D3 Suspension Air compressor replacement

[ctgiles84]

Hi there,

The suspension compressor has failed to proceed and is in need of replacement. I spoke with a local Land Rover specialist and was told that when i put the new compressor in i will need a software update. Has anyone had any experiences with this? I am lost as to why i would need to do the update. I thought that i would just need to remove fault codes with hawk eye and that was it.

Can anyone give some advise?

Thanks in advance

[sheerluck]

They are correct. If you have the updated compressor (from Hitachi to AMK manufactured) installed, it needs the latest and greatest software to be able to run properly.

[Trngia]

Yes, I think the new one runs at a lower pressure and is supposed to be more reliable hence the software upgrade. I had mine replaced a few months ago at the local dealer.

[ctgiles84]

Thanks. I just bought one from Melbourne for $865 including postage. Can i fit it and drive car to dealer for upgrade?

[Epic pooh]

Yes you can fit and drive to the stealer, no probs. My stealer charged $66 to do the update while I waited (15-20mins). You may or may not get fault codes registered, no big deal, I drove mine for a week or so on the old software before I got around to the update. HTH

[101RRS]

Be aware that for some reason not all cars need the update. So check to see whether it works without faults first before booking in.

Garry

[~Rich~]

There was a software update to lower the Air Reservoir pressure a couple of years ago, yes this was to reduce the load on the compressor to help with lifespan. This was well before the switch of compressor brands.

I am guessing that if this update was done sometime prior then the software update that is recommended with the new AMK may not be required.

[adzee]

I bought an amk compressor from the uk and installed it myself. The bump stop ride was horrible but with updated software all worked perfectly.

[Epic pooh]

I had the most current hitachi software when I changed to the amk - all worked fine but was logging fault C1A36 which I understand has something to do with the differences between amk and hitachi exhaust valve operation.

[ctgiles84]

So i replaced the compressor myself. Rather easy once you figure out what you are doing. And got local land rover dealer to do the update. For anyone having the same issue. Install it yourself and buy from UK. Just have to put the new valve block in the front and should be all good.

[miller.rhys]

Anyone still have their old compressor? Need the top of the air dryer as mine is leaking air like a sieve.

[gossamer]

is this the upgrade compressor? the add says it is but I just wanted to make sure
Genuine Land Rover AIR Suspension Compressor Suit Disco 3 4 Range Rover Sport | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/GENUINE-LAND-ROVER-AIR-SUSPENSION-COMPRESSOR-SUIT-DISCO-3-4-RANGE-ROVER-SPORT-/181248814618?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&fits=Make%3ALand+Rover%7CModel%3ADiscovery&hash=item2a33456e1a)

[justinc]

^ yes.

jc

[ctgiles84]

You can tell via the bracket as it is solid rather than the original more open type.

[tempestv8]

My sister's RRS just had the old Hitachi unit replaced with the AMK unit and software updated for a grand total of $1900 by an indy LR workshop. Is that a fair and reasonable price?

[stevecor]

I replaced my Hitachi with an AMK about 6 months ago. At the time I didn't upgrade the software and found that whenever I attached my MSV2 Extreme I had quite a few suspension faults showing. Since upgrading the software, no faults.
So to answer your question, yes a software upgrade is advisable.
Steve.

[ctgiles84]

Software upgrade is worth it yes.

But price of $1900 is rather steep. In my opinion any one could have a solid go at replacing the compressor. Saving loads of money. And that is worth it also. Or if in Singleton area look me up and I am happy to give a hand. As I would think anyone on the forum would.

[Ghost-Who-Walks]

Software upgrade is worth it yes.

But price of $1900 is rather steep. In my opinion any one could have a solid go at replacing the compressor. Saving loads of money. And that is worth it also. Or if in Singleton area look me up and I am happy to give a hand. As I would think anyone on the forum would.


Hi

Just resurrecting this old post - I have a 2010 D4 with the original Hitachi compressor fitted (done ~228k kms so far) - seems like it's had a good life to me.

Just got some pricing for a new AMK compressor from Duckworths (pretty competitive compared to cost in Aus!), and I'm keen to do the replacement myself.

I have a gap IIDtool - is the software update just a standard thing available on the gap tool, or do I need to purchase it?

Thanks.

Rob

[shanegtr]

Its a standard flash update with the iid tool.

[loanrangie]

Hi

Just resurrecting this old post - I have a 2010 D4 with the original Hitachi compressor fitted (done ~228k kms so far) - seems like it's had a good life to me.

