VT Self Leveling Rear Suspension. Any good? Worth Repairing?

[HZute-efi-VS5L]

Have brought a VT Senator.

Basicaly the rear shocks are stuffed so the self leveling isnt working.

Is it worth repairing as the shocks are only available from holden.

Or am i better off fitting lowered king springs and new pump up shocks or somthing?

cheers
jason

[JBonDSS]

It all depend on the car & your driving style. they are terrible when working for Twisties or transfering the weight from front back (drag racing)

if you tow regularly or you often tour around with 3-5 adults with luggage it might be good to keep them/repair them, Else go for some FE2 height plus 30% stiffer springs & some decent shocks

[davus]

This is a good question. I also have a VTII Senator with self levelling ride. This might be a silly question, but how dows one check if this feature is actually working?

Dave

[macca33]

As stated, it will depend upon your uses of the car. I kept mine as I do a fair bit of towing with the car and it suits my application. I just need to have a bit of a fiddle with the self-leveling sensor arm to drop the rear about 25mm and it will be perfect for me.

If something goes wrong, or if I feel the need, then I'll put different suspension components in later on.

You could check on Ebay, or with Holmart for replacement air-struts.

Cheers,

Macca

[BOSSONNOS]

Your better off fitting some king springs SLHD's and a good set of shocks, make sure you unplug the self leveling pump at the plug above the diff or you could have problems with the ABS, DO NOT pull the fuse for the SL suspension
or you will burn out the abs pump.

[HZute-efi-VS5L]

yeh i do a fair bit of towing. specialy cars and caravans.

But yeh unsure if its worth repairing. might be better off fitting some pump up shocks......

[scwhls1]

a couple of years ago i towed my dragster to wsid & 1 off my shocks sprung a leak (wh grange) steve at wholesale suspension in penrith fitted a pair of new aftermarket shocks that he said he always stocked , if you do a bit of towing i'd highly recommend keeping the self leveling shocks , also i found it very easy to adjust the rear ride height by lengthening or shortening the sensor rod

[LS1Grange]

I had my rear SL shocks replaced a couple of months back. I think it was around $130 to have them both replaced. It wasnt much at all. I've since put in some lowered springs and new short body struts up the front and retained the SL. I tend to carry a few passengers and luggage so I find it very useful

[Dug]

Shockers: Part #: 04E-031601, List Price: $340.59 each (Same, LH & RH)
Compressor Part #: 04E-211917, List Price: $279.75 each
(Preston motors, Cambelfield, 05/10/07)

These prices do not include any wiring, or hoses etc...
Trade prices are $4 and $5 cheaper respectivelly, so not much in them.

Anyone who decides to take out thier SL suspension setup, I'm interested in purchasing a pump/compressor of you.

I've changed my SL setup to a standard Pedders Sportrider setup, and felt a good difference in handling, however would like to have standard suspension, for towing purposes.


I had my rear SL shocks replaced a couple of months back. I think it was around $130 to have them both replaced. It wasnt much at all. I've since put in some lowered springs and new short body struts up the front and retained the SL. I tend to carry a few passengers and luggage so I find it very useful

Geez, i'd love to know how you managed to do it that cheap. When I replaced my rear SL shocks (just before the compressor died) they cost me around $250 each.

[beaver_roadkill]

How hard would it be to fit SL suspension to a VX Calais? As it's never had the option, would it be just easier to get a complete aftermarket setup?

[LS1Grange]

I had my rear SL shocks replaced a couple of months back. I think it was around $130 to have them both replaced. It wasnt much at all. I've since put in some lowered springs and new short body struts up the front and retained the SL. I tend to carry a few passengers and luggage so I find it very useful

Sorry guys seems my memory is failing me in my old age. I spoke to the guys that replaced my shox and he was saying that there were 2 types, the standard and the hsv. Standard was $288 for the pair. Cant rememeber how much the HSV ones were but they were quite a bit more. It was covered under warranty so I didnt really take that much notice.

[Dug]

Sorry guys seems my memory is failing me in my old age. I spoke to the guys that replaced my shox and he was saying that there were 2 types, the standard and the hsv. Standard was $288 for the pair. Cant rememeber how much the HSV ones were but they were quite a bit more. It was covered under warranty so I didnt really take that much notice.

Covered under warranty is DEFINATELLY the way to go!

[cartees]

I got my genuine self leveling replacement shocks for my WH Grange from a guy who stocks surplus HSV and Holden parts in Victoria, they cost me $120 back in January.

My problem now is the the shocks seem to pump up to full all the time with absolutely no load in the back at all, I'm not really into the 4x4 grange look (ha ha) do you guys have any idea what might be wrong?

[LS1Grange]

I got my genuine self leveling replacement shocks for my WH Grange from a guy who stocks surplus HSV and Holden parts in Victoria, they cost me $120 back in January.

