ride height issues

[bfournier]

I have a 2003 with four wheel air self leveling. The front drivers side seemed to have a sag lower than the other three suspension heights so I thought perhaps there was a leak in the airbag. I have tested the airbag by raising up the vehicle to it highest height marked the ride height on the airbag and let it sit overnight at that height. It holds just fine al night long when checked the next morning. I assume there is a sensor on each wheel for ride height that could be bad or perhaps a trip to the stealer would tell me the normal ride height is off for the that wheel. I am looking for some help for DIY sensor replacement or cleaning (if thats even possile). Can anyone send me in the right direction?

[killcrap]

how many miles u got, 60k 70k? you need new front air shocks if you are in this range.

[bfournier]

i only have around 46k. I guess the air shock could be bad but if there is a sensor I could replce before $800 shock, I would prefer to go that route. Has to be a sensor somewhere on each tire????

[Weasel]

For less than the cost of a new sensor you could have it diagnosed at the dealer and know exactly what you need....

[bfournier]

hear what you are saying but...it wouldnt be unrealistic to think the stealer would tell me the entire shock was junk when in reality its just the sensor. Yes, my local dealer is that bad.

[Weasel]

I hate when a bad/less than honest tech ruins the reputation for the rest of us.

The thing to do in that case would be when they call you with the estimate, tell them you are going to come in so they can show you the failed parts. (just as they would need to show an adjuster for aftermarket warranties) Then they either show you the leaking strut by spraying soapy water on it and it bubbling, or show you printouts for the faulted sensor readings and/or fault codes etc. Basically make them show you why the parts need to be changed. Whenever a customer requests this with me I am happy to oblige and the customer usually comes out of it with a better understanding on how the system works and piece of mind that the source of the problem has been found and will be solved.

But for the record, I have only changed sensors for physical damage, never for faulting causing suspension issues. The sensors are well sealed and are the same kind of sensor as your gas pedal, throttle position sensor, etc. It is more likely to be either a leaking strut/spring (as rubber deteriorates over time) or possibly a problematic power supply relay or solenoid valves in the compressor housing. (as the contacts arc during activation and the internal connections get funky over the years)

[bfournier]

Thank you!