Air ride suspension problems

Tiny
ANONYMOUS
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 GMC ENVOY
  • 55,000 MILES
2006 gmc envoy xl denali, air suspension problem, the rear of the vehicle is sagging and the air suspension fuse is fine and the compressor pump light is not lit nor does it react when pressed, I do not have any warning lights on the dash. Please any advice, where could I find the motor or what is posibly the problem. I was told to give this site a try and may become a big fan if this helps.

thank you in advance,
tom brooks
Sunday, January 20th, 2013 AT 10:51 PM

38 Replies

Tiny
JAYSONLISA
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Probly just a leak in a hose. I replaced my compressor and hoses w after market parts (not gm) for 350. My quote for gm parts w labor was$ 1200. Solved all the problems. U can get a spray bottle w soap and water and find the leak if u just want to get out a lil cheaper. Its worth paying to get it done. Do have to say it looked sweet when the bags were empty. If u live in tx I can get u in w my mechanic he does good work and he olny had my denali for 24 hrs.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Wednesday, October 2nd, 2013 AT 8:34 AM
Tiny
ALLIEB
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2006 GMC ENVOY
The rear air bags have been acting weird for a while now, it started out only going down at night, but then it started going down all the time, even while driving, and now they wont even come up at all. I didn't know what to do, money is tight right now but I can't stand bouncing around all the time while driving. I didn't know if there was an alternative to the air bags, like if I could get something cheaper that basically does the same job? Anyways I would really appreciate any advice you could give me. Thanks
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, April 17th, 2020 AT 11:15 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,815 POSTS
9 times out of 10 it will be the air bags that are leaking. It could be a leakage somewhere and not necessarily a fault with the air spring itself.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, April 17th, 2020 AT 11:15 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ALLIEB
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thanks, I'll try that :)
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, April 17th, 2020 AT 11:15 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,815 POSTS
You're welcome.

If you need to replace the part, check out this link. Part is sold in pairs and if one fail, the other might not be far away. $87.00 each

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CXZN2TP/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=2carprcom-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B07CXZN2TP&linkId=b0d252e67c4e30b814deb9085c023a6b

Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, April 17th, 2020 AT 11:15 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SLAUGHTDOG
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2005 GMC ENVOY
  • 850,000 MILES
The rear of vehicle has dropped almost to the ground. I can hear the compressor running but nothing happens. Could the compressor be worn out enough that it still works but not strong enough to air the suspension up? Dealer says I need a new compressor and air bags which is fine just seems odd that I can hear compressor running.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, April 17th, 2020 AT 11:16 AM (Merged)
Tiny
OBXAUTOMEDIC
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,711 POSTS
Hello,

Since can hear compressor running first thing I would do is crawl under find the compressor then check the hose connects then follow hoses to make sure they are intact and also listen for any air leaks and check the air bags for damage.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, April 17th, 2020 AT 11:16 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SLAUGHTDOG
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thanks I will get under there and look it over for anything obvious. On the air outlet in the cargo area the gauge says I am getting a little over 30 lbs of pressure from the compressor. If that helps.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Friday, April 17th, 2020 AT 11:16 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BOBLR
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2004 GMC ENVOY
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 72,565 MILES
While I don't think it's relevant, I noted that one of your other members reported that their air bag problem started just after the battery went dead. In my case it was 3 days after replacing the original battery.
The problem is that, with increasing frequency, the air bags go flat over night after parking the Envoy at home. If it makes any difference, it's an XUV model. The dealer has checked the fittings for leaks and found nothing. In fact, for the two days it sat at the dealership, the rear height changed only slightly up and down due to temperature changes. When I brought it home last Friday, I left the key on and stood on the rear bumper to force the leveling system to operate. Once I got off, it settled back to what seems to be the normal ride height. It stayed fine until Saturday evening when I drove it around town on an errand. I parked it this time and just turned key off. The next morning, it was down over two and a half inches on each side. Any ideas on what to look for? I know that it has 3 solenoid valves. One for each side, and one to relieve pressure when the pump starts. Any chance one of the bag valves is hanging partially open and deflating the system?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, April 17th, 2020 AT 11:19 AM (Merged)
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
Sounds like that is exactly what is happening. For it to sink the same amount on both sides it might be the motor bleed off valve that is letting it out, it would be quite a coincidince for the left and right valves to stick at the same times
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, April 17th, 2020 AT 11:19 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BOBLR
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Seems like both left and right valves would have to be sticking for the motor bleed off valve to cause the problem. If I understand the system, the pump output goes to a "header" from which pressurized air can go to the left or right air bag if the left or right solenoid is open, or to the inflation station inside the back of the vehicle. The inflation station has what looks like a regular tire schrader valve. The third solenoid valve briefly releases the pressure from the "header" so that the compressor isn't starting against a load. Once the compressor is running this third valve closes. My main point here is that, if I understand the system correctly, that the third solenoid (motor bleed off valve) is in parallel with the 2 solenoids controlling flow to the air bags. It does occur to me that I don't know where/how the system bleeds air from an air bag to lower a side after the load is removed from the vehicles. Any other thoughts?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Friday, April 17th, 2020 AT 11:19 AM (Merged)
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
My software is very vague about how this system works. Does the inflate switch light ever blink? If so count the flashes, these are codes for the suspension system. I would figure that the left/right valve would open to allow air to be dumped, as to where it releases it, all Mitchell mentions is an exhaust valve that dumps pressure. There are a few TSB's (tech service bulletins) on diagnosis of the rear system. Check the main connector for loose condition or poor pin contact. Always support the vehicle when working with air bags
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+2
Friday, April 17th, 2020 AT 11:19 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DAVIJL
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2004 GMC ENVOY
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 102,000 MILES
I have a 2004 GMC Envoy Slt. The rear air suspension is not working. Compressor is running and attempting to fill, but nothing. Took it to be checked and the tech found nothing. He 'reset'? It and then it worked fine. Until the next day. It is doing the same thing. No codes popped up and no leaks were found. What could it be?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Friday, April 17th, 2020 AT 11:19 AM (Merged)
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,758 POSTS
It most likely has either a bad compressor or a leak and the module is sensing that and shutting the system down. With the right scan tool there should be codes that you can retrieve.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, April 17th, 2020 AT 11:19 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BROKEBACK ENVOY
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2003 GMC ENVOY
Suspension problem
2003 GMC Envoy V6 Four Wheel Drive Automatic 75000 miles

