away as both my rears have just failed simultaneously! You can leak test the system with a bit of soapy water and run it around the components to see if any bubbles form. If only one of the fronts has a leak then it only goes down at that corner (I know!)

Excellent suspension info at the following link
http://www.rangerovers.net/repairdetails/airsuspension/index.html

Those guys don't have a website I know of, but you can ring them on (UK!) 01795 580332 - Island 4x4. I ordered a new part from them on Thursday (22nd) before Christmas and it arrived at my local post office in France on Monday (UK Boxing day!)

Matt.
 
Hi again,

Thanks for that. Yep, it's the whole front that is sinking/dipping all the way down over night. Maybe one of the seals on the valve block has gone (Here's hopping).

Matt, thanks for the Island 4X4, good news, site found (of sorts) and here it is::D

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/ISLAND-4X4

They really do have some cheap stuff there. Think there will be a few of us mems taking a look at them.

Now all I have to do is try and figure out what it is with the front end.

Phil
​
 
i had this it was an air bag best way to check is when it`s down resting on the bump stops get under and feel the air bags if one still got air in and the other hasn`t it`s a bag but i`d change the both anyhow if ones gone
 
Yep, ISLAND 4 x 4 are great, I bought a pair of front bags from them, about £ 65 or so each, fitted them both in an hour, doddle-job, rears are even easier!!
I also made & fitted my own MARS set, its ready-fitted in case of any future failure?!
 
glad your sorted m8 i get all my bit`s from them m8 there great and fast del aswell;)
 
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