Rear end seems to drop after tire change?

519 Views 11 Replies 5 Participants Last post by Bee1, a moment ago

Bee1

I had a large nail in my left rear tire that I had removed and plugged in. Now my rear drops when parked and the air compressor runs almost 10 seconds on start-up to level the car. I don't know where to start on this one. Something changed after that tire fix and I suspect the height level sensor is out of adjustment. The easiest check was to spray soapy water on airlines to shocks and did a visual on link adjustment. Nothing looks bent or broken and no leaks found yet. Any input anyone?

PS
After researching a little deeper seems the OEM rear "air" shocks are discontinued. And it seems the only alternative is aftermarket "air" shocks that bypass the auto ELC that came standard on all DTSs. Man, that just sucks right there. There must be a way to incorporate aftermarket shocks with ELC system.
Is this it for rear shock replacement?

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RomoRock3r

· #2 · 10 d ago

When the car was lifted, the dried out air bladder cracked as it was fully extended. You can spray soapy water on the shocks to see if they leak. That’s how I confirmed mine were leaking

You can use OEM shocks for a 06-08 DTS on a 2011 DTS. That’s what I have on my car and they work great.

The only difference is the older air bladder was a little bigger

http://imgur.com/a/VUZUzzN

Also, Apparently you can change just the air bladder on the shocks. They sell DIY kits on Amazon if you’re interested

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petethepug

· #3 · 9 d ago

Well played on the diagnostics. In an unusual storm of odd events, your best fix is also the most inexpensive. Replace the bladder on the Orig shock ASAP or you’ll burn out your compressor. A compressor replacement will add another $2-400 to the fix.

Don’t monkey around with the electrics and remove the features that make it a Cadillac. Fix it right, once.

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SpyShops NY

· #4 · 8 d ago (Edited)

Could be a hose that needs to be replaced. I ended up replacing all my shocks on my 2003 ESV because my pump was running often. After I threw parts and tons of unnecessary money at the problem then the solution was a $75 rear hose kit next to the pump that was leaking slowly. You could find on eBay the original shocks or maybe buy used if the part is discontinued. I would not bypass the suspension with resisters and loose the Cadillac ride. I would sell my vehicle before doing that. It sucks that they would discontinue the struts and shocks when the car is less than 15 years old. They should never discontinue mechanical parts.

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Bee1

Discussion Starter · #5 · 8 d ago

RomoRock3r said:
When the car was lifted, the dried out air bladder cracked as it was fully extended. You can spray soapy water on the shocks to see if they leak. That’s how I confirmed mine were leaking

You can use OEM shocks for a 06-08 DTS on a 2011 DTS. That’s what I have on my car and they work great.

The only difference is the older air bladder was a little bigger

http://imgur.com/a/VUZUzzN

Also, Apparently you can change just the air bladder on the shocks. They sell DIY kits on Amazon if you’re interested

Thanks for your input but the link doesn't take me to store so that I can purchase in case I have to. I didn't spray soapy water on bladder, just air hose connector to shock. Well when I was a young pup in the 70s I had a low rider with hydraulic lifts front and back so air lines or not much different than hydraulic lines when it comes to leaks.
Holiday this weekend so I will have an excuse to have a drink or two and jack the rear of my car up to heaven and take a look around. 🫡

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Bee1

Discussion Starter · #6 · 6 d ago (Edited)

RomoRock3r said:
When the car was lifted, the dried out air bladder cracked as it was fully extended. You can spray soapy water on the shocks to see if they leak. That’s how I confirmed mine were leaking

You can use OEM shocks for a 06-08 DTS on a 2011 DTS. That’s what I have on my car and they work great.

The only difference is the older air bladder was a little bigger

http://imgur.com/a/VUZUzzN

Also, Apparently you can change just the air bladder on the shocks. They sell DIY kits on Amazon if you’re interested

You call it ! Hear is is pic of my left rear shock.

Can't find OEM. So which shocks should I buy that with work with ELC system.
I prefer a direct fit, no going to the trunk and manually putting air in shocks to lift the rear end, but if that is the only option so be it. but which ones? AC/Delco ? I heard Monroe will work but not with ELC. Well, all are priced pretty reasonable so I want to go with AC/Delco simply because I want to stay as close as I can get to OEM. I could be wrong though considering where some of these parts are made, including AC/Delco.

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Soapm

· #7 · 6 d ago

Rock auto has the genuine shocks... More Information for GM GENUINE 504146

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Bee1

Discussion Starter · #8 · 6 d ago (Edited)

Soapm said:
Rock auto has the genuine shocks... More Information for GM GENUINE 504146

I never got that part number for my 2011 DTS. I got gm 504547. But if the ones you have shown me will work, Thanks. I know the RPO code is FE1 but is the one for specific shocks in our cars? What about the right rear part number?

P.S.
I don't think yours will work on my car?

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Soapm

· #9 · 6 d ago (Edited)

They had them both, FE1 and FE3. Try chancing the year, mines is a 2008 but the shocks are the same.

Ps...

That's the complete kit, but they have them also...

More Information for ACDELCO 504547

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Bee1

Discussion Starter · #10 · 6 d ago

Those are the Ac/Delco air shocks that I was referring to. The Monroe Max Air Shock MA822 will definitely fit on the 2011 DTS and reviews are positive. Plus hellva cheap!

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RomoRock3r

· #11 · 5 d ago

Also for the OEM shocks, the left and right shocks are the same. The only difference is the orientation of the top shock mount.

You can order two of the cheaper sides and just rotate the top mount 180 deg. That’s what I did for my car.

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Bee1

Discussion Starter · #12 · a moment ago

Bee1 said:
Those are the Ac/Delco air shocks that I was referring to. The Monroe Max Air Shock MA822 will definitely fit on the 2011 DTS and reviews are positive. Plus hellva cheap!

Well, I pull the trigger on the Monroe MA822 and installed them this morning. Very easy to install, air lines are a direct fit. So far, air pump cycle for about 8 sec when I first key on ignition and I felt the car rise. Since then pump runs about 3 sec then stop. My forward rake is more pronounced then I remembered but the ride is identical as stock shocks. I will give it a couple days before I pass judgement.

PS,
Stock air shocks have less hardware to install because one mount washer is built into shock itself. Therefore you must use all hardware for the Monroes. Also mounts must be install in right position.