Air Shocks

[devynsdad]

I've searched and searched the tech section, and haven't been able to find anything that answers my question, so here goes...

I've got a 2000 Disco, 51000 miles, with air shocks on the rear. Recently, the truck has started to make an odd sound, like a cross between a grind and a metal on metal rub when I go over a rolling bump. It's my guess that one or both of these shocks is going tits up on me and needs replaced. From what I have been able to find, 50k miles is about the maximum life span on these things.

Has anyone had a similar problem? Am I warm with my guess of it being the air shocks? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[RangeRoverHP]

Air springs usually don't make a sound. A hissing air leak, or a pop maybe...
Have you checked the rest of the rear sus.
With the truck in park, hand brake firmly set. Push and pull (up and down)on the rear bumper and try to duplicate the noise.

 

[campbell]

My 99D2 (with SLS), with 75K miles, makes a sound when going over bumps when the weather turns colder. Not sure what it is, but seems to go away when the car warms up.

 

[devynsdad]

I see in the thread started by Discocolo that this is a pretty common problem. I guess I'll just thank my lucky stars that it isn't the air shocks (knock on wood) and work my way through the rear suspension until I figure out what it is.

BTW, mine only started doing it as the weather got colder, and once it warms up it doesn't seem to do it as bad.

 

[Ho]

time for REAL springs?

 

[koby]

devynsdad,

I think you're referring to air springs instead of air shocks. Air springs on the Discos are often referred to as SLS or "self-levelling suspension" on this board. Unless you've replaced your shock absorbers, you have regular oil-damping shock absorbers in the rear.

That being said, if you're searching for "air shock" you probably won't find much.

 

[devynsdad]

You are absolutely correct. My Disco has the SLS.

 

[markbalbrecht]

Check your exhaust brackets. My SLS DII recently was making a clanging sound going over bumps. Sounded almost like one of the front springs slipping in its seat, but the sound was coming from the rear. Turned out to be a broken exhaust/muffler bracket.