Auto level shocks: Air line repair

[MattStrike]

Another how-to:

Repairing the nylon air lines that feed the rear auto-level control air shocks.

The repairs I show are at the shocks, using OEM connectors. The connectors at the pump (on the '93 at least, I'm sure it's the same across the board) are the same as the connectors at the shocks and the relay for the tire inflator; with the exception that one of the connectors at the relay for the inflator is a different diameter than the rest meaning DO NOT throw that connector out. The connectors are very simple: Two rubber o-rings function as a 'compression' style fitting. You can remove the connector and o-rings from the air tube and install on a new piece of tubing. I can get more details for that repair later.

I used the Monroe kit to obtain new O-rings and connector, as mine broke off in the insanely rusted original air shocks:




Step 1: cut the OEM air line off about 1 inch before the leak or broken section. Use a razor or other cutter to get a mostly clean, straight cut:


Step 2: Cut the needed length of tubing with connector from the Monroe kit, again looking for a clean and straight cut:


Next, using a 1/8 inch compression fitting, fit the nut and ferrule to the end of the tube that is on the car:


Add some RTV (pretty much any sealant will work here) to the tube between the ferrule and the nut:


Use your man-hands to tighten the nut and ferrule to the union. Push the nylon tube into the union as far as it will go:


Next, use wrenches to turn the nut 180 degrees past what you are able to tighten by hand. The nylon tubing should stay in the union with a moderate amount of pulling/tension. Note that these compression unions are meant for copper and steel tubing, not nylon. If you over-tighten the union then the ferrule will cut into the nylon and it will not seal.

Next, repeat for the replacement section of tubing. The end result, secured to the frame to prevent it from rubbing on the tire:

[John Deere Boy]

Been there, done that, wish your post had existed before i done that!

I didn't use RTV on the compression fitting though, not sure that it would help any.

[John Deere Boy]

Also, to anyone replacing your stock struts with Monroe: You need this kit. Monroe's air line fittings are located higher than stock, so you will most likely not have enough air line on your car to reach the new struts.

[imidazol97]

Another how-to:

Next, using a 1/8 inch compression fitting, fit the nut and ferrule to the end of the tube that is on the car:

Where did you get the 1/8 in commpression fitting? Plumbing department at Lowes? Pepboys?

[MattStrike]

The auto parts store usually has them.

But if I were to go back and do this over again, I'd use these instead of the compression unions:
http://www.amazon.com/Legris-Nylon--Con ... 54&sr=1-15

All you do is cut the old line and push it in to this. Don't have to mess around with RTV.

[imidazol97]

But if I were to go back and do this over again, I'd use these instead of the compression unions:
http://www.amazon.com/Legris-Nylon--Con ... 54&sr=1-15

Thanks a lot for responding. I had seen those inline nylon connectors mentioned before a year or so ago for something but I never would have thought of it as a solution for here.

So the line in the Monroe kit AK29 is the same diameter as the original line?

I have ordered the kit AND the connector from Amazon. Ordering the kit is easier than going to a pick-and-pull and probably cheaper in the end. I'll have spare parts if I have to change these shocks again in 60 K miles and 4.5 years.

[Kevdadi]

I can hear the compressor running a fair bit... how would you suggest troubleshooting where the break is- be it in the line and/or strut?

[J Wikoff]

A new thread might get more attention than this old one.