Rear Air Suspension Problems

[TantricH2]

Hey guys, I'm new to the forums. I'm also a new owner of a 2003 H2. I've owned 3 corvettes prior to this, so I'm treading on very new territory (so please forgive me for anything ignorant I may say).

My problem: The H2 has a 6" lift with Rear Air Ride. When the truck is on, the compressor runs constantly. Turned off, the rear end drops back down to stock height. As you can imagine, this looks rather ridiculous. I've only had the truck for a week, and each time it takes longer and longer for the rear end to pick up and be level with the front. I've had it to a local dealership to check all the lines for leaks - but they've found none. The techs there suspect it may be a leak in the compressor or a malfunctioning modulator.. but are unsure. I'd hate to drop $2k just to find out that isn't my problem.

Can someone please offer me some assistance/advice. I attached a picture of what its supposed to look like.. but have none of the rear sagging.

Josh

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b155/TantricLT4/2003Hummer1Signature.jpg

[PARAGON]

You have a slow leak in a bag, line or connector. You can raise the rear (for off-road purposes) by pushing the button on the dash.

Do that, shut off the engine and then see if you can find where the air is leaking from. Maybe smoke a cigar while you are at it and see if the smoke swirls anywhere if can't hear the air escaping.

The compressor is running constantly because it's trying to play keep up with the leak while keeping the rear level.

[TantricH2]

Thank you for the response. But like I said before, the dealership had it for two days looking for a leak and could not find one. If they couldn't find one, I know I'm not going to be able to. Is it possible that the leak is in the compressor itself?

Josh

[PARAGON]

Thank you for the response. But like I said before, the dealership had it for two days looking for a leak and could not find one. If they couldn't find one, I know I'm not going to be able to. Is it possible that the leak is in the compressor itself?

JoshDon't assume the dealership simply is the last word on a subject.

There's a leak, go try to find it yourself. Air is escaping the system somewhere and until you either find out where or eliminate other areas, you are pretty much stuck, because your dealer has basically told you that they will simply replace it all to take care of the problem.

[Drainbamaged]

I had this problem also when i bought my 03 and this is how i found out the problem after the dealership looked at it 3 times. (you can also use this method to find a slow leak in a tire ;) )
1. Get a spray bottle, put some baby shampoo or dish washing liquid and water in it.
2. Spray the mixture over each part of the air suspension components seperatly.
3. Watch for bubbles.

I would recommend to do one component at a time so you can realy analyze each part to see if there is a leak. Spray the mixture everywhere and heavy.
If you have a leak you will most likely find it.

[Dug]

I'm having rear air probs too. My service air suspension has been flashing since July. hehe. THink i'll try to look at it this weekend. Naaah!

I think you have a air leak also Tantric. If your compressor runs when the truck is running and your suspension drops when you shut it off. It sure would make me look for a air leak. Take some of wifeys dishwashing soap and put a little in a spray bottle with water . Then spray the bags, lines, fittings , compressor , etc. When you get done finding the leak , show us a pic of your wifes titties would ya?

[TantricH2]

Ok guys, I took your advice. After using the soap in a water bottle, I found bubbles on the right side air bag towards the bottom of the bag. I didn't see any sort of puncture though. I don't have the knowledge to disassemble anything, so I contacted a friend at a local speed shop. He said that I will need to order a new air bag assembly for that side. Would he be right, or do I have other options?

Thanks for all the help guys. You have saved me a bundle. :beerchug:

I have lost all faith in the techs at my local dealership. :twak:

[TantricH2]

When you get done finding the leak , show us a pic of your wifes titties would ya?

:clapping: Single as of the moment, Dug.

[geeroy10]

:clapping: Single as of the moment, Dug.

Titties of a random co-worker will be ok too!

[PARAGON]

Titties of a random co-worker will be ok too!just random tits are good as well.


contact "partsguy" on here (pm him) to get you an airbag.

