BodybyFisher Posted January 19, 2006 Report Share Posted January 19, 2006 Kevin, I think Dave has decided to pull the compressor out and replace the head. He believes he is getting an intermittant leakdown. While he does it he should check the tubing to bad wear spots. Do you have any compressor head replacing tips.. Its covered pretty good in the manual, and as you mentioned a thin coating of RTV is used.. Mike Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KHE Posted January 19, 2006 Report Share Posted January 19, 2006 The service manual has excellent diagnosis information - I would leak check the compressor with soapy water before removing it to see if it is leaking externally. Torque the head bolts to spec. and follow the sealing instructions to the letter. Kevin '93 Fleetwood Brougham '05 Deville '04 Deville 2013 Silverado Z71 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brmurph Posted January 20, 2006 Report Share Posted January 20, 2006 I tried the soap and water thing with no luck. Of course the problem was intermittent so I may have just checked it when there was no leak present. Also the lack of room makes it difficult to see a whole lot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davedog Posted January 20, 2006 Author Report Share Posted January 20, 2006 Sorry for so many questions. I have an air compressor in my shop, could I put the car on jack stands, take off the air line from the compressor, and hook up my shop compressor so i could put some pressure into the system to check the actual air lines for leaks? Or is this a bad idea. I can't get under the car good enough to spay soapy water unless it's on jacks. This is of course assuming that I don't find a problem with the compressor head...... Crystal Red Tintcoat Exterior | Shale/Brownstone Interior | 32k Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted January 20, 2006 Report Share Posted January 20, 2006 You will need proper fittings to accomplish that task and you may need to cut the lines, I wouldn't advise it. The connection at the compressor is an unusual connector that you won't be able to hook up too. Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davedog Posted January 20, 2006 Author Report Share Posted January 20, 2006 You will need proper fittings to accomplish that task and you may need to cut the lines, I wouldn't advise it. The connection at the compressor is an unusual connector that you won't be able to hook up too. well, i for sure won't cut anything, but lets say I had an adapter around, would this be ok on the system, pressuizing it this way? Thanks mike, you're really helping me out with this - hopefully today or tomorrow, I'll have time to actually tackle this. Crystal Red Tintcoat Exterior | Shale/Brownstone Interior | 32k Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted January 20, 2006 Report Share Posted January 20, 2006 If you did have an adaptor it is fine to pressurize the shocks, that is what you do if you decided to eliminate the compressor. See #12 on this page, it is used with Boston's struts to eliminate the compressor, http://www.bostonsuspension.com/ I don't know what you are going to accomplish by filling the shocks directly however, just let the compressor bring the pressure up and spray all components Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davedog Posted January 20, 2006 Author Report Share Posted January 20, 2006 If you did have an adaptor it is fine to pressurize the shocks, that is what you do if you decided to eliminate the compressor. See #12 on this page, it is used with Boston's struts to eliminate the compressor, http://www.bostonsuspension.com/ I don't know what you are going to accomplish by filling the shocks directly however, just let the compressor bring the pressure up and spray all components sorry, I guess I am misunderstaning, I though with thye car jacked up there wouldn't be much pressure on the system. by presurrizing the system I wanted to check the lines themselves for leaks, no so much the struts. Crystal Red Tintcoat Exterior | Shale/Brownstone Interior | 32k Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted January 20, 2006 Report Share Posted January 20, 2006 That is why you need to jack up the car and put the rear lower control arms on jack stands to keep the weight on the struts/air shocks or use a floor jack under the lower arm.. Mike In this picture my rear is held up by a five-ton bottle jack. CHOCK THE WHEELS FRONT AND BACK, KEEP IT IN PARK Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davedog Posted January 20, 2006 Author Report Share Posted January 20, 2006 That is why you need to jack up the car and put the rear lower control arms on jack stands to keep the weight on the struts/air shocks or use a floor jack under the lower arm.. Mike In this picture my rear is held up by a five-ton bottle jack. CHOCK THE WHEELS FRONT AND BACK, KEEP IT IN PARK Thanks mike, sorry for the ignorance about all this I'm assuming that is the top of your jack in the very bottom of the picture? If so that is what I did wrong the other night, I didn't take the wheels off so I didn't put the jack far enough out on the control arm. Then I tried the ramps which didn't give the car the right center of gravity. Fun. I'm learning. Once I do this do I still need to put additional weight in the trunk to look for leaks? Crystal Red Tintcoat Exterior | Shale/Brownstone Interior | 32k Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted January 20, 2006 Report Share Posted January 20, 2006 As long as you keep the weight on the struts by supporting the lower control arm, you can put weight into the trunk to get the compressor to kick on. Feel the rubber ballast on the air shock it should be firm to hard.. as long as you feel pressure in the rubber ballast you are ok.. to start checking for leaking. You can see the rubber ballast to the right of the plug in this photo.... Yes the TOP of the jack is at the bottom of the picture Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davedog Posted January 21, 2006 Author Report Share Posted January 21, 2006 CRAP! Thanks again for the great pics Mike. I jacked up the car, removed the wheel, put a jack under the lower conrol arm (really easy once you see it in person). Had my father in law sit in the trunk, turned the key on, spayed soapy water on the strut. the struts ARE bad - both of them, and quite badly too. Hundreds of little holes seeping hundreds of little bubbles all over the rubber part of the strut. I squeezed that part as suggested and it gave no resistance at all, I