Rear shocks 4-5' too high

[anusemoon83]

1996 with the rear air shocks sitting way too high,, about 4-5 inches higher than normal,,,, this is how the car was when i bought it and i was woundering if i can lower them... anyone with experience help... here is a link to a picture........


http://memimage.cardomain.com/member...37_22_full.jpg

[RoraStar96]

I dealt with this...btw, nice Rally Aurora..lol...sorry.. :/

Seriously though. Seems like your Electronic Level Sensor has gone haywire. The sensor has an arm that reads ride height. It then sends a signal to the compressor to adjust the ride height so its level.

If the system is fully connected (electrically) then the malfunctioning sensor is not telling the compressor to disengage, the results is rear air shocks inflated to maximum. You need to disconnect the ELC electronics underneath the car, you should see an electrical junction box under there, disconnect it and the air shocks will should deflate. Once they have deflated, you will no longer benefit from Electronic leveling.

Instead of forking over major dough for a new ELC sensor ($476 CDN), invest in some gas shocks as replacements for the air shocks. My plan is to

1. Get a lowering KYB kit
2. Invest in new shocks with a manual schreader valve so I control the amount of air in the rear shocks.

3. Or more realistically get gas shocks (most cars that dont have ELC have these.

[Isnibs]

Try checking under the rear end of the car for the Electronic Level Sensor, it has an arm ( from memory about five inches long ) connected to the suspension. It may have come off or the previous owner may have adjusted it for a high ride.
Or
Check under the rear seat, right hand fuse box I think. Look for 'ELC' Electronic Level Sensor and pull it. Mine is a yellow, twenty amp.
It may take overnight or longer for the rear end to be fully lowered.

[anusemoon83]

thanks rorastar and isnibs,,,,,
isnibs i tryed pullinh down the arm for the sensor but it didnt work.,,,, all i got was the compressor running untill i put the arm where it was.... now everytime i start my car the compressor runns for 5 minutes then it shuts offf,, why is that,,, also im going to pull the elc fuse,,, instead if a 20amp thier was a 30amp!!!!! ouch,,, what do you think

[RoraStar96]

If you dont want to pull the fuse, simply unplug the line underneath the car, and let the bags deflate. If you can find a used sensor, give that a shot, but again, your best bet is to rethink the rear shock system, and bypass ELC.

[jacoats]

Originally Posted by anusemoon83

thanks rorastar and isnibs,,,,,
isnibs i tryed pullinh down the arm for the sensor but it didnt work.,,,, all i got was the compressor running untill i put the arm where it was.... now everytime i start my car the compressor runns for 5 minutes then it shuts offf,, why is that,,, also im going to pull the elc fuse,,, instead if a 20amp thier was a 30amp!!!!! ouch,,, what do you think

Hello Folks,

I seem to have the opposite problem on my '96. The ride is so bouncy, it is unsafe. You can bounce the car with one hand on the rear deck lid. My compressor runs for a bit upon starting, then there is a "clunk" and a "jolt" from the back, then it shuts off. I am thinking that the air shocks are shot, and I would like to replace them with regular shocks. Anyone have any good info on what to replace them with? The car rides level, btw.

Thanks for your help..
JC

[rodtice]

I like sensatracs. Though I would never give up my level control, to many different loads.

I'd replace with a good quality air shock and replumb

[RoraStar96]

I totally agree with Rodtice here, our cars seem to ride at about the same level, even though I dont have the Razzi body kit.

Were your Sensatracs a direct OE replacement?

[rodtice]

my Aurora is stock, but if replacement is needed thats my plan

[RoraStar96]

Ah ok, are you having ELC problems as well, or just waiting for the current shock system to die out?

[rodtice]

mine is currently fine with 60k

[Isnibs]

anusemoon83 check the fuse box lid for the fuse rating and do not go higher when you replace it.
Try disconnecting the sensor arm from the suspension. See where the best position is so as the car is at a good height. calculate if the arm is too long or to short and see if you can remove or add length to the arm.
If this does not work try EBAY for a replacement Electronic Level Sensor.

[dsatt12]

Originally Posted by jacoats

Hello Folks,

I seem to have the opposite problem on my '96. The ride is so bouncy, it is unsafe. You can bounce the car with one hand on the rear deck lid. My compressor runs for a bit upon starting, then there is a "clunk" and a "jolt" from the back, then it shuts off. I am thinking that the air shocks are shot, and I would like to replace them with regular shocks. Anyone have any good info on what to replace them with? The car rides level, btw.

Thanks for your help..
JC

To tell the truth I would have liked to replace mine with regular ones too, but just wasn't sure what would fit and such. My parts store wasn't much help at all in that respect. If their computer didn't say this part goes on your car they were basically clueless at best. That would be adamantly ignorant and abusive at worst BTW. F'ing Jockos anyway... It turned out that the Monroe MA822s I put on as direct replacements were cheaper than most of the potential alternatives at $58 for a pair from O'Reilly's.

[Indy8]

Old post, but if you loosen the 3/8" bolt on the level sensor(where the ball and socket arm connects)it is slotted and therefore adjustible. My car was 2" too high for a couple of years before I crawled under to take a look. Factory height now.