PA Air Suspension Air Line Source

[fcb]

Hi! I am looking to replace the air lines on a 2002 Buick Park Ave. The shocks were replaced with Monroes from Napa. Pulled the compressor and cleaned it. Replaced the dryer. The compressor seems to actually run longer at start up. The only things that didn't get replaced were the lines. Everyone sells shocks and compressors, but can't seem to locate a source for the lines.

Any suggestions would be appreciated!

thx!

 

[HotZ28]

http://buickforums.com/forums/threads/36939-How-to-repair-air-line-to-rear-shock

There should be an o-ring on each hose, where the fitting connects to the struts. Sometimes, the o-ring will either fall off, or stick in the old strut. Be sure that o-ring is in place before any further attempts to repair. Soap & water solution, can be your best friend when trying to find air leaks, similar to the typical tire leak/repair procedure.

 

[fcb]

Thanks Hotz28 for the quick reply!

That thread was helpful, but I also ran into the same problem. I'd like to replace the whole line, from the compressor to the shocks. The Monroe kit, I got mine at Napa, is meant to take on to an existing line from the compressor. I took it back.

My unit has all the o-rings, and I touched them with a little silicone lube. Everything has been replaced except for the lines.

I'm stopping by a dealer this afternoon to see what I can find out.

Thx!

 

[HotZ28]

It would be quite an expensive experiment replacing the OEM air tube assembly, especially not knowing if that is where the leak is. Anyway, Click Here for part diagram, part number & price.

 

[fcb]

Yep, it would. That is excellent information. I guess from here I'll be taking it apart and spraying it down with soapy water to find any leaks.

Thank you so much!

 

[Spriteman]

I would not take it apart before you use the soap - in my opinion it would be easier to mix up a little soap water in a small spray bottle and spray the parts in place.

If you see bubbles then take apart what you need - if not you might then start taking parts off but at least you tried to identify the leak source before all of that work.

Hope this helps.

 

[fcb]

All good info. Given everything that I replaced I'm not sure where else to turn.

I replaced the rubber hoses on the pump itself with new. #5 on the GM parts list. However, I used regular hose.

There is one hose that goes into the trunk. I'm guessing there is a pressure reserve tank there. #6 Filter. After looking it seems like this is the air intake.

The concern here is that it actually runs longer than it did with the old parts.

 

[HotZ28]

There is one hose that goes into the trunk. I'm guessing there is a pressure reserve tank there. #6 Filter. After looking it seems like this is the air intake.

You are correct, there is no "pressure reserve tank".

The concern here is that it actually runs longer than it did with the old parts.

Did you disassemble the compressor for cleaning?? If so, you need to measure, or feel compressor PSI. It is very easy to feel adequate air pressure with your finger. These pumps will pump 65-70 psi when totally restricted, & you should be able to feel that if you don't have a pressure gauge installed inline.

 

[fcb]

HotZ, I did not take the pump apart for cleaning. I did however, clean it as it was assembled. Took a toothbrush to the cooling fins, and wiped everything down. Did the best I could with out actually taking it apart. I considered it, but after looking at it thought it was best to leave it intact as it was running fine.

It runs and shuts off at this time. And at no time did it ever just run continuously. Trying to catch it before it burned up.