was able the easiley sqeeze it all the way in with my bare hand. You could tell it was holding to air - which makes sence with all the bubbles. so crap. my thing is what if I get some aftermrket ones that work with the air ride and something else in the air ride system is bad from running all this time? Can I get aftermarket ones that bypass all this (the compressor, ect), work like regular stuts, but work in such way that the car will not sag? My father in law thinks you can prob get air ones like these that you manually put the air in until you get it at the height you want, then cap it off and leave it and it holds it's own. Suggestions? Mike, those bosten suspention ones with with the factory air ride system right? Anyone used ones that bypass the factory air ride system. Thanks again guys! Crystal Red Tintcoat Exterior | Shale/Brownstone Interior | 32k Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted January 21, 2006 Report Share Posted January 21, 2006 Dave, I replaced mine with Boston Suspension air shocks, the electronics that they supplied did not suppress the Ride Control message, but I don't care, I am sitting at a normal level now. And yes they worked with the stock leveling system. Look into the three firms I posted earlier in this thread. You can also go with Monroe Air Shocks I think. You will need to do some research: Check Rockauto I was just there and you seem to have two different types of suspension SSS and FE2. They are easy to replace if you ask me. Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davedog Posted January 21, 2006 Author Report Share Posted January 21, 2006 Dave, I replaced mine with Boston Suspension air shocks, the electronics that they supplied did not suppress the Ride Control message, but I don't care, I am sitting at a normal level now. Look into the three firms I posted earlier in this thread. You can also go with Monroe Air Shocks I think. You will need to do some research: Check Rockauto I was just there and you seem to have two different types of suspension SSS and FE2. They are easy to replace if you ask me. I'm not worried about the message, someone here gave me instrustions to turn that off via the DIC a couple years ago. Do yours work off your compessor? Was this the same car you had to replace the comressor head as well? Wonder if my compressor is messed up too... Stupid question: How to I find out what 'type' or stiffness my ride is now (some of these companies have different options). How long have you had your aftermarkets? Thanks again! Crystal Red Tintcoat Exterior | Shale/Brownstone Interior | 32k Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted January 21, 2006 Report Share Posted January 21, 2006 I replaced my compressor head on my 91, it also had FE2 struts I believe, I never replaced my struts on my 91. I replaced my rear struts and springs on my 96, and I am still using my stock compressor on my 96. In your trunk, you will find a tag with codes for all of the options your car has, its probably on the spare tire cover or trunk lid, there is a way to decipher the codes, I think its in the Service Manual.... Here is my rear suspension threads: http://caddyinfo.ipbhost.com/index.php?sho...1&st=&p=entry http://caddyinfo.ipbhost.com/index.php?sho...rear+suspension Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davedog Posted January 21, 2006 Author Report Share Posted January 21, 2006 well, i got another possible problem, those links all start out at 93 if am am not mistaken, i emailed each of them ans so far it's not looking good. I'm sorry the 93 will not work on the 92. We do not currently manufacture the parts for your vehicle. -Michael www.arnottinc.com Crystal Red Tintcoat Exterior | Shale/Brownstone Interior | 32k Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted January 21, 2006 Report Share Posted January 21, 2006 Check Rockauto, gmotors, and others for passive struts. I was discussing your problem with Kger2 last night and he believes that passives are available. I went to monroe.com and there appear to be passive struts available... Patience, you will find something Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davedog Posted January 21, 2006 Author Report Share Posted January 21, 2006 Pack of 2 rear stuts for 92 eldorado on RockAuto ACDELCO Part # 5807 STRUT, RR SUSP w/RIDE & HANDLING SUSP(FE2) or SOFT RIDE SUSP(FE1) {pkg of 2 #22189457} $279 That should do it I would thing, wonder if these are a good set, ACDELCO has always been good for me. I think these work with the current air ride system? Crystal Red Tintcoat Exterior | Shale/Brownstone Interior | 32k Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted January 21, 2006 Report Share Posted January 21, 2006 I believe so Dave. Just make sure what you have FE1 or FE2 and that the new struts will do the job... Mike Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackc Posted January 21, 2006 Report Share Posted January 21, 2006 I put AC Delco passive replacements on the rear of mine. Not sure if they're the same number as those you're looking at, but the installation went fine. (I think they changed the rear suspension design between 92 and 93). My air lines hooked right up to them, and they work great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davedog Posted January 21, 2006 Author Report Share Posted January 21, 2006 its disappointing, my whole car has become somewhat of a rattle-box I'm hoping this will help, but wonder if the front ones are toasted too. Not the quiet caddy i'm used too. I'll talk it over more with the wife, and I'll probably end up ordering those monday. Unless i find some steal on a new CTS....LOL. Crystal Red Tintcoat Exterior | Shale/Brownstone Interior | 32k Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted January 21, 2006 Report Share Posted January 21, 2006 Dave, I know what you mean, but that is the consequense of owning an older car, it needs rebuilding at some point. I am going through the same thing. My front hits bumps badly and its loose. As soon as I get time, the right weather and the energy, it will be resolved. Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackc Posted January 21, 2006 Report Share Posted January 21, 2006 Hang in there. There are times when we all have to invest some to get 'em back up to snuff, but its worth it. I had to drop well over a grand after I bought mine on struts, motor mounts, tires, and other miscellaneous stuff, but she drives like new now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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