Subaru Front suspension rattle

Subject: Front suspension rattle

Vehicles Involved: 2006-2008 Subaru Tribeca, 2009-2011 Forester, 2008-2011 Impreza, 2008 - 2011 WRX, 2008-2011 STI

Condition: Severe rattle from front end when traveling over bumps or rough roads.

Repair Procedure: Inspect front end for any loose or worn steering or suspension parts. Inspect stabilizer bar clamps and clamp bolts for damage.  When replacing suspensions with rubber/urethane bushings you should tighten with the full weight of the vehicle at normal ride height.  It is important to have the springs supporting the full weight of the vehicle when the fasteners are torqued.  If springs are not at their normal ride height position, vehicle ride comfort could be affected and premature bushing wear may occur. Replace if required, with new revised Subaru bushing illustrated below.

Bulletin RCB 12-03

2002-2006 Trailblazer, Envoy XL, XUV 4WD with air ride suspension

Subject: Rear suspension with air ride

Vehicle Involved: 2002-2006 Trailblazer, Envoy XL, XUV 4WD with air ride suspension

Condition: Air bags deflate in a short period of time.

Repair Procedure: Replace air suspension system with Coil Spring part number 589-1136

Air leaks are a common problem on these vehicles, especially as the vehicle gets older.

Air leaks can occur from a kinked, pinched or damaged air line or a defective Schrader valve.

The leak may be due to the age of the air bags themselves. The possibility of air leakage is greater if the air bags are worn or cracked. Air bag issues can also be caused by a malfunctioning compressor or a defective module. Special gauges are required to perform diagnostics outlined by the manufacturer.

The diagnostics, parts, and labor to replace compressor, air bags, or module can be quite expensive.

There is an economical alternative solution to this problem, and that is to convert the air ride to a coil spring suspension. This can be done by Unhooking and removing the air bag system and installing a coil spring in its place. The springs come packaged two to a box.

TSB No. RCB 11-09

1997 Lincoln Town Car rear suspension

just got an almost mint condition 97 Town Car, the rear suspension is almost sitting on the ground and there is a warning light that says "check compressor". There is nothing in the owners manual that talks about this light, if it is the compressor, the shocks or the on/off switch. i have played with the switch with no response and various friends tell me it is just a matter of changing the shocks, the mechanic nearby rapidly said $600. would love some guidance to avoid wasting time and money before I go pick up the car which is two hours away from home


Response:

These came out as an after market accessory about 40 or more years ago. I installed two on friends cars. If you have a volt-ohm meter, you should be able to ring out everything in that circuit. Starting with the fuse, the switch, and the compressor. The ones I installed had 1/8 or 1/4 inch plastic lines from the pump to the rear axle where they teed off towards eack shock. There was also a switch to deflate the system, if memory serves.

Contact the dealer for the locations of these items. I've done a ton of plumbing during the last 40 years, and do not like plastic lines on anything. Could be just an open line.
 
9 out of 10 times it's the switch that connects to the rear axle. In particular it's the pivot connection (like a hinge). However, running this system without air WILL cause the air shocks to become defective. I have had a couple compressors burn out also due to the leveling switch on the rear axle. On Lincolns the pressure relief valve is on the compressor. It also controls the light on your dashboard. There is also a switch on the older compressors to turn them off. You can substitute the compressor with Cadillac Air Ride they are almost identical and found at most salvage yards.
 
The reason that you should turn it off before jacking is so that you do not over pressurize the air chamber when lifted so that the rear of the car is jacked up once you let it off the jacks. Some of these have air shocks while others have air bags inside of the coil springs. Those with the bags are made by Air Inds of Lansing on Terminal Rd. They have the air supplied to them via a 1/8 inch plastic air line and if you must repair that line you cannot use a standard union. It must be for plastic or vinyl line as big trucks use. Use of anything other and your asking for more headaches. Like Ben, I've been there and done that too.

If you are using a Quick Strut, you can skip the spring removal and installation steps

Step 5. The use of a Strut Spring Compressor is needed for the next step. You can use an inexpensive strut spring compressor or a more expensive Shop Style Strut Spring Compressor as shown here. Step by Step Strut Replacement

2007 Wrangler Unlimited. I want to lift it 3-4 inches

I have a 2007 Wrangler Unlimited. I want to lift it 3-4 inches. Is there anything else I have to be aware of, i.e. sway bars, ect, going up that amount. And what are some good kits you would recommend?

Answer:

any good kit will have everything in it you need i would recommend either teraflex or rubicon express they both have very nice complete kits and have great tech support if you need it

The ’97+ TJ was a winner right out of the box. The TJ’s live axle, multi-link suspension design has served as an excellent platform for building a high performance off-road machine. With our knowledge of multi-links and long arm geometry, it was a given that our systems would be categorized as high end by industry standards.

2001 Mercury Sable. Need Rear Coil Springs Replaced?

2001 Mercury Sable. Need Rear Coil Springs Replaced? But they also said something about a "quick strut?"? Ford only had recall on front springs, which is funny cause i took it in for recall and then had to take it back in to replace the recall springs.

Answer:

A Quick Strut is a complete assembly. It includes a new Strut, New Coil Spring, New Mounting components. If you just replace the coils then you are left with the original strut, which is most likely worn. And in most cases you can have a quick strut installed for the same cost as just installing new coil springs as the labor time is less on the Quick Strut.