TJ...

I don't have any shop manuals yet ( they are still on order from Helm Publishing ) but I don't think the air suspension should have any fluids. It kind of looks like it might be a electric over pneumatic control ( don't know for sure ). The fluid you see could be a bad shock, leaking axle seal or something else serious. By all means get in ASAP to service dept. for them to check.

Don

Thanks Don,

I am relatively clueless when it comes to the technical aspects of my H2. All I know is that I love my H2, I love driving it, and when it comes to problems, well....I guess that I'll just have to let GM/Hummer help out on that part of it.

My H2 is in the shop (once again) as we speak - had to get it towed in this time because, along with the big fluid leak underneath, the brake warning light started flashing. The fluid looked like maybe hydraulic fluid, so the brakes may be a totally separate/unrelated problem? We told them the last time it was in that the brakes were pulling to the right, but they didn't fix anything because they said that they 'couldn't reproduce the problem'. Anyway, I haven't heard anything back on it yet but didn't really expect to since it's a weekend and the service dept is only open M-F). Hopefully I'll hear something from them early this next week--I really miss my H2 when it's away from home like this...

This is the third time now that we've had my H2 in for repairs and I've only had it a little over two months, not quite 5000 miles and not even any "serious" offroading yet (we were planning a trip for the upcoming Thanksgiving weekend, but I guess that'll all depend on how long they have to keep my H2 now). Both the dealer and Hummer have tried to be really helpful, but going on the third time now, it's starting to get a little old...it seems like "Not again!?!" is becoming a permanent part of my vocabulary these days.

Well now we know what the fluid is. Its brake fluid!

Don

Hey Humm-budz,

Seems like there's a bit of confusion about the air suspension/compressor situation on our badd-ass rigs. In order to prevent an overly long post, I'll try to just smack-down on issues machine-gun style:

The air suspension is basically the same thing Chevy/GMC offers as their "Auto-Ride" feature. In this capacity it offers us a 'smoother and nicer' ride then conventional shocks. They claim you can feel the difference in ride.

They (GM) also modified this system with a handy little button that, when pushed, allows the rear-end to be jacked up to its fullest extension. This feature adds additional clearance to our H2's. It's very handy and even today made the difference for me in getting over a big obstacle while offroading. Not only good for offroading, you can also jack-up the rear for goofing-off (it puts the butt in the air like a dragster?) For safety reasons, this lift feature de-activate at speeds over 20mph.

The hissing and discharge is VERY cool and well worth the coin alone. Definite cool-points!

Because the air-suspension uses air, there is an air compressor involved. Someone at GM had the insight to make the air pressure from this system available for use for inflating tires and other such things. The Enoy/Trailblazer have this too. This feature is just a side-benefit of having an existing air compressor onboard.

The air-suspension will automatically adjust to keep the back level. The manual indicates that when towing heavy loads, the rear-lift button feature SHOULD NOT BE USED. You only lift the rear for offroading or showing-off.

As for the tow/haul mode, it merely adjusts the shifting pattern of the tranny. That's all. When towing heavy loads, it is advantageous to allow the engine to rev a bit higher before shifting, this helps the engine not work so hard.

The air-suspension package comes standard with the ADVENTURE package, otherwise it can be ordered seperately. I particularly advise bachelors to opt for this feature; that way they can re-inflate their dates should they spring a leak! (Low-blow...but ya gotta admit its funny). [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

Steve, My adventure Hummer has air suspension, but I did not find the inflatable date in the back. Is this included in the Adventure package? or is it an additional option? Will aftermarket inflatable date work with Hummer? I was wondering what the tube and air compressor are for? now it all makes sense. [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

Does anyone know if you can retrofit a NON-Airide H2 with the factory airride equipment?

Steve:

Thanks for stepping in and explaining it all. It definitely helps me.

George

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by RiotDvls:
Does anyone know if you can retrofit a NON-Airide H2 with the factory airride equipment? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yes, you can....all the parts bolt right up. I know this because I wanted the air and the dealership didn't have one i wanted w/air....Fortunalty, my sales lady found a perfect unit with air...Danm I luv her!

H-Town....do you know of any sites that list the parts needed and any installation help?

Youch, thats going to be expensive. Post back with the prices you are quoted.

Remembered this post. Found this on ebay

AIR SUSP.

Plus I need to get my posts up to a "G"

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by HummerGirl:
You know what...I remember that now as we were looking at the demo H2.


Gonna go and dig in my sticker...well it never made it to the glass as it was never on the lot for sale.

But there was one in the glove compartment with my paperwork. Gonna go and check now.

How much difference will it matter that we don't have it. We will be hauling around one ton of clay in my hummer at a time and pulling/releasing our boat in the ocean and lake. The boat we want is around 22-23 feet but my husband would love to have a 50' and that is a good chance we get one like that.

Will we be okay with what we got? I am thinking we will but just curious.

~amy
Reality is merely a crutch for those with a broken imagination.~anon.

http://www.CelestialBath.com </div></BLOCKQUOTE>


For serious towing, the air-suspension is really valuable. I hate going down the road with a tow and feeling light steering and knowing my front end is up in the air. The air suspension solves this and, if you are going to tow, you should (IMHO) have it. If you ordered it and can prove that, maybe there is some recourse with the dealer.

The tow/haul button has nothing to do with the air-susp. Once your load is hitched, press that before driving off to keep the transmission from hunting for the right gear so often. It's a great feature.

Good luck!

Sean

Does anyone know why the air suspension makes noise (the hissing everyone is talking about) when you are just going about your every day driving(no towing or heavy loads to adjust to, no offroading etc.)???????

Can anyone confirm that the above Ebay auction air kit has everything required?

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Alec W:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by tomp:
Can anyone confirm that the above Ebay auction air kit has everything required? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Yes. Except they failed to mention that you need alignment after installing it </div></BLOCKQUOTE>


Sean

Thx Alec. Do the sensors cost much? Can you tell if the wiring/connectors for them is in the photo or would this be part of the OEM wiring even if I don't already have the air installed?

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Alec W:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by tomp:
Can anyone confirm that the above Ebay auction air kit has everything required? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
I'll be helpful, I don't see the pasenger or driver side sensors in that picture. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Alec W:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by tomp:
Can anyone confirm that the above Ebay auction air kit has everything required? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Yes. Except they failed to mention that you need alignment after installing it </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Did someone say TIPS?