07 Denali - Stock suspension gone bad - Questions before replacement.

[Ryans Rebel]

A little help here please. I have a 07 Denali with stock suspension all around (includes electronic ride control). My rear shock bladders are busted and I no longer hear the air compressor run. I know I need to replace the rear shocks – that’s a given. But what about the compressor? What is the best way to check and see if the compressor is still working properly before changing the shocks?

Next is to determine what shocks to replace the rears with? I’ve looked on Arnott’s website and see several to choose from. My first reaction is to replace with the re-manufactured electronic air shock as it should be a drop in replacement. Or do I lose the electronic ride feature and go with the air only shock (no electronic control). I want to maintain the air bag feature as I do haul a trailer from time-to-time.

Lastly, what about the front shocks? I have no way of knowing if they are bad – they seem to ride fine (no knocking, etc). If I go with the non-electric control rear shocks, what do I do about the electronic control on the fronts?

Any info or experiences you can share would be greatly appreciated.

Ryan

 

[t.stimpson]

yeah I'm in the same boat with my 09 yukon xl. Trying to decide between stock replacement(AC Delco) or the arnott. Anyone have any opinions on which is better? They cost roughly the same. I found the replacement gm shocks on amazon for about $200 a peice. The new pump/motor dorman brand is about $200 also and has good reviews, and its plug n play. As for figuring out whats wrong with your motor I've seen some youtube videos on people messing with these but for me I would rather just replace. Years and years of the pump running has to wear things out, might not be worth investing the time to diagnose and repair as there are no serviceable parts for it that I know of.

 

[pwtr02ss]

I would put it back the way it came new. You can't beat the ride and the remanufactured shocks could have 2-300k miles on them They just replace the airbag, not the actual shock components. I have replaced all four of mine with AC Delco and replaced the compressor with the complete dorman unit. Its really not that much more money and you paid for the autoride ride, why not keep it.

 

[Ryans Rebel]

I would put it back the way it came new. You can't beat the ride and the remanufactured shocks could have 2-300k miles on them They just replace the airbag, not the actual shock components. I have replaced all four of mine with AC Delco and replaced the compressor with the complete dorman unit. Its really not that much more money and you paid for the autoride ride, why not keep it.

Could you provide a link to the AC Delco shocks? You get them at a local parts store or on line?

Ryan

 

[pwtr02ss]

Could you provide a link to the AC Delco shocks? You get them at a local parts store or on line?

Ryan

You will need to call your dealer and give them your vin. They will give you the part number. I bought everything online.

Here is the link for the front struts that I used...

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=3977454&cc=1440984

Here is the rears, thats the cheapest I have ever seen them. I paid $300 each so thats a steal..

http://www.amazon.com/ACDelco-580-451-Original-Equipment-Absorber/dp/B00EDQ19EI/ref=au_as_r?ie=UTF8&Make=Chevrolet%7C47&Model=Avalanche%7C2857&Year=2008%7C2008&n=15684181&s=automotive&vehicleId=6&vehicleType=automotive

Here is the compressor...

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=4779699&cc=1440984&jnid=512&jpid=1

Again, these are the parts that my truck used, yours may be different.

 

[JML07denali]

Stay away from arnott. I had a Mercedes before this truck and had nothing but problems with their air shocks. I would stick to oem for the same price.

 

[Ryans Rebel]

Thanks for all the info guys. Sounds like some have had good luck with the Arnott's, but not all. AC Delco OE may be the way to go. I'll do a little more homework and report back on my decision. Thanks again.

Ryan

 

[Ryans Rebel]

An update. I went ahead and replaced the rear shocks with the AC Delco and the compressor with the Dorman. It took me a little less than 2 hour to get everything swapped out. Everything worked as designed as soon as I started the vehicle. That confirms that the old compressor was bad. The ride is noticeable better than before. I recommend this to anyone who has worn out rears on a Denali.

One potential problem – first drive out with the new rear shocks and compressor I got a Stabilitrack & ABS warning on the dash. I thought I may have been a glitch so I disconnected the battery for an hour and reconnected. Errors still showing up. Is it possible the rear shocks and compressor not being OEM setting off those two warnings? Or just coincidence? I do recall getting these same warnings years ago and had to change the front bearings (with the ABS sensor).

Ryan

 

[ulakovic22]

Go back and re-check all the electrical connections. One is probably loose or not connected.

 

[pwtr02ss]

@Ryans Rebel There is a connector on top of the frame on the driver side that comes loose. You can't really see it, you just have to feel around. Its blue in color, if by chance you get your head up there. Mine came un plugged and about a million other peoples have too. I only know the color because a guy posted a pic on another forum. I'm not real sure how it works its way unplugged but it does. 2 min job and you will be set.