My 03 Envoy air compressor will not inflate the air suspension. The accessory outlet for the compressor is producing about 31psi. The rear end is sitting way down with a little bit of air in the shocks but will bottom out easily. I don't think it is a leak as this is the second time this has happened. The compressor comes on for about 30 sec to 1 min at startup but no increase in ride hight. The last time it happened I parked with one wheel on the curb, re-started the engine and when the compressor kicked in I raised and lowered the back end by lifting on the trailer hitch. This inflated the airbags for about 2 months. The most recent drop in the suspension coincided with a dead (bad) battery. The battery has been replaced. Is there an overload reset? As the symptoms mimic what the manual says the suspension will do in the event of an overload.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, April 17th, 2020 AT 11:20 AM (Merged)
Tiny
STARK
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Hi, my 2003 Envoy has the exact same problem. Dealer informs me, the pump is shot. Did you find a solution for yours? Very curious what the root case was.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, April 17th, 2020 AT 11:20 AM (Merged)
Tiny
WILSEMAIL
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I just repaired one. The compressor has two parts: An electric circuit board with solenoids that route pressure to whichever side is low. Nothing goes wrong with any of the electronics or electric motor. And it has a trunk air compressor. Both are powered by a single teflon ringed piston spun by an electric motor. The part that goes bad is what's actually the connecting rod bearing. In this case it's a needle bearing. It disintergrates and particles of steel get trapped between the


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/177547_IMG_0002_1.jpg



https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/177547_IMG_0001_2.jpg


Teflon rings in the aluminum cylinder. The whole assembly also goes off center with all the sloppy movement that interrupts the way the piston inhales. Mechanically, it keeps working because the motor still spins the piston, although very sloppy and destructive until the plastic rod shatters. So don't keep turning it on from the trunk, you may be able to save it. I actually repaired mine by buying a pack of two 9/16 plastic hole plugs at Lowe's for .99 cents. I drilled a 9/16 hole through where the spun bearing was and plugged it with the two plugs, one on each side. Then melted in a 6mm deep socket from one end, leaving the other end closed. (The 6mm deep socket with 1/4 in. drive is exactly 12mm) Pushed in two new needle bearings (6mm Inner Diam. and 12mm Outer Diam.) Loaded it with some grease and reassembled. *Some advice: Don't use the compressor from the trunk. This is a very expensive setup for the air suspension, so if you need air, go to the gas station or use another compressor at home.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+2
Friday, April 17th, 2020 AT 11:20 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ENVOY03
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I am trying to do the repair listed above but I don't understand the steps.

Did you completely disassemble the compressor? How did you get the electric motor disconnected from the pump body?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Friday, April 17th, 2020 AT 11:20 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SAMG
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
You also may want to check the sync of the inflation system, watched a guy at work sell the compressor and shocks to someone and it was just out of calibration.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, April 17th, 2020 AT 11:20 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BENNETTAIR193
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2003 GMC ENVOY
  • 84,500 MILES
I currently have the SUV in the dealership because the rear air ride suspension keeps dropping about 2 1/2 inches after the car sits for about 3 hours. The suspension drops evenly on both sides. Initially the service dept told me I needed to replace the air bags and the compressor, but the leak still occurs at the same rate after the items were replaced. They have checked for errors in the computer system, but nothing comes up. They tried re-setting the system, but that didn't work either. Now I am being told that a certain amount of droppage is expected, but I have had the car for 6 years and this is the first time this has happened.

Any ideas on what this might be?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, April 17th, 2020 AT 11:20 AM (Merged)

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links