i am about to replace my front struts but i dont know if the rear ones are bad or not or the rear springs . the compressor runs for about 5 mins sometimes and shuts off but the car never lifts up. is there a easy way to find out if my struts or airlines are bad. and the car is making a loud creaking noise in the rear car sounds like a haunted house.

Hi

From what you described sounds like your rear struts are shot. Most likely the rubber boots around the struts are so badly cracked that the compressor can not even begin to fill them.
That is why it runs for 5 minutes as you described and shuts off.

If you can have your rear of the car jacked up and inspect the struts for any wetness around the bottom of the struts. This would indicate that they are leaking oil and need replacing.

As for the rear 'haunted house' squeak, it could be a few things going on. Could be bad upper strut mounts....bad center sway bar bushings.....springs could be needing a lube on the bottom where they are mounted to....could be an old wooden door with old hinges in your trunk moving when you go over bumps....

Anyways keep us informed on what you find so we can help as needed.

Are you having the front strut bushings replaced as well? good idea to.

Oh and just for your information.. Bonneville'* technically have air shocks in the rear. Just so you don't confuse the parts guy when you order them...lol

If you order new rear shocks you will need the air line kit part #AK29 found at most parts store for around $8

Good place to order our parts is found at:
www.rockauto.com
here is the discount code link found here:
https://www.gmforum.com/t279335/

Todd

Not to shoot down Toddster'* good info and diagnosis....Here'* a little more to add.

What you described IMO is one of the system components are shot and it'* time to troubleshoot further.

Look for the leaking struts, if they are the struts should be replaced.

Put soapy water around the boots and let the compressor kick on. If you see bubbling, the struts are leaking air and should be replaced.

You can put a air hose to the air hose fitting in the trunk and see if with the key in the on position and the button pressed to on if you get air out of it and if you hook it up to a tire if the system will pump up past whatever is in the tire currently. Struts are supposed to take a max of around 70pis, while you can't test a tire to that level you can easily get to 35-40 psi safely and that is a good test of the compressor.

Next up I disconnect the outlet of the compressor under the right rear fender and put it to a pressure gauge. Let it come on for moments to get about 10psi and then walk away..come back 20 minutes later and see if the gauge is still holding pressure. If not, the compressor is not holding the pressure and needs to be replaced.

Lastly and hardest to see is the airlines. Usually they don't go bad, however they can. If the struts and compressor appear good, Monroe sells a manual fill kit for the struts at about $10-$15. It would be worthwhile to pick it up and put it in place of the airlines for a test if you think they have a leak.

if i decide to bypass the compressor how much air do i put in the struts.and should i replace the springs in the rear or just the struts?

Air depends on how much weight you have in the trunk, how you prefer the car to ride etc etc.

I would say struts only. A couple of guys have done springs, but the struts are the larger key to restoring ride/suspension.

i was told to get the monroe quick struts all the way around. and my friend said they are setup like the original struts they just bolt in no wheel alignment needed like the lower end monroe struts.