autoride - new compressor, now what?

[kablooie]

Bought a 2006 Denali XL from carmax a couple months ago. Never once heard the compressor turn on even after sticking a trailer on it and having the rear end drop a couple inches.

Finally got it back to carmax and yesterday they just replaced the compressor with a new one. I now hear the compressor when I turn the truck on... problem now is it stays on for 3 minutes and then eventually shuts off. I dont think it takes 3 minutes to fill the air suspension, and my guess is the compressor is shutting itself off to keep from overheating.

am I correct in that the above is abnormal? any thoughts on what to tell the service advisor to do when I take it back? (mind you, i know this IS carmax but all this work is being done under warranty).

thanks,
louie

 

[Sasquatch]

I would have them check for leaks in the shocks. In the short time my autoride actually worked correctly the compressor would kick on for about 5-10 seconds after sitting over night.

When my warranty ran out i threw the autoride parts in the trash after a new compressor lasted about two years and installed regular shocks.

 

[kablooie]

I would have them check for leaks in the shocks. In the short time my autoride actually worked correctly the compressor would kick on for about 5-10 seconds after sitting over night.

When my warranty ran out i threw the autoride parts in the trash after a new compressor lasted about two years and installed regular shocks.

Now that I've driven it more today and with turning the truck on/off, there is something definitely not right.... Prior to the new compressor being installed, I would hear groaning noises from the rear suspension. My guess is bushings rubbing against each other, as I went over dips and speed bumps. With the new compressor, the SUV looks a bit higher in the rear. there are no more groaning noises, plus it feels different going over the same dips/speed bumps.

I'm thinking the leveling switch is faulty causing the compressor to think the SUV is not level and to keep running. If there was a leak, then I would think the ride would feel like it did before the new comp and the groaning noises would still be present. I dont hear the comp turning on while driving, at least I dont think I do...

thanks for any other input on items to consider.

 

[Sasquatch]

I`m not sure what the groaning noise could be, When mine died it just sat a few inches lower but the ride was not much different.

What you could try is to put some weight in the back to see if the compressor kicks on with the extra weight and also leave it in there for a while and see how low it drops. I figure the weight would speed up any leaks if there are any then start it up and see how long it takes to fill up.

You could also spray soapy water on the shocks when they`re pumped up to find any leaks.

 

[pnwdan]

its supposed to be higher in the rear and it should ride better, if the compressor runs a long time its because the air is leaking out of the system when it sits.

 

[1992rs]

The autoride shocks in my 02 Denali are clearly blown in the rear. When loaded with people or stuff in the cargo area, the compressor will stay on for probably 3-5 min at a time and come on every 5-10 min. My rear sits over 2 inches higher than the front as well but I also dont have a 3rd row or spare tire.

 

[Wake]

Your rear shocks are shot or you have a leak in the air lines. The pump runs 15 seconds max shortly after starting the vehicle, even when it doesn't need it. It just vents the extra pressure it doesn't need.

The air bladders are likely shot on a vehicle this age, I've seen a few of them like this. If your air pump runs that often it will likely burn out shortly, probably what happened to the original.