Replace Wabco Compressor with ARB

[dirtdodger]

After my previous "fun " with the Wabco SLS compressor, see previous thread...

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/discovery-2/102137-new-airbags-compressor-next-fail.html

I tired of listening to the noisy bearings in the Wabco, and fitted a ARB compressor.

Parts list: ARB CKSA12 compressor $170.00
: Mini regulator/water separator $25.00
: Air hose plus fittings $30.00
: Wiring and hardware $20:00
Overall cost.......Under $250.00

The compressor and regulator were mounted on a 6mm rubber sheet( for sound /vibration damping), then to a metal plate made to match the mounting holes on the firewall LH Drive blanking plate. No holes to drill in the firewall.
See pics.

Wiring and hose were sheathed in heat protection and routed down the firewall and along the left chassis rail to the SLS box. (ensuring clearance for the LH front leading arm movement)

The old compressor was removed from the valve block assembly, and an adapter made to mate up to the valve block. The valve block and adapter were then mounted on a plate to match the existing mountings in the SLS box.

Quite a bit of extra effort was made to enable the original compressor re fitment...... Just in case of stuff ups. (plus I now have a spare)

After assembly, a test was done with road to off road height, 150 Kilos in the back to check the load leveling, and a drive on uneven ground.

Test results.............It all worked as it should.

If I was to modify another vehicle, what would I change?

: I would not go to the trouble of making an adapter, (lathe required). If the old compressor was dead, I would cut the side out of the cylinder and tap a hose fitting into the outlet port. The compressor /valve block would stay on the original mounts as a monument to Landrover excellence.

: I would not mount the new compressor in the engine compartment, due to heat soak ........even with a heat shield. My preference is inside the cab in front of the LH tail light assembly.

: I would use a different compressor. The CKSA12 is a little short on capacity. One would need lotsa time for tyre inflation.
ARB designed this unit specifically for their air lockers. Not tyre inflation.
I personally would use ARBs larger unit.......No, no conflict of interest.
I like the rebuild aspect, and parts availability....plus a pressure switch is part of the package.

Now for the disclaimer.........This is what"I" did. It may not work for you.
By all means copy, modify, or ignore as one requires.
If one is "handy" with the tools, a few hours work can safe hundreds of dollars.
Note: Almost any compressor could be used, as the Wabco valve block has built in overpressure, and a permanent bleed to atmosphere on the air inlet.
However, a external regulator and water separator is good insurance.

http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/6986/compressormod0031.jpg (http://img689.imageshack.us/i/compressormod0031.jpg/)

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[nathand]

bloody mcgiver

[nathand]

hey mate mine has just gone dead have you just disconnected power from the compressor and plumbed new air lines from your new arb compressor to the exisiting valve block?

[lewy]

is this idea still working okay,should be able to move the valve block inside as well

[101RRS]

Does the compressor need to run all the time as you have used ARB's diff lock compressor which does not run once the system is pressurised and as such is not designed for continuous use.

OOpps you highlighted this in your post - should have read it more carefully.

Garry

[ob1]

Possible to do it? Mine is noisy probably going south soon. There should be less heat.

I cant see the pics you posted so sorry if I am missing something that I should not