Suspension Air Compressor
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New User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 22
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From: So Cal
Suspension Air Compressor
My air compressor exploded this past weekend. Top blew off, thousands of little clear beads, a spring, and some paper filters. I need to get it to the mechanic, is there a way to put air in the systerm manually? I need to drive it about 12 miles or so. I would also like to use the air compressor for inflating the tires, and infatable toys. Anyone know where to get the hardware, and how it's installed?
Thanks
Thanks
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 5,983
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You are probably going to need to drive it to the shop on the bump stops. 
I don't think anyone has tried (or if they have they haven't spoken about it here) to fill the system manually, but if you could tie an air source to the compressor's output...
I'm not sure how that would work as I don't know if there is an electrical gate valve to the system or if the line leading from the compressor is normally under pressure or not. Even if you could get it filled I doubt it would stay as the vehicle opens and closes the values as you drive,
As far as using the compressor to fill things, I wouldn't try, unless you really don't mind the hassles tied to experimentation.
I don't think anyone has tried (or if they have they haven't spoken about it here) to fill the system manually, but if you could tie an air source to the compressor's output...I'm not sure how that would work as I don't know if there is an electrical gate valve to the system or if the line leading from the compressor is normally under pressure or not. Even if you could get it filled I doubt it would stay as the vehicle opens and closes the values as you drive,
As far as using the compressor to fill things, I wouldn't try, unless you really don't mind the hassles tied to experimentation.
Senior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 236
Likes: 0
From: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
I have filled my system using a shop compressor and a blow gun. First, you need to remove one of the hoses from the dryer (pull the hose off while pulling back on the colored collar). Then start the truck, close the doors and when the relay kicks in, start adding the air. When it is pumped up, quickly open the passenger door and turn the air suspension switch to off. If you don't have any leaks in the system, this should do you to get it to the garage. However, it is easier just to drive it carfuly on the stops to get it to your mechanic.
Check with americanairsuspension.com (Eddy Spinks) for a good rebuilt unit plus all the harware you need to use the compressor for inflating items or the system itself in emergencies. He gives a lot of good advice, so I would check with him before buying a new unit from a dealer - they are expensive!
Hope this helps - I have been there too and having tried several aftermarket compressors, found that the rebuilt american air suspension unit has lasted the longest (two years so far) of three different ones I tried.
Check with americanairsuspension.com (Eddy Spinks) for a good rebuilt unit plus all the harware you need to use the compressor for inflating items or the system itself in emergencies. He gives a lot of good advice, so I would check with him before buying a new unit from a dealer - they are expensive!
Hope this helps - I have been there too and having tried several aftermarket compressors, found that the rebuilt american air suspension unit has lasted the longest (two years so far) of three different ones I tried.
