Rear Air Shock Hose Repai/Replace?

[ckf102]

Guys,
I tried to do a quick search, but I wasn't able to find anything on this and I also tried to go on GM Parts Direct as well.....

I was having the car in for State Inspection today and the air hose at the compressor is leaking. I was quoted a price of $225 to replace and install a new hose to both shocks.

The leak is right at the compressor, can I cut and repair the hole or do I need to install a new line? Also, how hard would this be for me to do in my driveway with ramps and a floor jack? And finally, does anyone have a used hose or have the part number for a new one if I have to go that route? I saw monroe has a kit that is like 10 bucks or do I need the official GM part?

your help is appreciated. Thanks!

[MattStrike]

There is a repair kit, I think Monroe AK-29, that has the OEM style connectors. Use some rtv in conjuction with a compression union (1/8", don't over-tighten).

You'd cut off the leaking line to remove the hole.
Cut the required piece from the kit, slightly longer than the piece you cut out.
The compression union has 5 pieces, the center union, two small compression rings, and the nut.
The nut goes on the tube first, followed by the compression ring with a small bead of RTV on the side that faces the nut, then slide the tube into the union as far as it goes, slide the nut and ring to the union and tighten by hand. Once hand tight, torque it down 3/4 of a turn with a wrench. Verify that the tube doesn't pull out of the union under moderate pressure.
Repeat for other side of tube.

Should look like this, but with the OEM fitting on one side:


Again. These compression fittings are meant for steel or copper tubing. They don't work well for nylon unless you use RTV to seal it and only tightened enough for the ring to just start to bite into the plastic.

There may be a better way, but this should only cost $12 or so.

[ckf102]

Awesome! That is a hell of a lot better than 200+ dollars! Thanks! I'll try to get that done over the weekend!!!

[ckf102]

Went to do the repair yesterday....turns out I didn't need the kit. It was a bad o ring at the pump connection to the hose.

Now here's the funny thing.....I hooked it up, I get pressure and I can finally pump up a basketball out of he trunk, cool....but the rear end is WAY high. I then deflated the shocks by putting a key in the trunk's valve and letting out the air...

Is it possible that the two hoses going to the pump got switched? I thought it was just left and right, not in and out.

Any advice?

[00Beast]

Sounds like your load sensor is messed up. It's on the control arm on the driver's side rear, make sure it's not disconnected.

[ckf102]

I'll try to check ASAP, but when I took a reading at the valve it was reading 90psi. Will that hurt anything? The car rides great but it looks like a NHRA car.

[Ken_W]

FYI that load sensor can get damaged if you don't disconnect it when replacing rear shocks. Note that I say can; if you properly support your rear control arm during the procedure then you should be okay, but if you don't and the control arm falls, it will yank on the load sensor and potentially mess it up.

I believe the load sensor is adjustable, but I've never messed with it, so I can't tell you how. Might be able to find out via Search. By adjusting it you could set it to whatever height you like best.

Ken_W

[ckf102]

I checked the sensor today and it was connected. I hit it with wd-40 to loosen it up, but I pulled the fuse to the pump because the rear end just keeps going higher and the pressures appear to be WAY too high. Anything else I can check?

[Archon]

The ride height sensor could very well be bad. It's not an uncommon problem. You could try removing the connection at the lower control arm, then pull the lever on sensor all the way down. See if the system vents.