JOHN ELLIS

JOHN ELLIS

Member
Hi All,

I have a 2000 reg P38 RR

Not too long ago I was on here about the air suspension which was sorted. However last week I noticed the compressor getting loud I could hear it over the engine also noticed on the odd day the suspension taking a while to rise up, of course on Monday I got the fault lights flashing, found the code RR valve stuck closed on the computer.

I have disconnected the air lines from the block and fitted the valves but the right rear air line must be warping at the end because it leaks.

I don't want to cut any off as there isn't much to work with.

If I put a bit of insulation tape round the end of the pipe and re fit the valve would that help.

Failing that has anyone got any other ideas.

I have a new seal and piston kit coming for the compressor so this isn't a permanent solution but it will save me pumping the air spring up twice a day

Cheers

John
 
When you cut the air line you have to chamfer the end to ensure it is square and also gives a little lead-in to ease the initial fitment......if it is not square, it won't seal properly.
 
Saint.V8 said:
When you cut the air line you have to chamfer the end to ensure it is square and also gives a little lead-in to ease the initial fitment......if it is not square, it won't seal properly.
Click to expand...
So a bit of electrical tape round the end wouldn't give a better seal, oh well it was just a thought.

I'm willing to bet that it has been leaking and overworking the compressor.

Cheers for the reply pal.

John
 
once you cut, prepped and fitted the pipe, if you've got the length to do so!! Fnah fnah, use soapy water to check your repair and everywhere else to give you piece of mind there is nothing else leaking... ;)good luck.
 
Mark Piercy said:
once you cut, prepped and fitted the pipe, if you've got the length to do so!! Fnah fnah, use soapy water to check your repair and everywhere else to give you piece of mind there is nothing else leaking... ;)good luck.
Click to expand...

Thanks pal.

How much do I need to cut off, is it a case of cutting the tip off the end or so many mm.

Cheers

John
 
easier said than done but as little as possible!! There's a possibility one of the two o'rings In the airbag connection could also be leaking? How old are the airbags John?
 
Mark Piercy said:
easier said than done but as little as possible!! There's a possibility one of the two o'rings In the airbag connection could also be leaking? How old are the airbags John?
Click to expand...

Front bags have never been changed, rear bags are about 8 years old, whilst on the valves the front end doesn't move literally just the rear right bag, I checked all round the air springs for leaks they are fine, I do believe it's just that one air line leaking from the valve, but as I say if that is leaking even just a bit whilst fitted to the block I think it will wear out another compressor pretty quick.

OR

It might even be that last time I refurbished my compressor I used a £3.50 seal kit from eBay, was it just a cheap s@@t seal in the kit, who knows.

Cheers

John
 
it does sound like your compressor has been working overtime. Make sure when you refit the pipe its as clean as hell, any grit gets in that bag and it's grinding time!!!
it may help to remove the plastic wheel arch inside the wheel well for better access fitting the pipe. Also check around the base of the airbags for rubber rot and fractures, could be on their last legs...i do hope the leak is the end of your problem??
 
our mate wammers has a good guide on how too, in the technical archive at the top if the rr section for the eas system. Let us know how you get on please John.;)
 
High pressure lines and a bit of tape? Doesn't bear thinking about.

How did you check for leaks? I found soapy water useless. Only reliable way I've found is to stick her on high, remove the delay timer and see what drops.

Bags are expected to last minimum of 7 years so could have failed at 8.

No need to take more than a mm off the end of the pipe. I doubt that is the issue though. More likely a leak in the bag or damaged o-ring.

You can get a straight connector and some 6mm pipe from somewhere like Activ-Air for very little money if you need to run a new section. See http://activ-air.co.uk/
 
JOHN ELLIS said:
It might even be that last time I refurbished my compressor I used a £3.50 seal kit from eBay, was it just a cheap s@@t seal in the kit, who knows.
Click to expand...

Pretty sure Wammers said the cylinder needs doing the same time as the seal as the nitride coating on it is a micrometre thick and only lasts as long as the seal. £3.50 sounds like the seal alone?
 
good point grrrr. I did my compressor and it did come with a new cylinder and seal. Worth considering John ... Hmm scratching chin!!o_O
 
JOHN ELLIS said:
found the code RR valve stuck closed on the computer.
Click to expand...

Just a thought, but mine had that same fault 2 weeks ago. Code read via the EAS software. Website states "RR valve stuck closed (description)..BUT..be wary of this message as lack of air can produce the same fault code."

My compressor seal was fried. Swapped that, all sorted.

Just a thought.
 
Grrrrrr said:
Pretty sure Wammers said the cylinder needs doing the same time as the seal as the nitride coating on it is a micrometre thick and only lasts as long as the seal. £3.50 sounds like the seal alone?
Click to expand...

Yes mate it was just the seal and o-rings.

Here is the plan, I have another pump on its way I'm going to put everything back together and check for leaks out of the block from that airline.

Then I'm going to get a seal and cylinder kit and keep a spare compressor.

Cheers for helping on this one everyone

John
 
It is best to change the cylinder when you put a new piston seal in the compressor.
 
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