95 Roadmaster auto leveler

[Foghorn4767]

The automatic leveller in my 95 Roadmaster seems to keep on running (on and off)a long time after the ignition is shut off. It seems to turn on and off more when the car is parked on a hill. The battery was dead one morning, so I unplugged the unit in the driver's side front wheel well area. It does not seem like the level of the car has gone down. However, I am not sure of the consequences of unplugging the unit. Does anyone know what will happen? Also, is there some way of adjusting the unit so it does not turn on and off as often?

[HotZ28]

You have an air leak somewhere, and usually on a 10 year or older vehicle, the leak is around the air bladders on the struts. It will not hurt anything to disconnect the compressor until you have the time and money to replace the struts. Most people just pull the fuse for the ALC system to disable the compressor. The suspension design depends on “air assist” to provide best ride and control, so it would be best to replace the struts.

[Foghorn4767]

Originally Posted by HotZ28

You have an air leak somewhere, and usually on a 10 year or older vehicle, the leak is around the air bladders on the struts. It will not hurt anything to disconnect the compressor until you have the time and money to replace the struts. Most people just pull the fuse for the ALC system to disable the compressor. The suspension design depends on “air assist” to provide best ride and control, so it would be best to replace the struts.

Thanks for taking the time to respond to this. If there is a leak somewhere, will the car level continue to drop? Also, is there any way to know for sure that the leak is in the struts and not somewhere else in the ALC system?

[HotZ28]

Thanks for taking the time to respond to this. If there is a leak somewhere, will the car level continue to drop?

It will not drop any futher than what the springs will support. It may be about 1-2 inches below where it would normally sit with air-assist.

Also, is there any way to know for sure that the leak is in the struts and not somewhere else in the ALC system?

Yes, you can jack the rear of the car up and remove the rear tire. Once the tire is removed, you will see the strut bladder extended. Use a soapy water solution to spray around the bladders the same as you would to find a leak in a tire. If you have a leak, you will see the bubbles. BTW, the bladders need some air in them for this test.