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Post by JimW on Aug 29, 2004 11:26:58 GMT -6
Once again my ELC system has died, and I'm pretty convinced its the wiring. I have been considering some new ideas.
1. Gas powered traditional shocks.
2. Relay controlled air ride via interior switch (sensor bypass)
3. Manual air ride via schreader valve on the airbag itselef
The back end of the car feels rather dead and I dont like having it rock back when/if I acclerated harder then usual. Also under loading conditions I obviously want to maintain a level ride, so, what is the best option?
1, 2 or 3
I had considered disconnecting the the air hoses to the existing shocks and pumping up the shocks manually with an inflator hose at a service station, however, I am worried about deflation over a short period of time. Should I be or will it hold the air?
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Post by omegaic on Aug 30, 2004 0:17:09 GMT -6
Once you disconnected the hoses, how would you plug up the hole?
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scottydl
Super Moderator 
There's nothin' like an American V-8...
Posts: 7,373
Staff Member
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Post by scottydl on Aug 30, 2004 8:44:40 GMT -6
I had considered disconnecting the the air hoses to the existing shocks and pumping up the shocks manually with an inflator hose at a service station, however, I am worried about deflation over a short period of time. Should I be or will it hold the air? If there is a way to do this (manually put air in the system), I'd try this before your other options. You would have to replace any parts yet, and best of all it's FREE!  If it works, you could probably even run an air line to an easy-to-reach location for occasional refilling if necessary. If the air leaks back out quickly, then at least you can eliminate that as a solution. After that, consider what kind of ride you want. I have cheap adjustable air shocks on the rear of my Executive... the line runs back to my gas cap (behind the rear license plate) so the valve is easy to access. For that car they work great, as I can adjust the rear end as needed. But it is a rather stiff ride, more so than traditional gas shocks probably would be (I am speculating). |
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Post by JimW on Aug 30, 2004 10:46:38 GMT -6
Interesting thoughts gents, now, I havent really looked, but isnt the air valve on the shock similar to say a valve on the fuel rail or tire? If so, when the line is disconnected the valve should plug up on its own...or when you disconnect does that open the system? Logic tells me its the latter not the former  Oh well, I'll take a look and report back with some ideas. |
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Post by Aurora40 on Aug 30, 2004 11:56:19 GMT -6
If so, when the line is disconnected the valve should plug up on its own...or when you disconnect does that open the system? Logic tells me its the latter not the former I don't know for sure, but I do know the load-leveling suspension has the ability to adjust the ride both up and down. So if you loaded your trunk up with bricks, drove around, then took them out, the ride would be way high. The system has the ability to let air out to bring the height back down.  |
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Post by JimW on Aug 30, 2004 13:03:06 GMT -6
Yes, when the sensor is working, mine is not. So, if the sensor is bypassed and I manually fill the shocks, will it hold the air, or will it deflate?
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Post by Aurora40 on Aug 30, 2004 13:41:44 GMT -6
right, so what I meant is I'd guess when there is no pressure on the valve of the shock, I'd think that means it will let air out. Otherwise how would the pump be able to lower the height? But I'm only guessing, I don't know for sure.
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Post by JimW on Aug 30, 2004 14:49:32 GMT -6
Only one way to find out...lol, when I need a fillup I will try and inflate the air shox and see what happens |
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dred98
Aurora Driver
Posts: 470 
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Post by dred98 on Aug 30, 2004 17:09:43 GMT -6
As far as I can tell from my manual, there is no valve on the shocks themselves, you'd have to add one to the end of the air line(s) wherever you extended it (them) to.
There's an exhaust solenoid that lets air out of the system - when you remove those bricks from the trunk - and it's part of the air compressor itself, so the compressor is what adds and lets out the air pressure.
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Post by erw38 on Aug 30, 2004 18:39:25 GMT -6
Good Looking car Howard  |
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dred98
Aurora Driver
Posts: 470
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Post by dred98 on Aug 30, 2004 19:45:27 GMT -6
Good Looking car Howard Yep, nice colour too |
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Post by omegaic on Aug 31, 2004 1:39:46 GMT -6
The pneumatic lines connect to the shocks with a simple fitting held on by a metal clip. Once you nudge the clip off, the air hose will just shoot out under pressure. There is nothing there to stop the air, you have a hole right into the shock.
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Post by R4D30N on Aug 31, 2004 9:57:23 GMT -6
or you could just fix the bad wiring?
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Post by omegaic on Aug 31, 2004 11:26:17 GMT -6
That's like a needle in a haystack with these cars...
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Post by JimW on Aug 31, 2004 12:12:28 GMT -6
Agreed, it would be easier to bypass the wiring with a more primitive means of bolstering the suspension.
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Post by Isnibs on Sept 2, 2004 18:00:51 GMT -6
When I change the fuse on my ELC it works great
In the morning when I first start the engine, after about twenty seconds the compressor kicks in for a short burst and the ride height is adjusted.
Then after about a week the fuse blows again.
I may connect wires to either side of the fuse seat to a switch mounted in the cabin and pump her up when I need to.
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Post by R4D30N on Sept 3, 2004 7:33:20 GMT -6
but why would you rig it, you seem to be knowledgeable about the workings of an automobile, so i think you should keep on truckin' and try fixing it
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If it works, you could probably even run an air line to an easy-to-reach location for occasional refilling if necessary. If the air leaks back out quickly, then at least you can eliminate that as a solution. 
