TD5 Disco air suspension question

[Paul]

Has anyone changed a rear air bag suspention unit ?

Me neighbours TD5 has a saggy back end on one side every now and then and we think it's down to a small leak from the air bag...

LR want £350 to replace it  :shock: .... He can get the replacement bag for around £90... is it a job the two of us could do on his drive and if so whats involved, any special tools etc ?

[thermidorthelobster]

Not on the Disco but I did with the P38.

It should have been an easy job - jack up the body, drop the axle down, a couple of clips hold the air bag in.

Unfortunately I found it a total mare to get the new airbag fitted without inadvertently pulling it apart.  Once they're in 2 pieces, you'll spit blood trying to get them back together again.  AndyCWB and I were about ready to set fire to the car by the end of the day just to get it over with.

I'd tackle it again, but be careful you get everything nicely carefully installed without messing up the new airbags, and also get the weight of the car back on them before you pump them up.

Before shelling out, you might want to jack the airbags to their highest setting and give them a good cleanout.  I reckon a good bit of dirt between the inner piston and the rubber can make them leak.

Is 90 quid the genuine parts price or for a replacement?  You can buy them from the same manufacturer for much less than the Land Rover price.  On mine the piston was different, though, so you probably wouldn't want to mix them between pairs.

[Range Rover Blues]

Like he said, check that the leak isn't caused by dirt but also check that the air pipes are secure and not leaking.

Deflation can also be caused by hardened o rings inside the valves in the valve block.

[Paul]

Thanks Chaps,

The plan is to get some soapy water on it and see if we can find a leak, we will check the pipe work leading from the bag too...

Any other hints and tips for replacement of the bag will be greatfully received.

[Spooky]

Fairly straightforward, this - it takes longer to safely support the car than to do the job!!! Rememebr, the car needs to be supported under the chassis rather than the axle ...

1. Once the car is supported, remove the wheel then drain the springs by disconnecting the air lines from the compressor assembly (the pipes labelled 12 and 14 in the diagram below).
2. Disconnect the hose from the spring, then remove the 2 clips as illustrated below.
3. Disenage the spring from the axle by twisting anti-clockwise when viewed from above.

Refit is reversal of removal.  Re-pressurise the springs by starting the engine.

Good luck!

[Paul]

Thanks Mike,

Very handy  :D

[mud-club-matty]

did some at work today

[Jimbo]

Do you not need Testbook or similar to re-calibrate the SLS ride height once you've done the springs ? - sure I read this somewhere, but I'm probably wrong  :roll:

[thermidorthelobster]

The height depends on the potentiometers, not the springs, so it shouldn't make any difference.

[lyndon]

I'm a bit confused. My new TD5 sags on the rear nearside. But only when you use the hydrolic (spelling) step, and are messing about inside. I took it to Lancaster Landrover yesterday and they told me this was normal to assist with loading the vehicle and will return to normal hieght once you push the rear suspension button, which it did. This doesn't happen when loading ect only when I use the step and get inside.

Now I am see this thread and wonder if the Landrover mechanic was talking out of a rear orifice?.

[Jimbo]

I'm a bit confused. My new TD5 sags on the rear nearside. But only when you use the hydrolic (spelling) step, and are messing about inside. I took it to Lancaster Landrover yesterday and they told me this was normal to assist with loading the vehicle and will return to normal hieght once you push the rear suspension button, which it did. This doesn't happen when loading ect only when I use the step and get inside.

Now I am see this thread and wonder if the Landrover mechanic was talking out of a rear orifice?.

 :?  - never come across that one, my Td5 has SLS and never sags on one side when using the rear step, think you're right - he was talking out his back door !!!!

[thermidorthelobster]

I've never heard of this "feature" but it does sound like just the sort of thing a clueless mechanic would make up to cover up for lack of knowledge.  Why would Land Rover engineer their cars to go wonky?

It does annoy me when people talk bull like that.  If they don't know what they're talking about, they should just shut their mouths.

[lyndon]

Took it to another dealer today and got the right answer this time. The rear nearside has an air leak and the offside will sagg as the air moves from it after the nearside empties.

Phoned Kieth Gotts and they quoted £120 for the bag and half an hours labour to fit, so £145+vat to do. Called the warrantee company today and guess what. Air suspension components arn't covered. I had a right go at them as when they sold it me they stated everything is covered. Got a "read the fine print" reply. I guess they only cover the parts that don't go wrong !!.

Tuesday I will be calling the dealer I bought it from. Advice from Gotts was to get both bags done as they say the other bag probably won't be far behind. Thats £400 worth of work required 1 week after purchase, which to me says they have some responsiblity towards the cost. Watch this space.

[thermidorthelobster]

I had a right go at them as when they sold it me they stated everything is covered. Got a "read the fine print" reply.

If they've said that then surely they've misrepresented the warranty they've sold you.  I'd get in touch with Trading Standards or CAB and check out your options.  Typical motor dealer who doesn't give a damn for the customer.

If you end up footing the bill, you could consider doing it yourself;  it's not a major job, and you can buy non-Land Rover airbags from the same OEM for much less.