Compressor running frequently

[dakotapalm]

The air compressor under the hood of my Bonneville has been running after I turn the car off much longer than it did before (say, six minutes now, instead of two or so.)

I'm not noticing any trouble with the car, just hearing a lot of the buzz from the compressor and it is going longer than it did before. Is this cause for concern? About to drive a long while next weekend- if this goes out, will I be hurting?

[1oldman]

mine did that when the struts and springs needed replacing. It could be a leak in the air struts and just the struts need replacing. Use soapy water to find out like when you look for gas/air leaks. - BC

[Backhoe]

Im pretty sure the compressor will only run with the ignition on, but I was unaware the Bonnie compressor was under the hood, the LSS's is at the right rear corner. I'm sure someone more familiar will chime in, I'm about 1000 miles from my factory manuals.

I had the same problem, so after replacing the lines on the compressor, which had completely deteriorated, I found that the hard line leading from the compressor up to the top of the right rear strut wasn't even connected. I suspect a fat handed-mechanic couldn't get his mitt in there to connect it, but I'm still unsure how it became dis-connected, considering it has a locking clip.

If it fails on you i think it will probably only give you a saggy rear,since it is only air assist, as long as you don't have an excessive amount of weight in the trunk. With weight, the handling might be a little tricky, depending on whether or not you have poor road conditions, like here in Calgary.

[RJolly87]

Im pretty sure the compressor will only run with the ignition on, but I was unaware the Bonnie compressor was under the hood, the LSS's is at the right rear corner. I'm sure someone more familiar will chime in, I'm about 1000 miles from my factory manuals.

I had the same problem, so after replacing the lines on the compressor, which had completely deteriorated, I found that the hard line leading from the compressor up to the top of the right rear strut wasn't even connected. I suspect a fat handed-mechanic couldn't get his mitt in there to connect it, but I'm still unsure how it became dis-connected, considering it has a locking clip.

If it fails on you i think it will probably only give you a saggy rear,since it is only air assist, as long as you don't have an excessive amount of weight in the trunk. With weight, the handling might be a little tricky, depending on whether or not you have poor road conditions, like here in Calgary.

Pre 94 has the ELC system live all the time, 94 and 95 I believe has it only when the ignition is on.

You are also correct with the location of the ELC pump, on model years 96+. Before then, it's under the hood, drivers side.

Also keep in mind, the ELC is factored in to the rear spring rates. It is designed so that unloaded the car will set level with just springs. Start adding weight, the rear starts dropping. Anything more than a child in the back seat, and you will really start wishing you had the ELC. Save it now while you can.