ELC AIR COMPRESSOR

[Bob Keyes]

I have read a lot of posts about this but have not found what I am looking for yet. My in -trunk air compressor is not working anymore. I thought I remembered reading a post a while back about removing the unit, diss-assembling it, cleaning it and re-oiling. I am not exactly sure where the thing is located other than right side rear?? Does anyone else remember a post like this or have instuctions?

[Icebound]

I did remove mine, cleaned it, and got it "working" again.

GM wanted a full grand for replacement at the time.

Unfortunately, it was a few years ago and the details are a bit hazy.... and i don't really want to do it again just to get the procedure correct for you .

On the 97, the compressor is under the trunk, right rear...

You have to pull the electrical plug and the air tubing. The air tubing has "clips" so it is just a "push in and clip" sort of thing.....

The compressor is mounted to a bracket, and is reasonable easy to remove from underneath the car. I don't recall any special problem getting it out of there.

Once I got it on a bench, I just carefully took the head off, preserving the gasket (because I wasn't sure I could get a new one). I would do it carefully to make sure parts don't jump out.... but I do not recall any special problem in that regard.

There is a valve in there that had some corrosion, and I just cleaned things out as best I could (dry).... torqued the head back on... and the thing WORKED..~!!!!

Sorry for the hazy details..... but I do recall that overall it was "not a big deal" to do. If you have it off for a while, you may want to tape over the loose tubing to keep moisture out. I am sure we are supposed to replace the "dryer" capsule, but I never bothered and it wasn't a problem.


Its been 3 or 4 years, I think, and I expect it will act up again, but so far, so good.


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[RJolly87]

A question comes to mind. Does your rear leveling kick on? I ask because it is the same air pump. If that works, your problem lies elsewhere. Quickest way to tell is have some hefty guys sit on the back bumper for a couple of minutes. The car should pick the rear end back up, and you should hear the air pump fire up.

[imidazol97]

I have read a lot of posts about this but have not found what I am looking for yet. My in -trunk air compressor is not working anymore. I thought I remembered reading a post a while back about removing the unit, diss-assembling it, cleaning it and re-oiling. I am not exactly sure where the thing is located other than right side rear?? Does anyone else remember a post like this or have instuctions?

Previous post is a good question. Does the ELC kick on for the suspension?

After the key is ON the unit should run for a few seconds to stabilize; usually about 40 seconds after the key is ON this occurs. You can hear it if the motor, fan , and radio aren't running.

[Bob Keyes]

The ELC was not working at all. I haven't heard it in a couple of months. I was able to remove it. I took it too the bench and diss assembled it completely. It was completely locked up and the + brush on the motor burnt up. I am sure there is no way of getting parts for it??? The piston seal is bad, the top gasket and the white plastic pc that holds the brushes. Other than that I could clean it up and it would probably work. I have a machine shop and have cut new brushes before...but that holder and piston seal are a problem. Any ideas??

Thanks for all the great information!!!!

[00Beast]

Look in a Junkyard. They'll probably be your best bet.