I

ibgarrow

Member
when driving around town, I can hear my compressor running for a short time quite frequently-every minute or so, for around a second or two. Is this normal, or does it signal a leak somewhere?
 
I'm beginning to think it's not the EAS compressor, but possibly the ABS pump that's cycling. I'll try with Her Ladyship to see what's making the noise... Back soon.
 
ABS pump will run between 3 and 6 pedal pushes, depending how you brake. Anything less than 3 would be a concern as Saint has pointed out.
 
Foul weather today has stopped investigation! Should I be able to hear the ABS pump inside the cabin? I can hear a low BRRRR noise.
I also need to look at the steering box to check its centralised, as it's a bit vague and the steering wheel is slightly off-centre.
 
ibgarrow said:
Foul weather today has stopped investigation! Should I be able to hear the ABS pump inside the cabin? I can hear a low BRRRR noise.
I also need to look at the steering box to check its centralised, as it's a bit vague and the steering wheel is slightly off-centre.
Click to expand...

Yes, you can hear it. And the EAS pump. After a month or 2 of owning one you hear every little component as it switches on or off and your arse twitches if anything sounds at all different from the day before.

ABS pump is on the driver's side; EAS compressor the other side. You'll be able to tell the difference. Actually, turn the key to position 2 but don't start. ABS pump should run for a few seconds and then stop. After starting the EAS pump might kick in for a bit too.

It (EAS) shouldn't be running much more than 30% of the time on a journey although it depends how many times you switch height.
 
Grrrrrr said:
Yes, you can hear it. And the EAS pump. After a month or 2 of owning one you hear every little component as it switches on or off and your arse twitches if anything sounds at all different from the day before.

ABS pump is on the driver's side; EAS compressor the other side. You'll be able to tell the difference. Actually, turn the key to position 2 but don't start. ABS pump should run for a few seconds and then stop. After starting the EAS pump might kick in for a bit too.

It (EAS) shouldn't be running much more than 30% of the time on a journey although it depends how many times you switch height.
Click to expand...
Thanks-you're right, I hear every little noise and suspect them all! I haven't managed to differentiate between EAS and ABS, but I don't change height. The car gives a wiggle when it starts, which I assume is the air suspension sorting itself out, but it doesn't sag overnight. Once the weather improves up here, I'll get someone to press the brake whilst I see what's making the sound. It sounds like it's the ABS as the noise seems to be in front of the driver.
 
Turns out it was the ABS pump. It cycles when I turn on the ignition, then after every three presses of the brake pedal, so it's at the low range of acceptable.
Thanks, folks.
 
Yes, new accumulator will have it cycling every 5 to 7 presses.
To be fair, mine started every press but at the time I was doing primarily motorway work so it gave the pump time to cool.
I was always worried when I was in traffic that I was going to kill the pump though.
 
Well. I got a new accumulator and fitted it today-the easiest thing possible! BUT the pump is cycling after 4 pedal depressions instead of the 3 before. Have I missed anything? I filled the accumulator with DOT 4 (a tiny amount) before fitting. No leaks apparent.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

B
P38A P38A 1996 4.6 Auto HSE EAS slow to lower and rise + random height change to extended height + compressor running too frequently.
Replies
9
Views
2K
Datatek
Datatek
F
P38A Compressor replacement - big problem now
Replies
9
Views
919
FEI
FEI
JamesBB
P38A EAS again.
2 3
Replies
41
Views
3K
JamesBB
JamesBB
Flossie
P38A Eas issues
2
Replies
22
Views
2K
Datatek
Datatek
M
Air compressor
Replies
12
Views
2K
Mark Piercy
Mark Piercy