Stock Autotride shock replacements..need help please.

[Rocket Man]

You should be able to tell if they're getting air- when you start your rig (at least after sitting for a few hours at least), go stand back by the driver side rear and listen for an air compressor turning on and running for 10-15 seconds and look at the fender to see if it raises up a bit. It takes maybe 20-30 seconds before the compressor starts to run after you start it up. You can also release one of the air lines from a shock ( with the truck off) and see if any air comes out and your rig comes down. Then plug the line back in, start it up and see if it raises back up.

 

[Brewcity]

You should be able to tell if they're getting air- when you start your rig (at least after sitting for a few hours at least), go stand back by the driver side rear and listen for an air compressor turning on and running for 10-15 seconds and look at the fender to see if it raises up a bit. It takes maybe 20-30 seconds before the compressor starts to run after you start it up. You can also release one of the air lines from a shock ( with the truck off) and see if any air comes out and your rig comes down. Then plug the line back in, start it up and see if it raises back up.

Thanks so much...I was wondering about unplugging the line and deflating the shock, but wasn't sure if I should do this.
I do hear my compressor kick in...it was every time I started the truck before I put these Arnott shocks on...now, it barely kicks in. It did not kick on this morning on my way in to work.
So I assume my compressor is shot.
Its weird that since the new shocks, the compressor doesn't work anymore. It was always kicking on every time I started the truck. Could it be hooked up wrong?

 

[Rocket Man]

It sounds like it's hooked up right. There's only a power and ground but it gets turned on by various electric suspension components including the ride height sensors and the electronic suspension control computer which is behind the right rear interior panel. Mine only comes on for a few seconds and raises my rig by a little bit. It might just be that it's not adding enough air due to being worn out. Keep us posted when you install the new one.

 

[Brewcity]

It sounds like it's hooked up right. There's only a power and ground but it gets turned on by various electric suspension components including the ride height sensors and the electronic suspension control computer which is behind the right rear interior panel. Mine only comes on for a few seconds and raises my rig by a little bit. It might just be that it's not adding enough air due to being worn out. Keep us posted when you install the new one.

OK...thanks for the information. I'll keep you all posted as to what I find.
I may just take it to a Chevy dealer so they can diagnose everything (electrical and mechanical). Might cost me $100...but then I'd know whats exactly wrong...hopefully. It is a dealership. Thanks for ALL the help with this, as it is really frustrating!

 

[Brewcity]

I do have a question....since the compressor used to come on at every start, and now doesn't....does this mean that the shocks are keeping the air in...and therefore, the compressor doesn't have to work every start?
Was it that my old worn out shocks has a leak, and that is why the compressor had to kick in on every start? And now that I have new shocks on, they don't leak...so no compressor kicking in at every start?

 

[Rocket Man]

It should kick in every time you start it for the most part. My Arnott shocks are almost new and it kicks on just about every time.

 

[Brewcity]

It should kick in every time you start it for the most part. My Arnott shocks are almost new and it kicks on just about every time.

Great to know...thank you.

 

[Brewcity]

Well...I dropped my Tahoe off at the Chevy dealer this morning, and they called me back to let me know they couldn't find anything wrong with my suspension or shocks.
They said the shocks are working properly, and getting air, and the height is correct...the compressor is working the way it should as well.
They did point out that the compressor is NOT supposed to kick on every time the Tahoe starts. Maybe once in the morning after sitting all night...but the shocks should hold the air pretty much all day. That way, the compressor doesn't burn out. That is why this one has lasted over 15 years!
Also...they actually did not charge me for anything...which is a HUGE surprise!!
So...I am not exactly sure what is going on...maybe I am not used to the stiffness of these new Arnott shocks...but he did mention they do need to break in. I will double check to make sure they checked the pressure coming from the compressor as well, and report back if it wasn't checked correctly.

I hope this helps everyone out.

 

[FreeIndeed]

Any updates Pete? Did they break in at all?

 

[Rocket Man]

Well...I dropped my Tahoe off at the Chevy dealer this morning, and they called me back to let me know they couldn't find anything wrong with my suspension or shocks.
They did point out that the compressor is NOT supposed to kick on every time the Tahoe starts. Maybe once in the morning after sitting all night...but the shocks should hold the air pretty much all day. That way, the compressor doesn't burn out. That is why this one has lasted over 15 years

I guess I usually just notice the compressor turning on in the morning after it sits all night. So yeah, not every time you start the engine. My bad. If it sits all day at work or all night, it kicks on when I start it. If I just go into a store and come out, it usually doesn't.