[richboy92]

Get your quote in writing from the dealer, then take it to a trusted shop.
Dealer prices are almost always way more than independent shops.

Are you getting those other items fixed by the dealer as well?
I had the oil pan gasket fix as well and it cost me about $500 in Wisconsin....at an independent and trusted shop.

 

[Submariner409]

The rear shocks use air bladders and a compressor system for rear height control due to weight changes in the cargo space and rear seat - it is NOT "air ride". The system is Electronic Level Control - not suspension control - that's a whole different can of worms.

You can go to standard passive Monroe shocks that still have the height control feature - for a LOT less money than OEM Cadillac/AC Delco at a dealership. If the ELC system is bad you can install a manual fill/vent kit by Monroe - $12 for the piping.

You need to take this info to a good, local Mom & Pop auto shop that will find the correct Monroe shocks. Make sure they read up on how to "fool" the suspension controls into thinking that the OEM shocks are still there or you get warning messages and speed limiters set.

Unfortunately, it's a "Cadillac" and that's where your dealership maintenance pricing starts. Bring money. 2008 - 11 model years old - things are starting to wear out. Normal. Ask the local shop if they can look at your other problems, too. Of course, Hilton Head is not exactly the low rent district, either ! I lived up on Isle of Palms on and off during the 60s, 70s and 80s while in the Navy (subs).

 

[SpyShops NY]

The reason why we bought a Cadillac instead of a GMC or Tahoe was for air-ride. STAY STOCK or you will regret it!!!

 

[Byrdman]

The reason why we bought a Cadillac instead of a GMC or Tahoe was for air-ride. STAY STOCK or you will regret it!!!

not sure how exactly how you are defining "air-ride". The Cadillac doesn't have it.

 

[SpyShops NY]

The rear shocks have a pump and hoses going to each shock in the rear.

 

[Submariner409]

It's NOT "air ride" - as in rubber suspension springs, similar to some Ford and Lincoln.

The system is named ELC - Electronic Level Control - and is used in many Cadillac and some GMC models. It is NOT suspension control or springs - it compensates for extra weight added to the trunk/cargo space or rear seat.

Some versions were named ALC - Automatic Level Control.

Please read the descriptions of the systems and suspensions in the appropriate service manuals. I know it's picky, but in today's auto-electronic vehicle world correct terminology is essential for correct diagnosis and maintenance.

https://www.cadillacforums.com/forums/cadillac-deville-1985-2005-including-1985/205755-acronyms.html

When/if the ELC goes bad/wears out, if you wish to save a few bucks, you can substitute a set of Monroe shocks with bladders and a manual fill/vent air line kit. The coil springs are unaffected.

Here's a typical ELC system - over by 1,2,3,4 is one of the height sensors. Note that the ELC vehicles all have rear coil springs for suspension, not air springs.

 

[hunterp27]

The trucks are not equipped with Air Ride. They have steel springs. That is NOT air ride. The small bladders on the stock shocks are there to raise the level of the rear in the event there is a heavy load in the cargo area. That in no way is Air ride. To Karen, The price you were quoted for the replacement of the components you need is about 500-700 too high. The shocks are about 380 each and the compressor is another 300ish. In Indy will do this labor for far less than the dealer. I did it all myself but I can appreciate that not everyone would wanna climb under and do this. Plus you need a rental spring compressor from the local autoparts store.

 

[bryansied]

I replaced the rear shocks on my 2010 Escalade with air shocks and with magride. One shock locked up and the system put all four shocks in stiff mode. I bought the two rear shocks at rockauto.com for around $245 each. The dealer wanted $600 each. My compressor was OK.