Suggestions for sloppy Buick Suspension?

Series I L27 (1992-1994 SE,SLE, SSE) & Series II L36 (1995-1999 SE, SSE, SLE) and common problems for the Series I and II L67 (all supercharged models 92-99) Including Olds 88's, Olds LSS's, Olds 98 91-96, Buick Lesabres and Park Avenue 91-96. Please use General Chat for non-mechanical issues, and Performance and Brainstorming for improvements.
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Re: Suggestions for sloppy Buick Suspension?

Post by 00Beast »

Even if the compressor dies, there is still a shock inside that does normal shock duties. It's just coupled with an air bladder to control ride height.
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Re: Suggestions for sloppy Buick Suspension?

Post by olblueeyesbonne »

If the pump goes bad a good one can be found at most salvage yards since they came in Bonnevilles, Park Avenues (1996, but 97+ may be the same too), Lesabres, 88's, 98's and LSS's.
I've picked up a couple at yards around me for under $20 and installation is a 20 minute job if you are a rookie and taking your time -4 10mm bolts, 2 wiring connectors and two 10" vacuum lines ($.50 worth new -recommended) that are easy to cut out and replace.
I've done these 2-3 times and the last time it was a 10 minute job since I just backed it up on ramps, and rolled under on the creeper with the parts and tools.
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Re: Suggestions for sloppy Buick Suspension?

Post by rogers9c1 »

well I guess you guys have convinced me to go with new air shocks for the rear. I will update this when I get around to replacing the suspension on this beast Thanks again guys for all the help and advice!
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Re: Suggestions for sloppy Buick Suspension?

Post by rogers9c1 »

UPDATE just got my new air shocks took your advice and got some Monroe ones, now I am just waiting to get the fronts so I can do it all at once, Now I compressor does not sound very happy to be pumping air, anything I can do to help it or should I be looking for a replacement?
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Re: Suggestions for sloppy Buick Suspension?

Post by 00Beast »

Find one at a junkyard. It's old.
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Re: Suggestions for sloppy Buick Suspension?

Post by willwren »

I disagree with Ed.

If the compressor SOUNDS sloppy, open it up and find out why. It's very easy to do. You can open it up, clean it, lube it with some light grease, and put it back together in less time than it would take to go to a wrecker. In the meantime, you'll probably discover after you actually take a look at the innards whether or not it's in need of replacement or repair. At the very least, open up the top and put some light oil around the piston.

I'd be willing to bet every ELC equipped car on this forum would benefit from this simple maintenance. Both of mine did.
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Re: Suggestions for sloppy Buick Suspension?

Post by LeSabreUltra »

Hell, I don't even know if mine works or not. I can't ever hear it, but my car's butt doesn't sag...so I guess so.

On the other hand I can hear the 09 Lucerne's very clearly, as I could my grandparent's 99 Aurora, both with their own ELC...so I dunno!
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Re: Suggestions for sloppy Buick Suspension?

Post by rogers9c1 »

Yes I will be taking mine apart, I am not one to just let things go with out knowing first if I can fix it, where and how much would it be for me to replace the air lines in the back? is that a a dealer item? Thanks again guys this forum has been great to me.
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Re: Suggestions for sloppy Buick Suspension?

Post by rogers9c1 »

ahhhh yeaaaa Got a update the fronts and backs are in now and the car feels like a CAR not a boat anymore woohoo, Just thought I would let you guys know. Now I have to make the air pump a little less loud and I will be good to go.
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Re: Suggestions for sloppy Buick Suspension?

Post by willwren »

Check the Techinfo article on the pump.

(next time it would be best to start your own topic instead of digging one up from 6 months ago)
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Re: Suggestions for sloppy Buick Suspension?

Post by rogers9c1 »

Valid point for some reason I seemed to have thought I started this thread but I am wrong, I will make a note for next time.
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Re: Suggestions for sloppy Buick Suspension?

Post by mrvids »

On a Dynaride Park Avenue do the front and rear shocks/struts work together as load levelers, or is the leveler totally seperate from the struts?
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Re: Suggestions for sloppy Buick Suspension?

Post by willwren »

The load leveler is only in the rear. The rear GAS struts also have an AIR section for the purpose of leveling.
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Re: Suggestions for sloppy Buick Suspension?

Post by mrvids »

So I can replace the rear shocks with gas/air shocks and the front with regular gas struts?
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