I was a "gullible" owner of a 2004 Cadillac Escalade. I just crossed over 226,000 miles on the same engine. I noticed that my ride had gotten rougher over the past couple of years so I started to take a closer look at my suspension. I was one of those guys that always took his vehicle to the "Dealer" until I found a local garage that performed any repair that I needed at nearly half the price. My local garage owner told me a few horror stories relating to his "working for the man" that made me want to hate all "Dealer" Service Departments. Some of their tactics he told me about would surprise you. Maybe. Unfortunately, my local garage had to close since the city would not renew their lease, which is in a prime location that the city is currently expanding/upgrading with higher paying clients (that's a whole other story - don't get me started). I will truly miss his services of the past 12 years.
Anyway, my air ride compressor failed over the summer. I went on You-tube and found that changing out the compressor was quite simple, so I ordered one and replaced it myself. The compressor worked great but the Escalade didn't rise or fall when the compressor came on. The compressor would cycle on and off at startup, and at times, continually while driving. After about one month, the new compressor finally failed. After performing some checks suggested on You-tube, I decided that I should have my air ride system checked for leaks. Since my local garage has not re-opened at a new location yet, I again had to rely on the local "Dealer' for service. I had the "Dealer" check my system for leaks. They told me that my rear shocks were leaking and had to be replaced before they could continue the test. You-tube made replacing the rear shocks look simple but I couldn't get up the nerve to try replacing them myself, so I had the "Dealer" replace the rear shocks AT A COST OF $1600.00. The "Dealer" told me with a straight face that for another $750.00 they could replace the compressor also - NOT A FREAKING CHANCE - I bought a new compressor at the local O'Reilly's for $286.00 and replaced it myself. I also replaced the compressor relay under the hood. So here is my problem: My air ride suspension continues to be INOP.
I don't get any alerts, other than "tighten fuel cap", but the new compressor cycles on and off at engine startup and occasionally while driving. I am heading out of town for Thanksgiving so I will disconnect my compressor for my trip there and back. I am currently unable to tow my trailer, and when loaded with suitcases in the back of the Escalade, I get an occasional tire rub from my 22's. My thoughts are that there is a leak, other than my rear shocks, that my "Dealer" may already know about but is waiting for me to come back to get fixed for some crazy price. I just don't know enough about my Escalade (mechanically) to figure out this problem myself. I don't mind paying to have this problem fixed, but I don't want to replace parts unnecessarily just because the "Dealer" wants me to replace them either. How do I check my air ride system for leaks?
By the way; that "tighten fuel cap" error is another topic for another thread.
Anyway, my air ride compressor failed over the summer. I went on You-tube and found that changing out the compressor was quite simple, so I ordered one and replaced it myself. The compressor worked great but the Escalade didn't rise or fall when the compressor came on. The compressor would cycle on and off at startup, and at times, continually while driving. After about one month, the new compressor finally failed. After performing some checks suggested on You-tube, I decided that I should have my air ride system checked for leaks. Since my local garage has not re-opened at a new location yet, I again had to rely on the local "Dealer' for service. I had the "Dealer" check my system for leaks. They told me that my rear shocks were leaking and had to be replaced before they could continue the test. You-tube made replacing the rear shocks look simple but I couldn't get up the nerve to try replacing them myself, so I had the "Dealer" replace the rear shocks AT A COST OF $1600.00. The "Dealer" told me with a straight face that for another $750.00 they could replace the compressor also - NOT A FREAKING CHANCE - I bought a new compressor at the local O'Reilly's for $286.00 and replaced it myself. I also replaced the compressor relay under the hood. So here is my problem: My air ride suspension continues to be INOP.
I don't get any alerts, other than "tighten fuel cap", but the new compressor cycles on and off at engine startup and occasionally while driving. I am heading out of town for Thanksgiving so I will disconnect my compressor for my trip there and back. I am currently unable to tow my trailer, and when loaded with suitcases in the back of the Escalade, I get an occasional tire rub from my 22's. My thoughts are that there is a leak, other than my rear shocks, that my "Dealer" may already know about but is waiting for me to come back to get fixed for some crazy price. I just don't know enough about my Escalade (mechanically) to figure out this problem myself. I don't mind paying to have this problem fixed, but I don't want to replace parts unnecessarily just because the "Dealer" wants me to replace them either. How do I check my air ride system for leaks?
By the way; that "tighten fuel cap" error is another topic for another thread.
