buzzing sound on initial startup
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 60
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From: Tyler, TX
buzzing sound on initial startup
Hi guys,
I'm new here and I just bought a '98 Expedition. When I first crank it I notice a buzzing sound coming from the front passenger side of the vehicle. Is this the load leveling or height adjusting system and is this normal?
thanks.
Rob
I'm new here and I just bought a '98 Expedition. When I first crank it I notice a buzzing sound coming from the front passenger side of the vehicle. Is this the load leveling or height adjusting system and is this normal?
thanks.
Rob
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 60
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From: Tyler, TX
I checked this morning when I cranked it.
I assume this is the air compressor or something like that. It turned on for a few seconds, then went off, then it turned on for a few seconds then went off again. It did this about 3 more times before I had driven 100 yds. I turned the switch off under the glovebox and now the check susension light is on. It seems to ride better. Before, it felt like riding in a logging truck. Another thing I noticed is that the clearance between the tires and fenders on my truck looks less than others. I have the stock size tires so I wonder if the load leveling or height adjusting system has something to do with this.
Thanks for your help.
Rob
I assume this is the air compressor or something like that. It turned on for a few seconds, then went off, then it turned on for a few seconds then went off again. It did this about 3 more times before I had driven 100 yds. I turned the switch off under the glovebox and now the check susension light is on. It seems to ride better. Before, it felt like riding in a logging truck. Another thing I noticed is that the clearance between the tires and fenders on my truck looks less than others. I have the stock size tires so I wonder if the load leveling or height adjusting system has something to do with this.
Thanks for your help.
Rob
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Hilliard, OH
It definatley is the LLS. You will hear it for a little bit until the air pressure is built up in the system. It startled me at first when I first bought my 97 EB. But, after I figured it out, it didn't bother me. Now that I have a 99 EB without the LLS, I miss it. I felt that the ride was much better with the LLS than without. I can feel every little bump and crack on the road. But, a lot of people on the forum have had bad problems with the LLS so in some way, I am happy that I don't. hope this helps. It is interesting that you said that when you turn it off, it rides better. I had the exact opposite experience.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Hilliard, OH
Originally posted by rguy
what about the ride height? Will the LLS affect the front and rear suspension and should it turn on and off will driving?
Thanks.
what about the ride height? Will the LLS affect the front and rear suspension and should it turn on and off will driving?
Thanks.
rguy-
My experience with the LLS in my '97 is that it would adjust the ride height during travel on occasion. I would hear the compressor kick in for a sec. or two to readjust the height during travel. I don't think it turns off unless you actually turn it off by the front passenger lower panel. My understanding of the LLS is that it adjusts the ride height at startup by lowering the vehicle for entry and then once you start the engine, it kicks in to raise the vehicle to normal operating height for driving and also when you shift into 4lo. It will then increase the height even more. Once you take it out of 4lo, it will adjust it back down. The whole point of LLS is to keep the Expy level. So, you won't see your expy low ridin with a heavy load in the back. I towed an 18' boat behind mine and it kept it nice and level. I now tow the boat with my '99 without LLS and it does low ride a little bit. I hope I am giving you the correct info. This is all based on my experience.
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Tyler, TX
thanks. This gives me a starting point to check it out. I just thought it was weird that the LLS would activate while driving when there are no changes to the load.
Thanks.
Rob
Thanks.
Rob
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Postmaster
Joined: May 2002
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From: Annapolis, Maryland
Originally posted by rguy
thanks. This gives me a starting point to check it out. I just thought it was weird that the LLS would activate while driving when there are no changes to the load.
Thanks.
Rob
thanks. This gives me a starting point to check it out. I just thought it was weird that the LLS would activate while driving when there are no changes to the load.
Thanks.
Rob
I remember somebody here saying they figured out how to make the compressor totally silent. I'd like to check that out...
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I have a 2000EB and I also here that noise from the from passenger side and sometimes a little click when i park and get out from the rear. How would I know for a fact my Expy is equipped with LLS. It is lower than other 2000EB, it came with factory tow package and dealer never mentioned it.