[H2 Bill]

The air bag is about a 20 minute job to replace. By the bag and let your friend install it. I would do both sides if I were you. I had one go bad and the dealer only did the one side and I had it back in with the other one leaking about 2 months later.

[TantricH2]

Thanks for that advice, Bill. I think I'll do that. Im in the process of contacting Partsguy now.

[MotorsportsAuthority aka Dragon]

Looks like you got it all covered. I'm assuming your contact is pretty knowledgable with airbags, since (again assuming), he's worked on your corvette?

[mdoyle]

I had the same problem you described- the leak was intermittant but it was the bag. Since it was an 03 the dealership performed a code update for the compressor and reset the ride height in the process.

It's been fine ever since.

[TantricH2]

Looks like you got it all covered. I'm assuming your contact is pretty knowledgable with airbags, since (again assuming), he's worked on your corvette?

Haha! He owns the place, but is not the only tech that works there. He has a guy that specializes in 4x4's. ;)

[timgco]

as Mdoyle said, make sure to get the update done.

[TantricH2]

as Mdoyle said, make sure to get the update done.

So you're sayin I have to go back to the dealership? :mad:

[telipack]

Hello,

i know the thread is old... But:

1. Some one has a OEM Part Number for this air bags?
2. Are the Bags different or are the bags the same model (for left or right side)
3. Some one has the price for this bags? Because i need the bags shipped to germany...

Many Thanks

[DRTYFN]

Hello,

i know the thread is old... But:

1. Some one has a OEM Part Number for this air bags?
2. Are the Bags different or are the bags the same model (for left or right side)
3. Some one has the price for this bags? Because i need the bags shipped to germany...

Many Thanks
http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/

[IRA51]

part# 15938306,replace both . my local Chevy dealer had them for $120.00 each wholesale .

[IRA51]

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GM PART # 15938306
CATEGORY: Rear Spring
PACK QTY: 1
CORE CHARGE: $0.00
GM LIST: $163.16
OUR PRICE: $96.72


DESCRIPTION: SPRING

[richl]

.

[fbodyguy99@hotmail.com]

Ok this is the deal i have a 2003 hummer h2 i used to like it now its getting on my nerves with the damn sensors i have a tech 2 i bought so it pulled these codes up in the history first one is
1 C0631 RIGHT REAR POSITION SENSOR
2ND IS C0712 LEVEL CONTROL COMPRESSOR RELAY CIRCUIT I LOVE A PART NUMBER FOR THAT SO I CAN BUY IT 3RD THE MOST FAMOUS ANNOYING ONE IS CO711 LEVEL CONTROL AIR PRESSURE SENSOR STAYS ON ALL THE TIME AND LIGHT FOR HEIGHT CONTROL FLASHES NON STOP
AND MY RIGHT IS 3.65 SENSOR VOLTS
LEFT IS 2.53 SENSOR VOLTS THE LEFT ONE GOES UP N DOWN LIKE CRAZY WITH THE SCANNER WHILE DRIVING SO WHAT SHOULD I DO FIRST PLEASE Do you guys think i need air bags too or just fix the sensors

[HUMTECH]

I would start by replacing the relay. It is located below the brake master cylinder on the 03 model year just above the frame rail(dont know the part #). Then try to clear all codes. On level ground with the engine running check your level sensor data again, they should read between 2.5 and 3.5 volts, any lower or higher and they are not in the proper range when sitting still and level. If the right one still is reading high you can try to adjust it but will likely need to be replaced. If you do replace it you will then require a trim height learn procedure.

[agood1]

How often should the compressor kick on? Mine comes on every 5-10 minutes.....I can't really tell if it is because of a leak, or that it is just doing it's job.

[lmajor]

Mine only releases air sometimes. It happens when I park and turn off, I can hear air coming out. When I come back it will be sagging. Only once while driving did the service air come on and it sounded like the compressor was continualy running. It stopped after several minutes of driving. I checked the bags and I don't hear or see any leaks. It doesn't make sense that the bags would be leaking because once they start to leak they are not going to seal themselves back up and not leak other times. Any ideas?