My problem now is the the shocks seem to pump up to full all the time with absolutely no load in the back at all, I'm not really into the 4x4 grange look (ha ha) do you guys have any idea what might be wrong?

there is a little arm that moves up and down depening on the load on the back. which keeps things level. Maybe this has been moved the wrong way and it thinks its loaded so trys to adjsut by pumping them up.

I have a few pictures out of a manual that explains how it all works. If you want it pm me your e-mail address and I can send it to ya.

P.S. nice choice of car by the way!!!

[Alister]

How hard would it be to fit SL suspension to a VX Calais? As it's never had the option, would it be just easier to get a complete aftermarket setup?

Uhh VX Calais had self levelling suspension standard mate.

[beaver_roadkill]

Uhh VX Calais had self levelling suspension standard mate.

Na, the Statemans did, not the normal sedans.

[markone2]

Na, the Statemans did, not the normal sedans.

:yup: Certainly did..and the ole WH11 Caprice BBB2 proved the self leveling ride rear end is worth is weight in Gold for anyone with even an inkling of 1/4 mile work.......with medium size converter and 3.9 diff gears..anti tramp kit removed and replaced with $500 Harrop Diff cover the big girl ran back to back 1.55 sixty fts with not a sign of the dreaded axle tramp to be seen.....not a bad bit of kit when hooked up to an occuppied Double Horse float either imho :)

[cartees]

I'd love the manual instructions on adjusting the self leveling suspension, thanks mate.

I don't seem to have the ability to PM you, so I'll say that my email address is cartees at ( pizz orff you stinking spam bots) gmail dot com.... remove the waffle and it's easy to reinterprate my email address.

[Dickie Knee]

I have had 3 IRS statesman / Caprices, only the current one has level ride. Keep the level ride. My tyre wear is a lot more even on the current car than the previous ones.

[SIG-054]

Your better off fitting some king springs SLHD's and a good set of shocks, make sure you unplug the self leveling pump at the plug above the diff or you could have problems with the ABS, DO NOT pull the fuse for the SL suspension
or you will burn out the abs pump.

Why is this?

What has the Self levelling system got to do with the ABS system?

[whitels1ss]

Why is this?

What has the Self levelling system got to do with the ABS system?

I was wondering the same???

[Alister]

Na, the Statemans did, not the normal sedans.

According to this they did:
http://www.redbookasiapacific.com/au/vehicle/specs.php?id=64947
That's what i'm going by so don't shoot me if i'm wrong :p

[SIG-054]

I was wondering the same???

yeah espec as seening ive lowered it with the air suspension still there, then my abs module went a bit later on :rofl:

i hope i didnt cause that. :confused:

[Dickie Knee]

I don't see the connection between level ride and ABS. :confused:

If I wanted to disconnect the level ride I would just pull the relay out from under the bonnet.

[SIG-054]

I don't see the connection between level ride and ABS. :confused:

If I wanted to disconnect the level ride I would just pull the relay out from under the bonnet.

relay is under the steering wheel.. and i did that.

[LS1Grange]

I'd love the manual instructions on adjusting the self leveling suspension, thanks mate.

I don't seem to have the ability to PM you, so I'll say that my email address is cartees at ( pizz orff you stinking spam bots) gmail dot com.... remove the waffle and it's easy to reinterprate my email address.

E-mail sent mate.

[beaver_roadkill]

According to this they did:
http://www.redbookasiapacific.com/au/vehicle/specs.php?id=64947
That's what i'm going by so don't shoot me if i'm wrong :p

So it does. In fact it even has the fuses for level ride and everything, just the reviews say they don't, and putting on a horse float definately shows it doesn't have it (or it's seriously at it's limit)

[Alister]

If it has the fuses, it should then right?
I'll check under my Calais sometime.

[Bruce_trish]

How can you tell if you have self levelling suspension? I have a WK statesman and on redbook it says that it is optional. The rear shocks have got a rubber sleeve/boot over them, is that it? It would probably explain what sounds like a compressor fireing up when you start the car, i just thought it was some sort of anti polution crap.
How often and how long should the compressor run for?
LS1 Grange do you think you could also send me a copy of instruction on how to adjust the suspension?

Cheers

Bruce

[macca_779]

How can you tell if you have self levelling suspension? I have a WK statesman and on redbook it says that it is optional. The rear shocks have got a rubber sleeve/boot over them, is that it? It would probably explain what sounds like a compressor fireing up when you start the car, i just thought it was some sort of anti polution crap.
How often and how long should the compressor run for?
LS1 Grange do you think you could also send me a copy of instruction on how to adjust the suspension?

Cheers

Bruce

Sounds like you have it mate. Mine upon initial ignition on takes about 10 sec before it does anything, then fires up the compressor for about 5 seconds.

Turn the ignition on then stand in the boot.. You'll hear and feel it lift you up

[Timmay5.7]

O.K.
Just picked up the car from a service, (pro-auto, great guys)
And have been informed that the rear right shockie is leaking, and that the airbag has a small leak in it... (WH self levelling)
How much do you think this will cost me, and is it worth it?

