Disco 3 Suspension Issues

[Natman999]

Ive just purchased a 2007 Land Rover Discovery 3 4.0 Petrol with 185000kms and a full Land Rover service history. After 1,000 kms driving back from Dandenong South to Sydney to bloody suspension fault light came on and now the suspension is lowered.

ADVICE:

What are my options and costs to rectify the issues? Is it best to change the suspension from air to "normal" suspension and who would you recommend in Sydney (The Hills area) to work on my vehicle as I need to sort the issues quickly.

Thanks in advance.

[101RRS]

You need to find out what the issues are first or it is just guesswork - with all things D3/D4 you will need to get the codes read and that will point you in the right direction.

Not sure why you would want to change over to coils - should have bought a Toyota in that case. The air system is relatively simple once you take the time to learn about it and is easy to maintain and repair - BUT you need to know the ins and outs of it and how it works.

Garry

[TuffRR]

Chances are that the compressor needs replacing. You can get one from the UK for under $700 delivered, or you can pay at least double that for local stock. But either way, get the codes to confirm the exact issue before spending money.

[101RRS]

Chances are that the compressor needs replacing. You can get one from the UK for under $700 delivered, or you can pay at least double that for local stock. But either way, get the codes to confirm the exact issue before spending money.

Why would you buy a new compressor when the Hitachi (OEM on a 07) is perfectly rebuildable for a fraction of the price.

Now if in some time in the past it has been replaced with an AMK (which is not a better compressor that the Hitachi) then things may be different and you will pay more than $700 for a AMK. Never by a knock off or the buyer will be back with issues soon enough.

[libertyts]

I think Davies Performance is out your way. A number of forum members go there and have a good experience.

As the others have said, get the codes read and diagnosis should be pretty easy. If it is the compressor, replacing it yourself is pretty simple. If a rebuild suits, take it out and put it back in yourself to save the labour costs.

Good luck

[DiscoDB]

As Garry notes - need to read fault codes first. If it is the compressor then the faults codes will clearly point to this. The Hitachi unit is easy to rebuild.

But if it is a collection of seemingly unrelated faults then you start the slow process of elimination.

Also check fuses - when you start the car the compressor should start up.

And check the electrical plugs for corrosion at the Transmission Control Module (TCM) located behind the battery.

And no - do not convert from air to coil springs. You will regret this. The air suspension is what makes these cars brilliant.

[Graeme]

A failing compressor will run for a few minutes but if the suspension doesn't get to the selected height within the allowed time then the suspension will drop to the bump-stops. Often the compressor will be able to get the vehicle up enough to allow it to be driven, possibly by selecting access height after switching on the ignition but before starting the engine to get the vehicle level then selecting normal height. Once at a useful height switch off the engine, remove the 20A suspension fuse in the engine bay fuse box to prevent the air valves from being opened to lower again. After this, remove the 5A suspension fuse from the passenger fuse panel which is behind the passenger glove-box to prevent the annoying 35kph warning message and chimes.

[TuffRR]

you will pay more than $700 for a AMK. Never by a knock off or the buyer will be back with issues soon enough.

Nah mate. Genuine AMK landed from the UK last week for less than $700. That's the going rate with most of the suppliers over there. Makes local prices seem ridiculous.

[XXVDisco]

If you are in The Hills District, Bruce Davis would be your best bet. Davis Performance is out at Windsor but busy.

I'm in The Hills District (Kenthurst), I can let you use my Gap IID diagnostic tool. That will give you the codes and the more knowledgeable on this forum can then give you options.

PM me if you are interested.

I replaced my AMK last year, imported from the UK, cost ~$700 £350 delivered from Island 4x4. Replacement was easy, less than an hour.

Regards
John

[101RRS]

I replaced my AMK last year, imported from the UK, cost ~$700 £350 delivered from Island 4x4. Replacement was easy, less than an hour.


Just looked at their site - at that price it is a knockoff - their price for the genuine landrover AMK is 600 pounds - Air Suspension Compressor Kit (Genuine) *LR072537* LR023964 LR010376 RQG500160 R Island 4x4 - Specialists in Land Rover and Range Rover Parts and accessories for all models. UK and worldwide mail order.

But is academic as the OP most Likely has a Hitachi.
(https://www.island-4x4.co.uk/suspension-compressor-genuine-lr072537-lr023964-lr010376-rqg500160-rqg500072-rqg500090-lr045251-lr044360-lr061663-p-4763.html)

[TuffRR]

Just looked at their site - at that price it is a knockoff - their price for the genuine landrover AMK is 600 pounds - Air Suspension Compressor Kit (Genuine) *LR072537* LR023964 LR010376 RQG500160 R Island 4x4 - Specialists in Land Rover and Range Rover Parts and accessories for all models. UK and worldwide mail order.

