D3 06 air suspension query

[ade]

So I don't have any obvious leaks. It holds it's height overnight.
Just seems like the compressor is on a lot more than it should be,
The compressor seems quite noisy, I can hear it ftom the drivers seat with car running and lately the suspension slow to rise warning appears when going to off-road height. Just sitting here writing this the compressor has been on and off three times??
Thanks

[Tombie]

You may need to replace the desiccant and filter.. This is a common cause of your symptoms.

[Graeme]

The compressor will wear-out if left too long.

[Armitage_Shanks]

Speaking from experience here - I have just replaced the Hitachi compressor in my MY06 RRS with the new AMK compressor.

I did a bit of exploratory surgery on my old compressor after I swapped it out. Many of the silica beads in the dryer had turned to sand or dust. These fine particles get caught in the filters in the inlet and outlet sides of the dryer. The compressor then has to work harder to force air through the dryer and onto the reservoir relief valve. With the compressor working harder, more heat is generated which, despite the overheating cutout safety measure, causes the compressor cylinder seal to deteriorate. Minute particles of the cylinder seal further block the Dryer filters. But of course, the main problem with a failing compressor cylinder seal is that the efficiency of the compressor is compromised. The cylinder seal in mine was pretty much non-existent.
The obliterated silica beads and a worn compressor cylinder seal, both lead to the "Suspension Raising Slowly" error. If left long enough, this error is quickly followed by yellow, then red Suspension Fault errors, and a very bouncy ride until you stop and restart (reboot?) the vehicle.

FWIW even after I swapped out my compressor and had the software update performed (to the tune of $174 at a major LR dealer in Melbourne!!), I still had the occasional Suspension Fault. Using a cheap ELM327 bluetooth OBDII dongle, and Story Wilson's 4Dcan Software Tool, I was able to identify a faulty rear left EAS Sensor. I sprayed some CRC Contact Spray around the switch and the connection, and the fault hasn't returned. Although I will be replacing the sensor this weekend just to be sure.

[ade]

Where's best to get the desiccant and filter?
Can't seem to find em

[bbyer]

This is a link that shows the air dryer, LR part number VUB504700. Replacing the dryer is the easiest way to resolve the desiccant concern.

DISCO3.CO.UK Photo Gallery - Broken Air Compressor RQG500060/Compressor Air Drier (http://www.disco3.co.uk/gallery/displayimage.php?album=4138&pos=1)

[Armitage_Shanks]

In my opinion you're better off replacing the old Hitachi compressor with the new AMK one.
Here's a pretty good thread on DISCO3.CO.UK on how to replace the compressor:
DISCO3.CO.UK - View topic - How To - AMK Suspension Compressor Replacement (http://www.disco3.co.uk/forum/topic84165.html)
It's fairly crucial to have a good selection of socket extensions and a uni joint to do the job.

Part # for the new compressor is LR045251. I buy all my parts from lrdirect.com. I'm all for supporting Australian businesses, but we're getting ripped off when we can buy the parts in from OS at half the local price including shipping. There's a bunch of other suppliers that you can buy LR parts from. Google the part number and you'll find them. I think there's also a section in AULRO that lists a bunch of suppliers both local and OS.

In any case, you can get a compressor overhaul kit from a guy in the UK who makes up the kit himself and sells them on eBay. LandyAir (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Land-Rover-Discovery-3-4-Air-Suspension-Compressor-Master-Repair-Kit/111296629507?_trksid=p5197.c100068.m2280&_trkparms=aid%3D222003%26algo%3DSIC.FIT%26ao%3D1%2 6asc%3D20140205155511%26meid%3D5795454873494932756 %26pid%3D100068%26prg%3D20140205155511%26rk%3D2%26 rkt%3D6%26sd%3D271238201635%26clkid%3D579545494127 1798512&_qi=RTM1582069).

If you are going to just overhaul the compressor and not replace it, I would also recommend replacing the EAS Relay. Part # YWB500220. The new relay is included with a new compressor if you choose to go down that path. The old 60amp relay is prone to sticking, apparently.

If you want to replace parts on the compressor rather than overhaul them, part # VUB504700 is the whole Drier Assembly. And you'll also need a new Delivery Valve (part # LR020590). And the relay.

All LR part numbers can be sourced from the online version of Microcat.
Landrover Parts Catalog (http://lrparts.net.ru/)

In my case, after working out the price difference between overhauling the compressor or replacing it, for the sake of approximately $400 I decided to replace it and be done with it.
The new compressor requires a software update. The vehicle still drives fine without it. But I think they've changed duty rates for the new compressor in the software update. Ring around different LR workshops to get a quote for that. I made the mistake of just going to my normal LR dealer without asking them for a quote. I got a quote from Ritters to do it for $100. But the LR dealer that I went to charged $174 for the same work.
You live and learn I suppose.

