ELC Trouble - Compressor?
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ELC Trouble - Compressor?
I have replaced my rear struts but they do not air up when the compressor runs. I unplugged the 2 wire connector in the trunk and manually started the compressor with the inflator switch. Still nothing. I've checked the inflator valve for pressure and even unhooked one of the air hoses from the strut and checked for air while the compressor is running. Nothing.
The compressor seems to run normal. Is there anything else I can check that would be keeping air from reaching the struts? Or does this sound like a bad compressor?
The compressor seems to run normal. Is there anything else I can check that would be keeping air from reaching the struts? Or does this sound like a bad compressor?
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If the compressor is running and you cannot get air out of the airline coming from the compressor, there is a 90% chance that the drier on the compressor has gone bad, i *believe* that part is available from the entire compressor assembly.
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Has anybody ever replaced the drier on one of these compressors? Is it cost effective to do that rather than replacing the compressor?
If anybody has any experience with that please let me know. I'm not really sure where the drier is located on the compressor...
If anybody has any experience with that please let me know. I'm not really sure where the drier is located on the compressor...
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Somewhere I've see someone post a method and pictures for taking apart the compressor/motor and cleaning it and repairing it that way. I don't recall where. When the compressor is running is any air coming out the pressure side connector?
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There is an outside chance that the little spring clip that holds the drier onto the compressor head has come loose, allowing the pressure to escape before going into the drier. If so, the drier will feel "floppy" and not secured. That'* the only thing that holds it on. I had this problem and the compressor was forever running, especially after parking it in the garage.
Here is the location.
Here is the location.
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I soaked the entire assemby down with soapy water while on the car and ran the compressor, but couldn't see any leaks. I've just taken the whole assembly down off the car and am going to clean all the dirt and crud off. None of the clips are loose. Based on other posts, I see that I should be oiling some of these parts.
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I cleaned everything up and then plugged the wiring harness back in and turned the compressor on. No air out the end of the pressure check valve. So I started working my way back unhooking parts until I finally took the dryer off and checked for air coming directly out of the compressor. Practically nothing. I could feel the slightest bit when I wet my lips and pressed them up to the hole. But its virtually nothing. I took the air filter off and held a finger over the hose. About the same amount of suction - nearly nothing. But the compressor starts and runs fine? Doesn't sound bad or anything.
Any thoughts? If there'* no air before the dryer, it can't be the dryer can it? Should I pour some air tool oil in that dryer hole? Is the compressor shot? Should I take it apart further?
Any thoughts? If there'* no air before the dryer, it can't be the dryer can it? Should I pour some air tool oil in that dryer hole? Is the compressor shot? Should I take it apart further?
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Here'* a link to a kit that lets you use the shocks as conventional air shocks. You might want to use this until getting the pump fixed or replaced. About 20 lbs of air will lift the back up.
http://www.partsamerica.com/productd...artNumber=AK29
You can take the pump apart but can't buy any parts to repair anything inside. A new pump is over $300 at GMPartsDirect. Inside you'll find a solenoid that operates a tiny valve. That valve is what lets air out to lower the rear end. That'* where mine was all corroded & I wasn't able to remove it without destroying the valve.
http://www.partsamerica.com/productd...artNumber=AK29
You can take the pump apart but can't buy any parts to repair anything inside. A new pump is over $300 at GMPartsDirect. Inside you'll find a solenoid that operates a tiny valve. That valve is what lets air out to lower the rear end. That'* where mine was all corroded & I wasn't able to remove it without destroying the valve.
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Yes, that solenoid valve connection is on the compressor head to let the air out on deflate. As one last ditch effort, try measuring across the 2 wires going into it. Make sure you have 0 volts.
I would not recommend oil in the drier. It is a dry chemical type and I would think that might screw it up.
I don't know if a person could take the head off the compressor and clean that solenoid valve up or not. No experience there and my book is at home. :( Maybe a salvage yard?
I would not recommend oil in the drier. It is a dry chemical type and I would think that might screw it up.
I don't know if a person could take the head off the compressor and clean that solenoid valve up or not. No experience there and my book is at home. :( Maybe a salvage yard?