Disable Air Shocks

Hi

2001 Venture Van. I really dont need the automatic air levelling and have to buy new rear shocks soon. Up here in Canada the GM ones are $419 each and I think they want over $100 for the Munroe and they will probably charge more for the air attachment. I never tow anything and sometimes carry 7 passengers but who cars if my lights point to the sky. Thats all they really do to my knowledge is ensure your headlights are aiming at the right horizontal.

I know my compressor will probably go one of these days also. Then I'll have to buy one of them also.

Anyone know whats involved in disconnecting the automatic air levelling mechanism.

thanks

My '97's compressor started acting up 3 years ago. It would stay on continuosly until the van's rear end was so "jacked up" it looked ridiculous. I faced the same situation as you did, and decided I no longer needed the leveling system. All I did was pull the fuse out of the fuse block for the rear compressor and that did the trick. The compressor no longer came on and evrything remained fine, even 3 years later.
On a side note: I always got a kick out of watching other people's reactions as they walked by my van while I was sitting in a parking lot, and the compressor decided to kick on for some reason or another. The noise the compressor made, (a low 'growling' noise) surprised many:lol:.

So now you have air shocks installed, but because the compressor is disabled they stay at the same height all the time. Is that right?

Do you ever check the air pressure? (if thats possible).

thanks

Since I pulled the fuse to the compressor disabling the leveling system, the van has stayed at the level I left it at. I kept the motor operating until I thought it was enough and then pulled the fuse. I plan on replacing the shocks with non-air shocks soon,( honest, it's on my "to do list":lol:) I never have checked the pressure, don't know where or if it's possible to be honest, I didn't read that part of the owner's manual. I don't really haul a lot or heavy loads with it so it's not that important to me. When I bought the van (used) I didn't realize I had the system until a couple of days later while really checking it out. It's really not an option I would have originally considered if I had to buy the van new and had to "build" it through option packages. If you go to rockauto.com and look up your vehicle in their parts catalog you'll find a wide assortment of replacement shocks for our vans both standard and air shocks at different prices to fit everyone's budget. I'll probably get my replacements there if I can't find a better price locally at my parts stores. I first need to replace the shocks in my '95 Buick Roadmaster ( 128,800 miles) before I do my Venture, (109,600 miles).

Hey, on my '97 these auto-leveling things leaked out, still worked but not as good at around 110k, had them replaced for a little over $300, and I love them. Bought the van used and they were already on there. They really help when you have most seats filled or hauling stuff in the extended area or on the roof. I know, I s/h bought a pickup instead. Anyway, I would get them again. My motor too seems to work more than it should vs. when the mileage was below 50k or even 100k, but it is still going at 138k. Do not let the dealer or repair shop talk you into replacing this compressor motor if it is still working, however slow it is. I believe it is about $250. I would order it on my next van if available, but it probably will not be a Venture.