Disco 2 Air suspension dropping after being replaced

Larry365 · Jan 24, 2017

My 2004 Disco 2 is dropping on the passenger side when parked. It will sometimes go days without going down, then other times several times a day and so far twice while driving.

I have replaced the valve block, sensor and airbag on the side that is dropping but this has not fixed the issue. I have checked the pipe for leaks using soapy water, moving the pipe around to expose any closed leaks... nothing.

I haven't replaced the airbag on the "good side", nor the sensor. It's on my to do list but can't see how it will help the current issue.

Does anyone have any suggestions? I am going to swap the pipes over on the valve block this afternoon and report back. I know this will confuse the system but I wont be driving anywhere, but it will help rule out the block itself.

Cheers

sierrafery · Jan 24, 2017

To rule out a management issue unplug both air supply valves and the compressor and drive it so, if it will drop this way too it's certainly a leak somewhere... you'll get the SLS fault warning but if it's not a leak it must stay on level for many days this way just that it acts as on coils...or if you dont drive it and it's in a safe place disconnect the battery and the management will rest this way cos otherwise it's active for up to 1.5 hours after the ignition was off

Larry365 · Jan 24, 2017

sierrafery said:
To rule out a management issue unplug both air supply valves and the compressor and drive it so, if it will drop this way too it's certainly a leak somewhere... you'll get the SLS fault warning but if it's not a leak it must stay on level for many days this way just that it acts as on coils...or if you dont drive it and it's in a safe place disconnect the battery and the management will rest this way cos otherwise it's active for up to 1.5 hours after the ignition was off

Good information. Will try this first. Thanks.

Larry365 · Feb 14, 2017

sierrafery said:
To rule out a management issue unplug both air supply valves and the compressor.....nnect the battery and the management will rest this way cos otherwise it's active for up to 1.5 hours after the ignition was off

Ok so I finally got round to disconnecting as you suggested and it went down on its usual spot on the driveway. As far as I know, the only thing left to replace is the piping and a cylinder that the pipes pass through.

sierrafery · Feb 14, 2017

You should use soapy water to identify the leak, make sure it's not at a bag's push-fit connector or it can be at a valve's connection cos the voss connector's o-rings can leak if they were disturbed

gstuart · Feb 15, 2017

sierrafery said:
You should use soapy water to identify the leak, make sure it's not at a bag's push-fit connector or it can be at a valve's connection cos the voss connector's o-rings can leak if they were disturbed

hope u don't mind me asking ref those voss connectors

when i fitted a front valve block they came with those , didn't like messing around with the olives etc

so took them all out and fitted pushfit fittings, seemed considerably better

as i've been learning about air suspension i assume the fittings have to deal with pressure and vacuum

so do u prefer the voss or pushfit when it comes to the suspension

have bought a new air tank and reservoir valve and thinking of doing the same in removing the voss connectors and replacing with pushfit

sierrafery · Feb 15, 2017

IMO any connector is good as long as it's air tight, the push fit is easyer to use that's all

gstuart said:
as i've been learning about air suspension i assume the fittings have to deal with pressure and vacuum

it's only about pressure, no vacuum involved

gstuart · Feb 15, 2017

sierrafery said:
IMO any connector is good as long as it's air tight, the push fit is easyer to use that's all

it's only about pressure, no vacuum involved

thks, i knew that u would know concerning this and appreciate the reply

useto be a heating engineer and know that using a nut and olive system can be a problem

considering they don't like being moved

where as with a push fit it allows for plenty of movement without allowing any form of leak

done extensive underfloor heating systems in the past , some came with nut and olive , with the vibration of the pump u could put money on it they would leak

found the pushfit considerably easier to use and a lot better in not allowing any leaking

thks again

brian47 · Feb 15, 2017

Going back to the original post, there are a couple of things I would have done before I got into the intricacies of Voss connectors.
First, it's good practice to change both air bags at the same time, irrespective of which side seems to be causing problems.
Secondly, if the replacement bags are the Dunlop ones then they will have push fittings on them. These are a well accepted method of connection but when assembling, the pipe must be cut absolutely square on the end with something like a "Stanley knife", making sure that when it is cut the pipe isn't crushed or otherwise deformed and the first say half inch of the pipe is absolutely clean, without burrs or scratches.
The pipe should be pushed fully home without using pliers which could cause damage. The joint should seal at the first inflation.

gstuart · Feb 15, 2017

brian47 said:
Going back to the original post, there are a couple of things I would have done before I got into the intricacies of Voss connectors.
First, it's good practice to change both air bags at the same time, irrespective of which side seems to be causing problems.
Secondly, if the replacement bags are the Dunlop ones then they will have push fittings on them. These are a well accepted method of connection but when assembling, the pipe must be cut absolutely square on the end with something like a "Stanley knife", making sure that when it is cut the pipe isn't crushed or otherwise deformed and the first say half inch of the pipe is absolutely clean, without burrs or scratches.
The pipe should be pushed fully home without using pliers which could cause damage. The joint should seal at the first inflation.

do u ever find applying some silicone grease onto the fitting helps, preventing the o ring from being accidentally pushed in

couldnt agree more ref cutting the pipe square , i've always used some plastic pipe cutters

brian47 · Feb 15, 2017

Nah, I've always used ancient lube; "Abitaspit"

gstuart · Feb 15, 2017

brian47 said:
Nah, I've always used ancient lube; "a Bitaspit"

making sure u haven't eaten a sweet before hand , slobbering all sort of flobber onto the fitting

Disco 2 Air suspension dropping after being replaced

Larry365

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sierrafery

Well-Known Member

Larry365

Active Member

Larry365

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sierrafery

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gstuart

D3 Grandad

sierrafery

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gstuart

D3 Grandad

brian47

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gstuart

D3 Grandad

brian47

Well-Known Member

gstuart

D3 Grandad

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