Factory air suspension fix or replace

[DiscoDazza]

Well this would be a very common problem!
I have a Disco II Td5, first the bags leaked, fixed "new bags" out of the USA Arnott indst $385,incl frt delivered, next fault-Air sus pump motor stopped going! Pulled it out stripped it down to find the earth brush spring had snapped, rebent it and installed works ok, Ive had the XYZ switch out, stripped it cleaned and repaired contacts, sealed and fitted all good, not long after the three Amego's
Oh yay...then just before Xmas the Air sus pump got very noisey and stopped pumping up the air srings, again out came the complete air sus unit, this time stripping down the air pupm side, to find the piston very worn, the compressor bore very scored, basically naffed.
I do like the factory air susp as it self levels with any excess weight or towing the work trailer, off roading we can just raise the rear for low range off roading in the dunes/ruts,but........now it doesnt go again!
The next step is to fix or replace???
Anyone wish to comment!
Ive looked at verrious up grades, std/HD springs and shocks from AU & USA + UK, rears only $270.00 to front and rear EMU/ARB $799.95 ++, against replacing the factory Airs sus unit Via e-bay UK $AU512.72+frt
OH what to do decissions decissions!!

[Pedro_The_Swift]

The air compressor, like every other moving part, wears out. If you dont replace the bags as soon as the car gives you a very telltale overnight lean, then the pump simply wears out.

[slug_burner]

Agree. The longer you run around with a leaky bag, the greater the wear on the air pump. The air pump can't do that much work otherwise.

Fix it. There are many ways to fix, some have even changed the compressor for a different brand to save $$. Do a search you should find a few threads. There are also 2nd hand units around as people do change the system out for coil springs. I think Sharkee had his setup in the for sale section.

[lewy]

do a search on here and get an emergency kit to keep it inflated till the below arrives.

http://www.island-4x4.co.uk/suspension-suspension-parts-c-18_71_2577.html[/URL]suspension-suspension-parts-c-18_71_2577.html[/html]

[mattg]

I read hear about replacing the pump with an ARB diff compressor. Cheaper and longer term fix. Go the new bags keep its awesomeness I bought mine with springs and am putting the air bags back

[Mick_Marsh]

I own two air suspended vehicles. One has been a right pain with air leaks. The other has had it's issues with pumps and valves. I am beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I think the problems are almost solved.
An air suspended vehicle is a nice car to drive. In my opinion, if you convert an air suspended vehicle to steel springs, you are devaluing it.

[superquag]

IF all your ducks are in a neat row.... the original air compressor is adequate for general use... But, it's got to be rebuilt properly with 'quality' parts. Don't skimp.

I've replaced all 4 bags in my Classic, and the pump has been re-built locally. - Air suspension is Great when working properly...

The self-rescue is simply a T - piece, an on/off valve and a Schraeder (car tyre) valve.

Put the on/off tap between the main valve assembly and the air-spring. Then put the arms of the T between the tap and the bag. The last bit of the T carries the Schraeder filling valve.
The idea is.... to be able to isolate the air-spring from the rest of the car.... then manually fill or deflate by means of the car tyre-vlave.
The purpose of the tap is to be able to keep air in the bag, assuming the valve body has gone leaky...

Carry a suitable compressor with you !:angel:

[Philtech]

Put coil springs on , I have done this conversion to LSE classic Range Rovers and the rear of Disco 2 . Kit available from Craddocks in the Uk .

[Naviguesser]

I've seen so many threads by those who have removed the bags and replaced with springs and then immediately start looking for Polyair bags to go inside the springs to keep the back up when loaded.

Keep the airbags, I certainly am, they work well.

[superquag]

Downside of replacing bags with coily wire things is the 'permanent' sag when loaded.
What most forget is ... the coils work in cahoots with the BOGE self-levelling device, which lives in the A frame locating the rear axle.

This cunningly designed (leaky/weeping, but they all do...) gadget uses the normal up/down axle movement to pump itself up to 'desighn height'. At rest, the back drops as you add the first shopping bag...making it easier to add more shopping bags...:D

Solution is to obtain a working BOGE, or Polyairs. These load levellers don't take anywhere near as much pressure as the original air bags, so a cheap/quiet compressor can be used. Or a foot-pump, as you only need 5 to 20 psi or so.

We used 12 to 15 psi in an '88 Rangie towing a 1.5 tonne trailer plus fully loaded boot/LPG tank

Or you could just manually set them for load height adjustment. - You'll need to do this with Polyairs, anyway...!

[OffTrack]

Arnott's bags have had reliability problems in the recent past, and the general consensus on the D2 forum is "avoid at all costs": http://www.aulro.com/afvb/discovery-2/133998-arnott-air-bag-failure.html

The best fix would have been to replace the bags with Dunlop or Contitech OEM bags. If you decided to keep the SLS fit a WABCO OEM compressor - accept no substitutes!

[slug_burner]

I got Arnott's replacement bags, been in for approx 2 years. Fingers crossed.

[joel0407]

Hey guys,

I dont have a air bag vehicle but I'm considering buying a Disco II S (7 Seater).

Can I replace the standard bags with coils and polyair bags and keep the standard compressor and control? I figure under rated coils so the height would be lower than the air bag height. Allowing the height control to handle the height via bag pressure.

I like the self levelling of the air suspension but need reliability of coils. I figure the coils and polyair would give the ultimate limp home solution.

Happy Days.

[superquag]

I got Arnott's replacement bags, been in for approx 2 years. Fingers crossed.

Me too! - Me too !!!
(Complete replacement units, not just rubbers...)

[Pedro_The_Swift]

Hey guys,

I dont have a air bag vehicle but I'm considering buying a Disco II S (7 Seater).

Can I replace the standard bags with coils and polyair bags and keep the standard compressor and control? I figure under rated coils so the height would be lower than the air bag height. Allowing the height control to handle the height via bag pressure.

I like the self levelling of the air suspension but need reliability of coils. I figure the coils and polyair would give the ultimate limp home solution.

Happy Days.

Huh?
isnt the above just what the car does standard??:confused: