Wednesday, June 17, 2009 - 10:26 pm, by: Michael Toet(Myke31)
Well, I'm about to pull out the air compressor and put in new bushes to stop the vibrations. While I am there I figured it worth while doing the air filter.
Is there anything I need to be aware of before disconnecting the air hoses etc? Like switch off TEMS, vent pressure somehow? I haven't seen anything in my searches that say I need to.
Will the car collapse or is the pressure stored/kept in the airbags via some valve mechanism near each airbag strut?
If it collapses, do I need to prevent this collapse? I figure some strategically placed blocks will prevent a collapse and would prevent any possible damage to an airbags. Is it possible to damage an airbag when the air pressure is removed?
Saturday, June 20, 2009 - 06:38 pm, by: David Goldthorpe(Sprocket82)
Hi Michael, I replaced the dessicant (silica gel) in my air-compressor filter about 12 months ago. After re-connecting everything and turning the ignition on to test it, the front airbags started venting air very quickly and the front-end dropped almost completely to the rim before I turned the key off! One of the hoses hadn't been attached properly and had come loose. It was a quick fix but I think the lesson is to always have supports under the chassis when doing this type of work.
Whilst the air-sus switch in the boot is off, the airbag actuators should be closed and prevent any leaks but better to be safe when your getting under the car, hey.
I found that removing the hoses from the top of the compressor was a bit tricky from underneath the car, because of the little clamps that require a bit of co-ordination to remove. To make it easier, the second time, I took the right-headlight out and accessed it from the top. Draining all the pressure from your air-bags shouldn't damage them... unless you try to drive it like that...
Here's the post from the guy that I bought the new Silica Gel off (may be useful):
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