Rear suspension problem

[Raj]

Harry Enfield 'Loadsamoney'... How did you know?
I'm not convinced on just a wobbly link causing the car to drop but it could be.
The thing is - to replace the tiny link I still have to jack it up and get the wheels off. From there it's only another half an hour to swap the bags.
I see they can be purchased reasonably inexpensively (under £50 for the pair) so I may just do it.
Also I know its going to be a load of agro getting the tiny rusty bolts off the links too.. Is it San Miguel time yet?

The air suspension is very fickle so the sensor arm could cause an issue if the sensor is at a different angle to the other side as the control module will think there's an issue and start trying to self level to compensate etc.

Definitely get it swapped out as soon as they turn up.

I actually have a pair of used but still working rear airbags if needed. They're just sat in the garage at the mo.

As Alan mentions just soak them for a short time and they should come undone pretty straight forward.

[Themoog2]

I have done and im just about to do it again.
I dont get it - it deflated last night yet today it hasn't moved since I did a quick run in it at 06:30 and its still got all the clobber in the boot. I've been measuring it every hour too.

[Raj]

As I said a very fickle system indeed lol.

[henrym3]

I agree, used aftermarket alloy link arms once and within 500 miles the alloy arms had worn enough to cause all sorts of weird problems. A new set of OEM arms solved the weird problems. Spent ages with soapey water on airbags and lines first though.

[Themoog2]

Well it's been sitting on the drive since Thursday night and it's stayed at the correct height so there can't be a leak.
I'm still waiting for the arm bit to show up so I can fix it.

[Raj]

Sounds like a temporary blip with the sensors/control module to deflate the fronts to deflate fully.

As you say it’s not a leak if holding air since Thursday just sitting there.

[Themoog2]

I knew it would be agro.. The little rods came off easily but so did the o/S sensor when the plastic body came away from the bracket...

[Themoog2]

The cause was seized ball joints pushing on the sensors old mounting bolts and age. I'm collecting a new bmw sensor tomorrow and I've ordered a cheap one for the n/S as that looked a bit dodgy. It may be good practice to replace the front headlight sensors too..

[henrym3]

Although to be fair these bits have a fair few miles and years under their belt.

[Raj]

Unfortunately they are right in the line of fire of the road grime and crap so they’ve lasted pretty well.

[Themoog2]

Put it all back together with a new sensor and drove it about for a while.
I left it for an hour and 1/2 and its on its butt again on the o/S where the new sensor is.
It pumps up ok but o/S is still 15 mm lower than n/S.
What do you think? Air bag leak.. Or could the old sensor still on the n/S be the cause..

[henrym3]

You probably answered your own question, other old sensor may be causing a slight misalignment between the two

[Themoog2]

Ah ha!
After not bothering with the car all weekend I thought I would have a butchers with some soapy water spray. Low and behold the o/s air bag is leaking.

[Raj]

Ah bugger, which means the pump is over working itself too so not ideal. Does explain everything though now.

[Themoog2]

I know. All the plastering gear has got to go in the range rover which has pleased the wife no end..
Two new bags on order so I should be back in business soon.