[ade]

I ended up getting an overhaul kit from landy air.
148$ compared to a new compressor plus I live very remote and nearest place to reprogram is over a thousand kms away

[Tinman]

I purchased a valve kit for my compressor $16 replaced the silica gel blow out the felt filters and 12 months down the road still running like new. Up and down with gusto and haven't had one fault show up. I a firm believer start with the simplest and then progress to the hardest, if all else fails. Good luck hope everything works out.
Cheers

[BSM]

In my opinion you're better off replacing the old Hitachi compressor with the new AMK one.


Is there a quick and easy way to tell if the compressor on my second hand D3 is Hitachi or AMK?

Mine seems to be quite well behaved despite being an 05 model. I am wondering if it's already been replaced.

[bbyer]

Is there a quick and easy way to tell if the compressor on my second hand D3 is Hitachi or AMK?

Mine seems to be quite well behaved despite being an 05 model. I am wondering if it's already been replaced. The odds are you do not have the original Hitachi, but instead have a newer improved Hitachi. Over the years, Hitachi and LR both made small improvements and we would probably still be using the Hitachi unit however the recent tsunami drowned the Hitachi plant and either forced or gave LR the opportunity to switch to the AMK.

LR did a software update re the Hitachi where they reduced the shut down pressure from about 240 psig to about 210 psig and that helped to extend the life of the Hitachi.

My view is LR at the design stage should have put an air tank on both sides and dropped the pressure to 150 psig, per what tractor trailer units use. Doing so would probably have cut our troubles to near nil, but well.....

The AMK uses a different black plastic sound box than the Hitachi. I think the AMK is more square on the outside but could be wrong. If someone here lets us know what the visible differences are to the bottom half of the box, then we will know. My guess is that you have a newer Hitachi, and now it is a pretty good unit.

if you want to replace something, install a new air compressor relay, R7, in the engine compartment fuse box. It is a cheap fix to a problem that can occur in the future as that relay does have to work and carries a fair current load. The updated Land Rover part number is YWB500220

[Graeme]

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/03/76.jpg

This is the cover for the AMK compressor.

[BSM]

This is the cover for the AM compressor.

It kinda looks like mine I suppose, except much cleaner. Did your Hitachi cover look a lot different?

[bbyer]

I looked at my Hitachi cover and at first glance, it is difficult to see the differences.

Closer inspection suggests that the AMK cover is what I would call smoother - that is it has fewer creases and small indentations.

In other words, if your existing does not look exactly like the picture, then you have the Hitachi, which is not a surprise, nor is it a bad thing either.

[Graeme]

Save the picture then enlarge it to better see the differences. From memory the outside of the Hitachi cover doesn't hang so vertically giving the impression that the AMK hangs lower.

[bbyer]

Save the picture then enlarge it to better see the differences. From memory the outside of the Hitachi cover doesn't hang so vertically giving the impression that the AMK hangs lower.I went out and looked at my Hitachi cover. Yes, it seems to have an angled exterior side rather than the near vertical of the AMK; hence the AMK looks lower than the Hitachi. When I look closely however, the bottom of my Hitachi appears to sit a bit below the frame, whereas the AMK appears closer to flush with the bottom of the frame.

[BSM]

Thanks. I know what to look for now

[BSM]

So, finally got around to removing my GOE compressor protection plate, and after spending a short while removing the caked in mud, sticks and rocks that had packed in behind it I got a good look at my compressor's casing.

Here it is.
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment.php?attachmentid=82580&stc=1&d=1408777150

Comparing it with Graeme's picture above, its got a sculpted indentation along its length, and a few pockmarks whereas Graeme's looks quite squarish and smooth.

So I reckon I've got an Hitachi, and quite possibly one that's been going for 9 years.

Firstly whats the verdict? Is this Hitachi?

Secondly what are my chances of the thing suddenly packing it in on my next High-Country jaunt? Will I get plenty of warning - Or do they just stop?

[Graeme]

They don't usually just stop, giving a few hints along the way with the yellow warning light when it takes too long to get the reservoir up to pressure yet the light goes off on a restart, only to re-appear some time later. Frequent waiting to cool messages before the light starts illuminating is an earlier warning.

Oh yes, its the earlier shaped cover - I compared the 2 side by side only yeaterday.

[CaptAwsm]

I've been beginning to wonder what happens when/if the compressor fails. Glad there's a bit of warning.