my cadillac is low in the back

still_walkin · #1 (**permalink**) 10-31-07, 09:17 AM

I have a 1986 cadillac devile sedan and I added a aftermarket system and a contiental kit (5th wheel) and my back end is lower than the front. What aftermarket suspension part can I buy to correct this. Any help would be a help thanks

ehall · #2 (**permalink**) 10-31-07, 11:24 AM

you should talk to a suspension shop about stronger air struts or stiffer coil springs

**Ranger** · #3 (**permalink**) 10-31-07, 01:09 PM

Start by pulling the DTC's. You may have an ELC compressor problem or a leak in one of the air lines.

still_walkin · #4 (**permalink**) 10-31-07, 05:47 PM

Well when I start it the car doesn't level its self. Maybe the green light on the dash doesn't come on so I'm assuming that can be an issue to I'm gong to have it looked at. Thnk for the info

kartknut36 · #5 (**permalink**) 11-01-07, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by still_walkin

Well when I start it the car doesn't level its self. Maybe the green light on the dash doesn't come on so I'm assuming that can be an issue to I'm gong to have it looked at. Thnk for the info

My 88 deville has a sagging ass as well. The green light on the dash doesn't come on my caddy either. Is it supposed to come on at every start-up? Since it hasn't, I assumed it hasn't had to "level itself" with me as the only occupant.

kartknut36 · #6 (**permalink**) 11-01-07, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ranger

Start by pulling the DTC's. You may have an ELC compressor problem or a leak in one of the air lines.

What's a "DTC". And what's an "ELC"?

Thanks.

still_walkin · #7 (**permalink**) 11-01-07, 09:06 PM

Yeah it was supposed to when you start it its suppose to come on after it turns over mine used to . After I noticed it doesn't I hear like a hissing noise under the area of the drivers side door. Do you hear the same thing

kartknut36 · #8 (**permalink**) 11-01-07, 09:09 PM

I heard the hissing noise for the first time today, but it's located more towards the left rear, or at least thats where I heard it - I didn't walk around to listen to the right rear....

still_walkin · #9 (**permalink**) 11-01-07, 09:20 PM

Yeah I first discoverd it from the back and I think I narrowed it down to the front some where . Its hard to tell with theengine running. Is your car stock and do you have any extra wieght in the trunk to add to it. I have a contiental kit on the back and I have to hit speed bumps and high arched crubs at an angle . So I guess the extra wieght is adding to my already low back end prob. Does anyone now a diag code we can run on the fuel data center to find out if the compresion is off

kartknut36 · #10 (**permalink**) 11-01-07, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by still_walkin

Yeah I first discoverd it from the back and I think I narrowed it down to the front some where . Its hard to tell with theengine running. Is your car stock and do you have any extra wieght in the trunk to add to it. I have a contiental kit on the back and I have to hit speed bumps and high arched crubs at an angle . So I guess the extra wieght is adding to my already low back end prob. Does anyone now a diag code we can run on the fuel data center to find out if the compresion is off

all stock.
no extra weight in trunk.
40K original miles.
never seen winter.
new tires and front brake pads today.

**Ranger** · #11 (**permalink**) 11-01-07, 11:06 PM

DTC = Diagnostic Trouble Code.
ELC = Electronic Level Control.
Since you hear a hissing noise, I would assume your compressor is working and you have an air leak. Spray the lines and fittings with soapy water and watch for bubbles to locate the leak point.

still_walkin · #12 (**permalink**) 12-21-07, 12:08 AM

I took the lac to have my hoses in inpected and when my car was raised up my right strut have been scratched to the point where its leaking air the car prior to september of this year has been sitting and the leveling system had worked before I took it to the shop the first time . The scratch is new because the bare metal exposed is rust free and looks new. So the shop rigged my struts so I have to come out the pocket since I can't prove it. Anyways the reason for this post is rockauto.com has many struts some with or without the self leveling so I don't know which ones to buy the cheapest and the ones that will replace the stock ones and use my compressor here's the link thanks
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,ca...,parttype,7584

z06bigbird · #13 (**permalink**) 12-21-07, 01:56 AM

Midas or a dealer can diagnose it for you. Get a few estimates for repairs. Compressor for air susp can be found in many junk yards.

ehall · #14 (**permalink**) 12-21-07, 02:16 AM

You have an 86? Vendors don't know about older Cadillacs anymore and they get all confused about features. We don't have smart struts, we have dumb struts with a smart car. Look at your existing struts and there should be a nipple for an air hose and no other hookups. All our ride electronics are in sensors located elsewhere, and the struts themselves are just pumped with air as the main computer tries to keep the chassis level.

I put Gabriel G56903 in the back of my 85 and they work great with the air leveling system. They are cheap too, $61 each at Amazon auto dept, and they were about that at the local AutoZone too. The G56906 includes a mounting bracket for the strut, while the G56903 is just the bare strut. They also have the mounting bracket separate if you want to return what you don't use (I don't think it makes that much difference).

I'm sure the Monroe air shocks/struts are comparable. Just make sure it has a nipple on it and nothing else. The guys at AutoZone popped a box for me to look at, and they might do the same for you if you tell them you don't trust the too-small drawing.

still_walkin · #15 (**permalink**) 12-21-07, 08:01 AM

thanks ill guess ill try autozone then thanks