Symptoms of inop autoride?

[bullsht]

I test drove an 04 with about 100k on it. The ride was too plush, tons of body roll (i realize it isn't my subaru impreza), almost like riding a cloud that was getting blown around by the wind if that makes any sense. Is that how it is supposed to be? I have also driven an 07 with 150k that felt much more tight, but i don't know how they compare.

---------- Post added at 07:22 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:10 PM ----------

I didn't know how to test the auto ride or what to listen for, heck even if it functions with only 1 person.

So if anyone can point me to where to learn about it it would be appreciated

 

[clandr1]

I have an '05 without autoride, with 129k on it. Owned it since new. My truck still has the original sway bars, shocks, etc. It has never felt like what you described.

Check the rear bags/shocks to see if there are visible cracks in the boots. If so, it probably means the compressor burned up trying to keep them inflated. You're looking at either installing new rear shocks/bags and a new air compressor, or removing the system and opting to install standard shocks (which is what I'd do).

Of course, there's also the possibility that the sway bar bushings or steering/suspension components are bad, but I doubt it with only 100k on it.

 

[bullsht]

There was a steering wheel shake above 70mph. But that wouldn't make the ride too plush. I looked at compressor and the left strut it looked ok, but i didn't get under there to listen and wish i would have.

Just didn't feel like any other vehicle of similar size i have driven, way too soft.

 

[clandr1]

The steering wheel shake could be worn tie rods or unbalanced wheels (off the top of my head).

Try grabbing the rear bumper and pushing down, then pulling up. Try to get the truck to continue to "bounce" after you let go of the bumper. If so, then your shocks/bags might be toast (as I understand it, the autoride air system is part of the shocks).

 

[bullsht]

if i go look at it (or any others again in the future) I will make sure to do that

the other 2 i have driven recently did not have autoride, does it ride that much smoother? i am probably overthinking this because I liked the truck but don't want to overpay for it.

 

[clandr1]

I'm sure some will disagree, but auto ride seems to be more of a pain in the ass than it's worth. My dad owns a 2008 Tahoe, and a couple weeks ago commented that my truck drives and rides like its brand new.

A lot of it depends on the shocks used (if the OEM has been replaced), but from a strictly factory OEM perspective, I would say the ride quality is the same.

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[bullsht]

I'm sure some will disagree, but auto ride seems to be more of a pain in the ass than it's worth. My dad owns a 2008 Tahoe, and a couple weeks ago commented that my truck drives and rides like its brand new.

A lot of it depends on the shocks used (if the OEM has been replaced), but from a strictly factory OEM perspective, I would say the ride quality is the same. it rode worse than my 86 k1500 with blown shocks before i replaced them

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they were acdelco shocks from what I could tell.

if the quality should be similar it definitely wasn't, felt like more like a vehicle with bad shocks, so my suspicion on that was probably correct.

so just for curiousity the truck was a 2004 XL Denali, 101k, no rust, super clean frame/underside, tires <5k on them, normal chips dings to be expected on a 12yr old vehicle. It needs suspension and steering work, and a new windshield due to some huge chips. I have them talked down to 11k, I am 10K on it, so probably meet in the middle like 10.5k. would that be fair/high/steal?

 

[clandr1]

I large component of value is location. I'm not sure where you are, but that sounds about right for that truck in the DFW area.

 

[bullsht]

In ND. But from ive seen on craiglist, they go for about that much down south

 

[01ssreda4]

I have an '05 without autoride, with 129k on it. Owned it since new. My truck still has the original sway bars, shocks, etc. It has never felt like what you described.

Check the rear bags/shocks to see if there are visible cracks in the boots. If so, it probably means the compressor burned up trying to keep them inflated. You're looking at either installing new rear shocks/bags and a new air compressor, or removing the system and opting to install standard shocks (which is what I'd do).

Of course, there's also the possibility that the sway bar bushings or steering/suspension components are bad, but I doubt it with only 100k on it.

Autoride and auto-level are two completely different things. Even with the bags deflated it wont change the properties of the shock, which is a major component of perceived ride quality. Your answer is just going to confuse him. Autoride is electronically controlled shocks. If the system was off, it should throw a service message. Mine would seemingly feel rather hard over bumps. So I deleted it by way of the resistors at each corner. The shocks function without the electronic signal now and it rides fine, doesn't feel like its firming up for no reason.