Just got some pricing for a new AMK compressor from Duckworths (pretty competitive compared to cost in Aus!), and I'm keen to do the replacement myself.

I have a gap IIDtool - is the software update just a standard thing available on the gap tool, or do I need to purchase it?

Thanks.

Rob

I would just replace with another hitachi, the amk doesn't seem much of an upgrade.

[Aussie Jeepster]

I've been looking for this link which means genuine Land Rover replacement
LR072537 Genuine Land Rover AMK Compressor Kit NEW UNIT No Surcharge (https://www.advancedfactors.co.uk/lr072537-genuine-land-rover-amk-compressor-kit-new-unit--no-surcharge--1229915-p.asp)

[SeanC]

You can get an OEM/AMK from Island 4x4 for just over $800. I got my compressor from there and had no issues. Software update is easy with the IIDTool. I replaced my existing AMK compressor which was working fine so I have a spare. The software was still set for an Hitachi. It had run for almost 100 000 kms with the “wrong software”.

[Ghost-Who-Walks]

You can get an OEM/AMK from Island 4x4 for just over $800. I got my compressor from there and had no issues. Software update is easy with the IIDTool. I replaced my existing AMK compressor which was working fine so I have a spare. The software was still set for an Hitachi. It had run for almost 100 000 kms with the “wrong software”.

Hi Sean

Did you get the AMK brand (as per Landrover supply), or an OEM/replica variety?
The price I've been quoted by Duckworths is pretty good (although a bit more than your $800) - so makes me wonder if it's an actual AMK brand... I'm following up with them now.

Thanks.

Rob

[SeanC]

Hi Sean

Did you get the AMK brand (as per Landrover supply), or an OEM/replica variety?
The price I've been quoted by Duckworths is pretty good (although a bit more than your $800) - so makes me wonder if it's an actual AMK brand... I'm following up with them now.

Thanks.

Rob

Hi Rob,

It was branded AMK and was identical to the one that it replaced.

From the service history the compressor that was replaced was $1200.

Chers
Sean

[PerthDisco]

I would just replace with another hitachi, the amk doesn't seem much of an upgrade.

Do genuine Hitachi still exist new? Dunlop is a Hitachi knockoff I think?

[CanadianRyan]

I would just replace with another hitachi, the amk doesn't seem much of an upgrade.

Agree. My original lasted 10 years and I replaced it myself with another Hitachi shipped from the UK to my door (in 4 days) for under $700.

I was quoted $1200-1500 for various shops to install an AMK.

The big assumption is that running lower pressures will increase longevity, but the AMK's haven't been around long enough to make a solid case for this IMO. Although likely true, double the cost doesn't make sense.

[PerthDisco]

Did you get the Hitachi or Dunlop version?

Advanced Factors only stock Dunlop so wondering if Hitachi still make them or there is some pre tsunami stock still in existence.

I’m also for changing original with original as has and is still working fine.

[Ghost-Who-Walks]

Did you get the Hitachi or Dunlop version?
Advanced Factors only stock Dunlop so wondering if Hitachi still make them or there is some pre tsunami stock still in existence.
I’m also for changing original with original as has and is still working fine.

Arrrgggghhh, now you've made it complicated! I was just going to go with AMK, because just about every thread I've read regarding compressor/suspension issues talks about replacing the Hitachi with the AMK compressor.

Like you, I've had good service (9+yrs, 228k kms) from my Hitachi - which I think is better than reasonable.

Maybe I should just go for the (cheaper) Hitachi... I assume the exhaust valve and drier components that eventually "fail" are all replaced with a new unit??
I mean, if I get another 200k kms, I'll be pretty happy...

And which one to buy? I assume the OEM version is as close to the Hitachi as we're going to get??? And about $200 cheaper...

Thanks.

Rob

147311

[CanadianRyan]

Did you get the Hitachi or Dunlop version?

Advanced Factors only stock Dunlop so wondering if Hitachi still make them or there is some pre tsunami stock still in existence.

I’m also for changing original with original as has and is still working fine.

I got the Hitachi. This was early last year and I ordered from LR Direct part number LR023964. Looking today they still have them but are more expensive than what I paid and for some reason have to be bought in quantities of at least 2. If you go to the website, other brands will also come up with that part number (Dunlop, Bearmach, Allmakes??). Cheers
Ryan