Compressor noise, a problem?

2004 TD5 with air suspension.

Last night I had to move my car a few metres and jumped in started up, moved car and jumped out. As I was locking the car on the remote control there was a noise like a motor sticking.

The noise repeated three times and each time lasted a couple of seconds.

I have recently replaced my rear passenger door lock and it is not correctly fitted as I am awaiting a replacement part (long story) so I went round the car to check. The final noise happened when I was near the passenger door and the noise appeared to come from under the car.

I understand this is where the air compressor is. I have never had the noise before nor could not make it happen again last night.

Is this a warning that the compressor is on it's way out? Is there anything I can check or any preventative maintenance I can do?

The car has done 115,000 miles and it just seems to be one thing after another after another at the moment.

As always any help and advice is really appreciated.

It's more likely the air release valve from the compressor housing working to release air after u left the car.....worth a check......the compressor works only with ignition on(or if SLS remote controll is fitted)

I definitely have the same noise which I assumed to be the compressor. It doesn't happen every time I stop so I'm assuming it depends how far/long I've driven and if it needs to self-adjust. Is this right or the start of a bigger problem?

I also have a short hiss which sounds like air being released. Comes from the passender side but I can't make out if its the compressor or a bag. Is this a common noise as well or should it be checked?

Cheers

DaveR66 said:

I definitely have the same noise which I assumed to be the compressor. It doesn't happen every time I stop so I'm assuming it depends how far/long I've driven and if it needs to self-adjust. Is this right or the start of a bigger problem?

I also have a short hiss which sounds like air being released. Comes from the passender side but I can't make out if its the compressor or a bag. Is this a common noise as well or should it be checked?

Cheers

Click to expand...

This is cos the exhaust valve is working...........if the car keeps its level over night then everything is normal >> RAVE(with comments):
" Normal ride height
When the vehicle is stationary, a door is open and the ignition is off, the SLS system(through the exhaust valve which is an electric solenoid type) will allow the rear of the vehicle to lower to within 20 mm of the normal ride height as load is removed from the vehicle(u are considered load too). The SLS system will only operate the compressor to raise the rear of the vehicle when the engine is running, unless requested using the remote handset.

I think ^^^^^ explaines everything

That's good to know, thanks. Although I don't notice the ride height change from start or stop!

DaveR66 said:

That's good to know, thanks. Although I don't notice the ride height change from start or stop!

Click to expand...

That means your bags are in good shape.....and its just about 20mm slow movement...and not always.

Thanks very much sierrafery. You've put my mind at rest for the time being.