Thread: Emergency air up instructions

Originally Posted by Bulletman

I plan to make up a kit in the next week ,just needed to check a few things is why I needed the instructions to check.

The only hard part looks to be getting the correct fitting to suit the front valve block. I have spare front and rear air struts so can get the fittings for those easy, altho you don't access the front strut anyway , so you only replace the rear fitting with a 90 and then just some 6mm high pressure air line plus some quick connectors and shredder valves.

Bulletman

From the photos it looks like the front valve block fittings are the same size as the rear struts - so I am thinking they are all 1/8” BSPP.

Do post what parts you end up sourcing. I am planning to do the same.

Originally Posted by DiscoDB

From the photos it looks like the front valve block fittings are the same size as the rear struts - so I am thinking they are all 1/8” BSPP.

Do post what parts you end up sourcing. I am planning to do the same.

Same. I had fit a rear suspension override for the D2 which used schrader valves. It worked quite well. I’ve never thought about doing similar until I read this list. Thanks guys!

I worked out the GOE kit was using Legris fittings and probably tubing as well. My guess is all sourced through Enzed. Looks like the nickel plated LF3600 (or could use the stainless steel LF3900/3800) series push fit fittings which are a full bore design for no pressure drop and rated at 30 bar.

This seems to match the description in the fitting instructions and it is definitely a Legris logo stamped on the fittings.

Product manual is here: Connection Solutions for Industrial Fluids - Legris - Page 109

LF3600 series starts on page 109. Tubing from page 222.

This thread raises several questions for me.

Is the LR EAS really that unreliable that it warrants bypassing ...how many owners have actually suffered failures and what is the most common cause?

I've seen some comments on this forum e.g. Paul (?) advising of problems with suspension and I'm aware of the LCA issues.

Air bags themselves appear very reliable so I'm guessing the compressor is the main issue causing failures?

Originally Posted by INter674

This thread raises several questions for me.

Is the LR EAS really that unreliable that it warrants bypassing ...how many owners have actually suffered failures and what is the most common cause?

I've seen some comments on this forum e.g. Paul (?) advising of problems with suspension and I'm aware of the LCA issues.

Air bags themselves appear very reliable so I'm guessing the compressor is the main issue causing failures?

I think the system is very robust , altho I have had 1 front airbag get a small nic from something sharp which caused it to leak and need changing. Funnily enough setting that airbag on standard or access height the bag leaked very little, and this mod wouldn't be able to save you in that situation. I know of 1 person who has had to use this system in the rear world , as his pump failed on the way to cape York and his car was on the bump stops, so this enabled him to drive the car . I guess carrying a spare pump ( as I do when I travel remote ) is and option but trying to access and change the pump with the car on the bump stops and on some rough track or in sand may not be possible , so atleast it gives you an option to move to a campsite or a better area and investigate the problem.

I hope to never have to use it to be honest , but with some plans on doing more remote travel in the next few years , its worth having in my eyes for the just in case scenario.

Bulletman

The EAS is probably one of the more temperamental systems on the D3 at least. I have changed out the compressor three times now, have had relay and fuse failures, and continue to see electronic faults which will drop the suspension to its lowered setting.

The airbags themselves seem very robust.

At a minimum I would suggest carrying the relay and fuses as a spare, plus even a compressor rebuild kit if going into a remote area would a good idea, but I do like the idea of having a simple back up to get the car off the bump stops if the system did fail and I was away from home.

Just a thought..is there no central place to plumb in a back up system..eg if the compressor is the main issue why not plumb into the comp outlet?

Originally Posted by INter674

This thread raises several questions for me.

Is the LR EAS really that unreliable that it warrants bypassing ...how many owners have actually suffered failures and what is the most common cause?

I've seen some comments on this forum e.g. Paul (?) advising of problems with suspension and I'm aware of the LCA issues.

Air bags themselves appear very reliable so I'm guessing the compressor is the main issue causing failures?

For those who take their vehicles to remote locations, it's called preparation. Particularly important if you travel solo.
You carry a spare wheel in preparation of a puncture and some of us also carry tyre repair kits, an alternative jack and perhaps a second spare. Some of us also carry spare parts just in case an important component fails or is damaged. Stuff like brake switch, height sensors, globes etc.
The EAS is a well thought out and well built system. But, despite undertaking preventative maintenance, some of us also prepare for issues like a damaged air line, software fault, compressor fault etc. by fitting a GOE kit. Manually inflating the airbags gets you home and can tolerate an unserviceable airbag as the three other bags will still hold the car up. Mind you, I have no idea what this will do the stability electrics!

There seems to be a great misunderstanding about the LCAs in D4s. They are not faulty or badly designed. The LCA's (in particular the front rear bushes) should be viewed as sacrificial items that give the suspension its amazing travel and ride over virtually any terrain. They are easily checked and easily replaced. Rear bushes should be checked if doing a lot of towing. Not so easily replaced, but not rocket surgery. You can be kind to your LCAs by travelling slowly over obstacles and on rough roads (pretend you're in a leaf sprung Series Landrover) and gently rolling when doing height changes.