P38 DSE Air Suspension Probs!! - HELP

Hi All,
I have a P38 1997 DSE. I notice the other day that the suspension seemed low on the drivers side (It had been parked for a few weeks, in the park mode..low down)

Took for a quick run, seemed to take an age to get the drivers side up to a level (Still seemed a bit low on drivers side??)

Parked up last night, came out this morning and air has gone out of the suspension and its low down again.....

Help, what should I be checking to see what the problem is, haven't started it yet

Thanks

R

Sounds like air leak & weak EAS pump. Try searching this site for EAS. Also check out Storey Wilson`s excellent rswsolutions site. Lots of really good info and advice and videos. "information is power" If you try these and still have probs come back on here, but looking at these sites should get understanding & fixing your problem.

gtland said:

Sounds like air leak & weak EAS pump. Try searching this site for EAS. Also check out Storey Wilson`s excellent rswsolutions site. Lots of really good info and advice and videos. "information is power" If you try these and still have probs come back on here, but looking at these sites should get understanding & fixing your problem.

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'as right. make 'im work for it! :behindsofa:

While you're doing that get a plastic spray bottle and fill it with washing up liquid. Then jack the car up and spray all the bags, air-lines, joints etc you can find. Bubbles will be the first indication of a leak. Don't forget to check where the lines go in to the EAS box as on mine I had a leaky joint there that took ages to find and minutes to fix!

No point in re-inventing the wheel, is there? The sainted Mr Wilson has done an excellent job on his site, and a good understanding of the EAS should be a requirement for Rangie owners! Whether you want to re-new everything yourself or just want to avoid being scammed by unknowledgable garages, trying to charge a fortune replacing everything , hoping summat will eventually cure the problem..... rant ... rave.. etc...

OK, been on the site and watch the 'How to'

Spray up all the joints as per the video, no leaks. But it states on there that if you have a leak the car will self level over night to compensate. But mine is sagging on the drivers side.

The rear bags do look cracked, but when sprayed can't see any bubbles.

Also, I have no error on the dash.

Also, when I started it up, it didn't want to lift on drivers side, so I droped the suspension right down, then pressed to full (Off road) height and it lifted up fine...????

Thanks for all the help

Leaking airbags.

Datatek said:

Leaking airbags.

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Thanks thats what I am thinking (Hoping!!) the rear drivers side looked lower than the front drivers side.

Left it in full height and its still maintaining after an hour, so can't be a major leak

Are they an easy job to change?

Given yours is `97, assuming running on original air springs, Datatec, is probably right. With sus set high get on your back under the car & look at rubbers. prob`ly `dried-out` rubber, lots of cracks and gone porous? Check against the video, prob at end of useful life. Keeping up with any leaks will lead to the EAS pump wearing out even quicker, so best to fix sooner rather than later. Lots of posts on here about different types of bags available. (standard or Arnott). if you`re a handy sort it ain`t too bad. If prepared can be done on half a day. Make sure you have the EAS unlock suite and leads all set up first, and when getting jacks & axle stands don`t take any chances: Rangies are two `n` half tons and are full of potential for giving you a very nasty head-ache if they fall.

RJull said:

Thanks thats what I am thinking (Hoping!!) the rear drivers side looked lower than the front drivers side.

Left it in full height and its still maintaining after an hour, so can't be a major leak

Are they an easy job to change?

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The airbags leak where they fold under at the bottom, the leaks can be intermittant as sometime the pourus area will seal. If the airbags are leaking, then it will shag the compressor.
I have an "Idiots Guide" with photo's, if you want a copy PM me.
In priciple the airbags are easy to change, but if yours have the old Alloy end caps, getting the retaining pins out can be a problem.
I fitted Arnott Gen2's, in my case I paid almost the same price as OEM and personally I think they are a better product. Others will no doubt disagree

PM'ed. Thanks

Been sitting all day in the high setting, drivers rear is starting to drop, I know it is false economy, but as a quick fix, whilst waiting for repair, is there something you can paint on that will seal it? Rubber Seal???

Doubtful.... unless you could get INSIDE the bag, and patch it from there....170psi.... nah...don`t waste your time. Bite the bullet `n` invest in a new set.

gtland said:

Doubtful.... unless you could get INSIDE the bag, and patch it from there....170psi.... nah...don`t waste your time. Bite the bullet `n` invest in a new set.

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Point taken, where is the best (and cheapest) place to get them??

Will I need the software and cables for the suspension reset?

:doh::doh: Glab I bought a P38:doh:

RJull said:

Point taken, where is the best (and cheapest) place to get them??

Will I need the software and cables for the suspension reset?

:doh::doh: Glab I bought a P38:doh:

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Software free from www.rswsolutions.com cable from Ebay, or RSWSolutions or make it yourself. If your laptop doesn't have a serial port you will need a USB to serial adaptor if you are on XP, if it runs VISTA it seems a cardbus serial port is less trouble, either can be found for about a tenner.
If you follow the guide you may not need the software

RJull said:

where is the best (and cheapest) place to get them??
:doh::doh: Glab I bought a P38:doh:

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Most people here either get genuine (which is Dunlop) or Arnotts. Arnott is considered an upgrade, the Gen2 giving a ride very similar to OEM and Gen3 being for off roading or just for those who like it firm. A few people like me have actually put in Britpart bags. Quite cheap and I've been going for over a year so far with no problems. Ride is very comfortable. I'm fully aware this is a false economy, My original bags lasted 10 years and I very much doubt the Britpart ones will go beyond 3 but at the time it was all I was willing to spend and it got me back on the road so no complaints.

ps. I actually am glad I bought a P38. Very few cars of this age still command the road presence and give you a driving experience to match. I'd even extend that to many younger cars like your assorted VW toe-rags and BMW X-whatevers. Just remember how old she is, of course she needs a bit of care, especially if the last owner's been stingy.

Thanks for all the help, best place to buy the springs???? Getting prices from £55 (E-bay) upwards

RJull said:

Thanks for all the help, best place to buy the springs???? Getting prices from £55 (E-bay) upwards

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P38 spares, Island 4 X 4, Rimmer Bros, etc. I bought a set of arnott Gen 2's from P38 Spares via Ebay at not much more than OEM price.

OK, had a look tonight, don't seem to have a collar on the air line join (As per to 'How To'), seems to be a metal join.

Can anyone advise how this come apart??

RJull said:

OK, had a look tonight, don't seem to have a collar on the air line join (As per to 'How To'), seems to be a metal join.

Can anyone advise how this come apart??

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The collar on the pipe is just a small bulge. To remove the pipe from the airbag, push the pipe in and hold it in, then put a screw driver or suchlike on the brass collar surrounding the pipe where it enters the airbag, push hard and let go the pipe. It should blast out