98 PA rear shock access

[Foolzrushn]

Bought some Monroe MA-822 shocks for the rear (auto leveling system). The pix in the service manual is not very descriptive about the access from the trunk. Are there some panels to remove to access the top shock bolts? I don't see any.

Can someone with experience walk me through the steps for access and maybe other things to watch for? I think the air lines are suppose to fit. Compressor runs til time out with key in ON position. Am guessing old shocks leak, but can't get down to soap bubble check for leaks or linkage adjustment.

[Tech II]

So, you are replacing air shocks?

And you are replacing them why?

Have you tested the level sensor? You do this by having the key on, engine running in Park......open trunk, and get two good size adults, to sit on the back of the car and wait about a minute....the compressor should come on, and you will see the car start to rise, when it gets to normal height, get off, the compressor should immediately stop.....then listen for a click....this is the exhaust solenoid opening, and the level of the car should drop to normal.....


This should help you.....

http://www.autozone.com/repairinfo/r...96b43f81acfdc0

[Foolzrushn]

Thanks for the link. I'm not sure that they didn't mix the early PAs and the '97 thru '05 series pictures though. Part of their instructions read like my '98 manual.

I am not sure about the difference in terminology of strut and shock. To me a strut provides a pivot for the wheel (as in the front struts), and some physical support. However since the rear wheels don't pivot, and the air shocks only support when an extra load is placed on the rear coil springs, it seem to me that they are just 'air shocks', at least in the later series PAs.

I have seen posts on this forum that say a rear alignment would be required after replacing the rear struts. It doesn't seem to me that it applies to changing rear air shocks on the later series though. But very confusing if the early or late series is not specified.

Why am I changing??? My air compressor runs when the key is on until it times out.

Now it could be that the sensing arm on the rear suspension arm is out of adjustment. It also could be that an air hose is leaking. It could be that the compressor is not working properly. Or it could be a leaky shock. That's my bet.

The easy fix would be to just pull the fuse for the compressor or if it is shared with something else, just disconnect it from power. Since the rear is supported by a coil spring, the Buick doesn't tail drag like the Lincolns with leaky air bags.

The PA doesn't seem to bounce (shock still dampening), but at 130K miles I figure it's probably an air leak in a shock that is causing the compressor to run. I just hope the compressor isn't worn out from running.

I agree that I could be wasting my money....and I will feel bad if the compressor still runs and I need to dig further into it. I would have done a soap bubble test with a spray bottle if I was able to do that. But it is difficult for me to get under the car.

I deliberated with myself on whether to convert to regular shocks, as I never have a heavy load in the trunk or back seat. The coil springs seem adequate in keeping the car level for my purposes.

I will let you know how it comes out. I think it's important to post information so that others can see what worked or not.

Thanks for the reply...I thought for a while no one was going to reply.

[Prof_h]

I know it's been a while since your last post and I just read it. I recently replaced both rear air shocks on my 2002 PA and had no problem. I watched a video on YouTube. Once you pull back the trunk side panel felt, you reach up and feel the rubber protective cap to the shock bolt. When I was under the car, I noticed the rear stabilizers were cracking and worn, so I replaced those, along with the front set.
My compressor was running too long and I noticed my shocks were leaking fluid, so for the price I figured I'd replace them. Now my compressor hardly runs and everything seems tight.
All in all, it was a pretty easy job.
Hope yours turned out easy, too.