But is academic as the OP most Likely has a Hitachi.
(https://www.island-4x4.co.uk/suspension-compressor-genuine-lr072537-lr023964-lr010376-rqg500160-rqg500072-rqg500090-lr045251-lr044360-lr061663-p-4763.html)

That kit includes a whole heap of stuff you don't need. Granted not relevant to the OP, but to just claim something is a knock-off because the price is good is just silly. Have a look at other reputable UK suppliers. Same kit, similar prices.

[101RRS]

That kit includes a whole heap of stuff you don't need. Granted not relevant to the OP, but to just claim something is a knock-off because the price is good is just silly. Have a look at other reputable UK suppliers. Same kit, similar prices.

Well if you are changing from a Hitachi to an AMK the kit is necessary.

Not saying something is a knockoff based on price - saying it is a knockoff on the basis of what the supplier says - the word "type" or "replacement" is the normal give away - likewise on the Island 4x4 site all the "type" compressors are in the same price range as was purchased and the only genuine item is in the link I posted - been through all this myself and you have to read the ads very carefully to ensure you are buying the correct item and not a knockoff.

[DiscoJeffster]

Air Suspension Compressor (From 2009) D4 & Range Rover Sport LR061888 LR078650 Island 4x4 - Specialists in Land Rover and Range Rover Parts and accessories for all models. UK and worldwide mail order. (https://www.island-4x4.co.uk/suspension-compressor-lr061888-lr078650g-bh3219g525de-p-28695.html)

This is the likely compressor bought. Claimed OEM AMK, not genuine. Not listed as the Chinese version though as some of the other kits they supply.

[PerthDisco]

For months now I’ve been getting an intermittent Suspension Fault bong warning with Yellow Fault light. No drivability issues and next start it goes away until the random next time. I assume it’s the compressor getting old and slow.

With help of this forum I’ve got an old Hitachi I’m going to rebuild with 4x4 Air Seals service kit, new cylinder, conrod and bearing. The latter are more unusual but available online via Ebay.

Point being is that the Hitachi’s are economically rebuildable and I will do the same basic service on my current old Hitachi for a spare.

[Graeme]

For months now I’ve been getting an intermittent Suspension Fault bong warning with Yellow Fault light.My guess is that the compressor's time is almost up so make it a priority to fix or replace otherwise the vehicle will go to the bump-stops.

[PerthDisco]

My guess is that the compressor's time is almost up so make it a priority to fix or replace otherwise the vehicle will go to the bump-stops.

Agree totally since it’s 13 years old with a desiccant change only. That’s the interesting thing though when it faults the drivability stays the same and I’ve never had it go to the bump stops. When my main fuse blew I drove for a few days and slowly it started to sag a bit as the tank pressure faded.

I’m not sure what EAS fault causes it to dump it’s air

[Graeme]

The yellow fault is when the reservoir takes too long to get up to pressure but if the target height, usually normal height, can't be achieved within its allowed time then the vehicle will be dropped.

2 faulty height sensors will also cause the vehicle to be dropped.

[PerthDisco]

The yellow fault is when the reservoir takes too long to get up to pressure but if the target height, usually normal height, can't be achieved within its allowed time then the vehicle will be dropped.

2 faulty height sensors will also cause the vehicle to be dropped.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201124/2ced42790f5293cd07d1fc2c0b7ce61e.jpg
Rebuild in progress

[loanrangie]

I got a spare rebuilt it and fitted til I rebuilt my original, that's done under the back seat it case the spare fails.
Hitachi did a good job of building them.

[PerthDisco]

I got a spare rebuilt it and fitted til I rebuilt my original, that's done under the back seat it case the spare fails.
Hitachi did a good job of building them.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201207/fa08506e7cdc810183c93355e53f1b5f.jpg
Swapped rebuilt Hitachi unit in with all fresh 4x4 Air Seals desiccant kit, new end cap, piston and o-rings throughout. Followed videos to service and clean everything out. Purring away now and no more Suspension warning lights.

At same time swapped original Reservoir Valve Block with a rebuilt spare unit (new o rings) and all plug and play simple to do.

Car was on its bump stops when put back on its wheels so a good test to see it get back to on road height.

I followed the guide to not let the new compressor run more than 5 minutes from new when recharging the system but all seemed fine.

Pulled apart the original 07 build compressor and it was in great nick other than needing a piston seal and o-ring kit after all these years. These are good bits of gear, robust and easily rebuilt for pennies not deserving a trip to the bin when they get a bit old.

Living in Australia every nut and bolt and pipe connection came apart easily unlike the fully corroded messes you see coming off UK cars in the videos.

[Eric SDV6SE]

Thats the way to go, the Hitachi are a great unit, and the rebuild kits great vakue. Mines 10yo now, put the kit through last December, the compressor motor still fine, will continue on for another 200000km im sure.