[DRTYFN]

Mine only releases air sometimes. It happens when I park and turn off, I can hear air coming out. When I come back it will be sagging. Only once while driving did the service air come on and it sounded like the compressor was continualy running. It stopped after several minutes of driving. I checked the bags and I don't hear or see any leaks. It doesn't make sense that the bags would be leaking because once they start to leak they are not going to seal themselves back up and not leak other times. Any ideas?
I'm going through the same thing right now. Sometimes they leak and some times they don't. If I pump them up before turning it off it'll stay inflated indefinitely.

[lmajor]

This makes me think that it is not a leaking bag but something like a valve or sensor etc. My compressor was replaced to the newer style back in 04 and seems to be working fine. Any thoughts?

[timgco]

Why don;t you guys just take out the stock bags, add factory or better yet aftermarket 2" taller coil springs. Than add a set of adjustable firestone bags. you can get teh in cab controller and you can raise lower for increased weight or added height when wheeling. Those bags are more reliable than teh stock bags and inlfate/deflate way quicker. ...just a thought.

[IRA51]

Why don;t you guys just take out the stock bags, add factory or better yet aftermarket 2" taller coil springs. Than add a set of adjustable firestone bags. you can get teh in cab controller and you can raise lower for increased weight or added height when wheeling. Those bags are more reliable than teh stock bags and inlfate/deflate way quicker. ...just a thought.
100% CORRECT AND A GOOD WAY TO GO .

[lmajor]

Thanks for the suggesstion but I'd rather keep it stock. I am at 81k now and have not had any issues so I would rather just figure out the problem. Any ideas?

[timgco]

Thanks for the suggesstion but I'd rather keep it stock. I am at 81k now and have not had any issues so I would rather just figure out the problem. Any ideas?

Go to your dealer and have them figure out. GM had progarm updates to the earlier models. I was one of the first 03's to have my air bags go....and if you're in the middle of bumfu*#, you are SOL. I had to cram a 2x4 in both sides and had a nice 4 hour ride back to Denver since it was a Sunday and could not get a flatbed anywhere.

My reccomendation, pay the dealer thier service fee and see if any updates are available. you have some high miles on that H2 and things are going to start to go. This "I'm at 81K without issues" may be the start of replacing that whole system one by one. Teh aftermarket way is much cheaper/easier to go than replacing stock....unless the budgett isn;t a factor. ...my 2 cents for what it's worth.

[lmajor]

I do plan to have it checked out but the reason for posting was to get an idea of what might be wrong with it before I did. Usually these things don't just happen to one car. It might just be a simple and relativly innexpensive fix that can buy me another 20k and I can take care of it for just cost of parts. I'd rather not replace the entire system w aftermarket without knowing if I can fix it easily. I saw another poster on this forum jump the gun and tear the entire system out and put springs just to find out that he could hasve probably replaced one part and fixed it. Thanks again. It might be an option down the road.

[IRA51]

Who did the lift ?

[H2mudder]

How hard is the removal and install of the air shock?

Anyone have a link or anything showing the process?

[Easy Ed]

This help ?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSmkJc0RitM

How hard is the removal and install of the air shock?

Anyone have a link or anything showing the process?

[H2mudder]

This help ?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSmkJc0RitM

Yeah ED, thanks a ton.
It looks pretty easy.
Cheaper than going to the dealer.
You rock!

[Easy Ed]

Thanks but got to give credit where credit is due, IRA51 had that link in a post of his ;)

http://www.elcovaforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37006

Good luck,

Ed

Yeah ED, thanks a ton.
It looks pretty easy.
Cheaper than going to the dealer.
You rock!

[blkhummer_guy]

i have a 03 h2 n was wondering it changing air suspension kit to a conversion coil kit would be a good idea? cuzz i was told that'll cost less prob in the future...either way i have to get something done wit it...losing air from time time n havnt had the chance to take it in the a checkup...