Has anyone here switched their auto leveling suspension over to traditional struts? If so, what differences, if any, did you experience in the ride and handling? I have a dead compressor on my car and it will probably require new struts also since it is at 83k. Just wondering if the cost to repair the compressor and replacing the struts is worth the cost.

you WANT to keep the ELC...its a INTEGRAL part of the suspension you have....we can get you a compressor cheap, myself and BillBoost37 scour the yards and prolly can have something for you

and when you do rear struts, Replace them with the ELC ones

Sounds good to me, I think I might have found one at a local yard for about $75, is that a good price for a used one? I know that GMpartsdirect has it listed for $293, and that just seems insane!

What Pat says about the ELC being an integral part of the FE2 suspension package is true. The extra spring rate the ELC provides is calculated into the package.

50-75 would be a good price. Most yards around here charge 100-125. Make sure it'* from the right year. The 92-95 are different. And take the time to open it up and pre-lube it with some light oil. Make sure this 'new' used compressor will last you for years. The rings on the piston are teflon, but some oil will keep things free and working more efficiently. Much the same as oiling your pneumatic tools.

so if I have the self leveling rear struts, I have the FE2 suspension package?

Only 83k phhh your fine I have over 330,000 km on my factory suspension. It still rides nice. Is the only way to get FE2 suspension if you have the auto leveling suspension and does all the auto leveling suspension have the two suspension buttons on the console?? Sorry not to thread hog.

75$ sounds like a reasonable price for a compressor to me. I know some yard around here want like 175$ canadian for one.

Erik

yes......all the Bonnevilles have the FE2 with ELC....NOTE: this is for the 92-99 Bonnes for sure


to be sure check you RPO codes on your Spare tire cover....99.9999999999% you have the FE2

If you have leaks in the strut bladders, the frequent compressor on/off cycling will eventually blow the compressor fuse. Have you checked the fuse? If the compressor is actually “dead”, you could install a manual fill kit with a new set of air struts and save the cost of a replacement compressor. The manual fill kit is available from about any Monroe any dealer as Part #AK29. It cost about 5 bucks. The kit is easy to install and once you set the pressure for best ride & handling, you would only need to check it about once a year. Ride height and ride quality depends on the air pressure you select. Usually, 18-26 lbs would equal OEM specifications. I have been using the manual fill kit for three years and have only added air two times! It is the same as adding air to your tire!

BTW, the ELC option is also available on the FE1 “soft ride” suspension. The ELC option does not automatically dictate that you have an FE2. Check your RPO code for suspension option!

In Bonnevilles, that'* not the case. From our experience and knowledge on this Forum, we have yet to see a SINGLE FE1 equipped car with ELC. And have yet to see a single FE2 car without.

First of all, your struts CAN be shot at 83k. At 330km, they almost certainly are. But it happened so gradually, you didn't notice.

The ride control buttons ont he center console have NOTHING to do with ELC (electronic level control). The are CCR (computer command ride) used from 94-99. CCR changes the VALVING in all 4 struts to firm or soften the ride at the driver'* request. This is independent of ELC in operation, but is often equipped WITH ELC.

ELC is not AIR struts. They are GAS struts with air ASSIST. This is important to remember.