Replacing Rear Air Spring - Suspension Component X5 e70

[X5ists]

Originally Posted by rlteee

is it safe to jack the car back up, unplug the air hose from the air bag and start the car to see if air is coming out of the hose? Or should i just completely remove the air bag from the hose, put it back, add the wheels and then start the car while jacked up?

The hardest part of all this is getting the top part of the air bag into that little hole..

I will remove it completely and reinstall the hose and make sure all sit well, plus you don't want the compressor to keep running, it will burned out and really expensive to replace. Get a helper to guide you fom the top and this will make you job easier. Good luck

[mart_dev]

Just to be clear, you'd replaced both rear air bags? You allowed the air bags to inflate while slowly lowering the vehicle off the jack (did not drop vehicle onto completely deflated air bags before allowing compressor to inflate)? You were careful to fit brass ferrules onto the air lines before fastening into air bags (you put the little brass rings on the air lines)?
If yes for all above then you've covered your bases. It is possible that there is a crack in one/both air lines so you'd best remove the dust cover under the vehicle so as to gain access to the lines and check them...wait for vehicle to "go to sleep" which takes about 30 min I think and then open driver door which should engage the compressor. Climb under and follow the lines, listening for leaks. It could also be the valve block at the compressor but that's less likely although I've heard of it being common issue with Land Rover. Getting to the air lines and compressor is a very simple task, just a matter of pulling the dust cover directly beneath the passenger door...I own a right hand drive so just check online before taking me at my word.

[rlteee]

Hi,

I replaced both air springs with Arnott air springs, Reused the brass ferrules that was attached to the airline already since it looked good, lowered the car down very slowly, but did not allow the air bags to inflate before setting it down.

As soon as i finish my coffee. I am going to jack up the car, check the air lines underneath and see whats going wrong.

[rlteee]

I checked out the area where the compressor is and when i start the car, i hear the compressor making noise. I didnt feel air coming out of those two holes that the compressor lines are connected to.

[rlteee]

Here is the photo...

http://oi60.tinypic.com/34iiixu.jpg

[rlteee]

here is how the compressor sounds.. hopefully it helps.

Video - TinyPic - Free Image Hosting, Photo Sharing & Video Hosting

[mart_dev]

Unfortunately I'm not able to view/hear the video in the link. Those two holes, as you describe them are the valve block exhausts and while I've not pressed my fingers into the exhaust ports in an effort to feel if there is in fact air being expelled I should imagine the theory is sound since if in fact there is enough pressure to lift the rather substantial arse of an X5 I reckon you should be able to feel if any pressure is being generated.
With that in mind the issue could be at that end of the system. I've dismantled and cleaned my valve block in the past which means anyone can. There are only 2 moving parts inside - the pistons. The only things that can fail in the valve block are the o-rings. Other cause of leaks in the block is corrosion on the pistons which is due to moisture that has been introduced through the breather line which is situated behind the right front wheel arch (behind that plastic shroud...it doesn't extend as high up as you might expect and crossing through water that covers half the wheel height could spell disaster. Silly design oversight I'd say).
Anyway, all of what I've said is purely speculative and without having heard the sound you recorded I'm not able to even say if it sounds normal or not. Mine sounds pretty much like a run of the mill portable tyre pump like those most of us keep in the boot of the car except that the sound is a little muted.

Good luck with the diagnosis

[rlteee]

After spending the entire day checking the lines to the compressor. I have come to conclusion that the compressor is busted too. The compressor is on and making noise, but no air is pushing through. However, i noticed that while the compressor was on, i was squeezing the bags and it put a little air into it. Not that much, but the car seemed less bumpy as before. Dont get me wrong, its still bumpy. Seems it got stressed by trying pump the car up. I have ordered an oem air compressor for $520 with overnight shipping from the same place where i got my arnott air springs for $150 each. Ill install the compressor tomorrow and hopefully thats it.

[rlteee]

i apologize for the multiple posts, but i uploaded the audio to youtube.. here you go..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U68Y...ature=youtu.be

[mart_dev]

If your vehicle's engine wasn't running when you took this video then I agree with your suspicion that the compressor could be at fault. Still, it's a lot of money to throw at the vehicle without being certain so personally I am rooting for you. I know how frustrating it can be and even more so when there is money involved. Best of luck.