[Dickie Knee]

O.K.
Just picked up the car from a service, (pro-auto, great guys)
And have been informed that the rear right shockie is leaking, and that the airbag has a small leak in it... (WH self levelling)
How much do you think this will cost me, and is it worth it?

92087182 Rear Shock Absorber Series 1 WH RRP$ 126.50 ea
92115000 Rear Shock Absorber Series 2 WH RRP$ 115.50 ea

[Timmay5.7]

Thanks heaps Dickie... Is there anything for the actual air-bag tho? :confused:

[Dickie Knee]

Thanks heaps Dickie... Is there anything for the actual air-bag tho? :confused:

No you have to buy the complete shockie

[Timmay5.7]

Hang on,, I probably sound stupid now, but the airbag is part of the shockie?

And i guess it would be advisable to change both, just in case yeah?

[Dickie Knee]

Hang on,, I probably sound stupid now, but the airbag is part of the shockie?

And i guess it would be advisable to change both, just in case yeah?

Yes the Airbag is part of the shockie.

The only way to buy the airbag is to buy the shockie.

When I did mine I did both sides.

[davus]

ok - ive got a bit of a different set of questions about the level ride.

My VT2 senator obviously has it, but i think it might be playing up. This is what it is doing.

1) First thing in the morning, it appears to sit pretty low at the rear. As pictured.
http://www.rwy34.com/pics/low.jpg

And can sometimes get down almost this far if left for a few days. (there is a trailer on the car in the picture so it never really gets quite that bad, im just using it as an example.
http://www.rwy34.com/pics/verylow.jpg

So I give the ket a single click to acc, and after about 5 seconds the pump will fire up and set it to this (pump can take about 10-15 seconds or so to get it to here)
http://www.rwy34.com/pics/high.jpg

Then as i drive to work (about 45 minutes down stud road, fairly stop/start kinda driving), I wil commonly hear the relay under the dash click on for about 3 or 4 seconds at a time........usually every 5 minutes or so, sometimes less.

So question number 1 is, should it be pumping this regularly?. It seems to me like thats a hell of a lot of work for one pump to do in a relatively short trip!!??

2) OK - now onto the second problem, and this has only been ocurring over the last few days. I go out in the morning and go through my usual startup procedure. I fire up the accessories, wait to hear the SL pump kick in, check dash lights etc for anomolies, then hit the key to kick it in the guts, give it a bit of wakeup / settle in time, and away i go......no change to normal process. However over the last two days, after about 30 mins of driving, ive noticed the relay under the dash stops clicking (aka the suspension is not self levelling). I proved this theory by arriving at work yesterday morning, and hopping out to see the car sitting low (almost like it does in the morning). After that i just sat in the car park for about 10 minutes with it still runing (didnt turn it off when i got to work) waiting for the pump to kick in, which it didnt. However after i turned the ignition off and back on, the pump fired up. These symptoms have been consistent over my last 3 trips two and from work.

Drive for 30 mins or so = no problems
Anything after 30 mins or so = SL appears to stop working. Bum sags over drive to work.
Arive at DST'N and turn key off and on = SL pump fires up.

So question number 2 is, what could possibly be causing the pump to stop coming on after a period of driving?. Traffic has been better over the last few days, so my avg speed has been up, do they stop activating over a certain speed? ........ r could it be a faulty relay? (even though i replaced that about 4 weeks ago).

Looking forward to any light that can be shed on my problems!

Thanks

Dave

[Dickie Knee]

The pump will only work when you have stopped for 5 seconds. The system only looks at the height when you are not moving.

The best way I have found to check for leaks in the system is to connect a trailer or add some weight to the boot and turn the key on. Wait for the system to pump up and listen for any leaks. I have seen them that bad that the pump wont even stop. If the pump keeps cutting in and out a lot you could have a problem

[davus]

Hi Dickie,

ASre you positive thats how it is meant to oeprate in the senator as well?.

Mine without a doubt comes on as im driving along. I can hear the relay clicking away under the dash each few minutes.

I can also hear it when im stopped though (at traffic lights for example).

If i poke my head under the rear of the car, would a leak in the shocks be obvious would you think?

Dave

[macca33]

Mine will sometimes operate whilst driving, usually when changing from flat road to hills, or vice versa. The relay in thedash is a clear indicator of this.

Mostly, it will level out at start-up, or in the first few minutes of driving, then purge the air after the car has been switched off and parked for a while.

If yours is doing what you have described, there may be a slow leak in the damper airbags, or the hoses that run between the compressor and damper bodies.

So, I'd be checking the air lines, dampers and I'd also be checking to ensure that the actuator arm is still properly bolted to the lower chassis link.

It should be a relatively easy fix if the problem is identified.

Cheers,

Macca

[macca_779]

macca's right it certainly runs while driving.. i just drove 1000k's heavily loaded to melbourne and it was working its arse off