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 67
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From: Central Ohio
Easiest way is to get under the rear of the truck and look. If you see air bags you most likely have the LLS. If you see large springs around shocks'struts you do not.
So far I have had 0 trouble with my LLS.....and I hope if I do it does it in the next 10K miles or my extended warranty is gone. But I trust it won't
So far I have had 0 trouble with my LLS.....and I hope if I do it does it in the next 10K miles or my extended warranty is gone. But I trust it won't
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Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Hilliard, OH
Originally posted by jrangel
I have a 2000EB and I also here that noise from the from passenger side and sometimes a little click when i park and get out from the rear. How would I know for a fact my Expy is equipped with LLS. It is lower than other 2000EB, it came with factory tow package and dealer never mentioned it.
I have a 2000EB and I also here that noise from the from passenger side and sometimes a little click when i park and get out from the rear. How would I know for a fact my Expy is equipped with LLS. It is lower than other 2000EB, it came with factory tow package and dealer never mentioned it.
I would put money on it that you have the LLS. Follow 99Expyoh's instructions to make sure. You can also look by the front passenger lower panel. There should be a box with a on/off switch. If I remember correctly, I think it says air suspension. But, It has been awhile since I looked under there, and I traded my 97 EB with LLS aqway. Hope this helps.
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Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Hilliard, OH
jrangel-
There is only one switch down there as far as a I know. They SHOULD turn off the LLS when they rotate or change your tires. If they don't, bad things can happen to your suspension. Anyways, ford recommends that the LLS be turned off for these things, including when you change outa flat tire.
I had a weird experince with my '97. I was taking the boat off the hitch and did not unlock it. I did not figure this out until I had raised the boat and the expy. quite a bit. Once I got the boat off, the rear suspesion dropped all the way down to the rear tires. I freaked out becuase I thought I broke something, but I drove the expy around my subivision a couple of times and thank goodness it went back to normal. But I can see why Ford wants you to disengage the LLS anytime you are messing with the suspension. Hope this helps!
There is only one switch down there as far as a I know. They SHOULD turn off the LLS when they rotate or change your tires. If they don't, bad things can happen to your suspension. Anyways, ford recommends that the LLS be turned off for these things, including when you change outa flat tire.
I had a weird experince with my '97. I was taking the boat off the hitch and did not unlock it. I did not figure this out until I had raised the boat and the expy. quite a bit. Once I got the boat off, the rear suspesion dropped all the way down to the rear tires. I freaked out becuase I thought I broke something, but I drove the expy around my subivision a couple of times and thank goodness it went back to normal. But I can see why Ford wants you to disengage the LLS anytime you are messing with the suspension. Hope this helps!
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 86
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From: North Carolina
Rob, I can only assume that your LLS works very much like my Air Ride Suspension (ARS). With the difference being I have front air shocks in addition to torsion arms. Although I have never looked under an Expy with that option that is supposed to be the difference. You will find the buzzing getting louder with age due to the 3 to 4 rubber insulators holding the air compressor in place being worn out. Your local dealer should be able to order you some new insulators and the buzz will be all but gone. To install the new insulators you must remove the battery and tray. Remove the washer bottle and there she lies. Remove the air line by pushing in on it and the grommet, then hold the grommet against the air tank while you pull out on the line. If the truck was recently driven air will rush out of the lines. Remove the assembly and replace the rubbers. If you need more info on this system please fell free to ask. If I don’t know I will attempt to find out. There are even places on line that you can purchase parts fairly reasonable.
Postmaster
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 3,028
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From: Annapolis, Maryland
Originally posted by Iceman8984
Rob, I can only assume that your LLS works very much like my Air Ride Suspension (ARS). With the difference being I have front air shocks in addition to torsion arms.
Rob, I can only assume that your LLS works very much like my Air Ride Suspension (ARS). With the difference being I have front air shocks in addition to torsion arms.
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