I ahve a 88 4.5 Coupe Deville with the air adjustable suspension and noticed that when the car is loaded (more than 2 people, full trunk, etc.) the cr leveling comes on much more frequently (when I drive alone it usually just comes on when I start the car).

Could this be a leaky strut? Is this a sign they need to be replaced?

If it's running constantly, I'd say there is a problem. If it's cycling on and off, infrequently, I would not worry about it. Even if there is a leak, it's probably small. But I imagine the system is okay.

If the car is loaded (3 people and gear for a long weekend) then it comes on about every 5 minutes (and after every left corner, leading me to believe it is the right side leaking).

My other question is whether it's most likely to be the strut itself, or the pump/plumbing instead? What more commonly leaks?

I really can't give you a good answer to that, as I'm pretty new to the whole air suspension thing. My thought, however, is that the struts go before the plumbing. The plumbing is comprised, I believe, of bent stainless line. Not rubber.

Also, if it seems to be one side, more than the other, this is further evidence that it's the strut and not the system.

Could this be a leaky strut? Is this a sign they need to be replaced?[/QUOTE]
It could be a leak anywhere in the system. Get some soapy water and put it on all the connections and watch for bubbles. Common leaks are the struts and the connection points. There is some rubber hose there as well that could fail at this age.

Doesn't sound like you have a bad leak but its always best to deal with them early. The less that compressor has to run the longer it will last.

Steve B.