Land Rover Repair: Disco II air suspension problem, lr services, coil suspension

Question
Good Day John, I drive a Disco II and have similar rear air suspension symptoms describes by Mr Roscoe who wrote to you in 2006. The official landrover dealership in the northern surbubs of Cape Town could not give me a definitive answer to the problems but earl prognisis from LR services (that specialise in landies) now seem to suggest that the air compressor is burnt, and that is simila to your conclusions in 2006.

The reason i am contacting you is coz i was intrigued by the other options you raised e.g replacing the air suspension with the more conventional shock and coil suspension. what are the costs of this option and what difference does it make ito of how the car handles on the road? does it reduces quality of comfort offered by the air suspension? Is it better to just look for more affordable after market air compressor? I need your help, from Landy fan already missing driving the Dissco

Answer
Hi Sivu,

yes, this is a common problem. If it is not the air compressor, its the airbag ...  

If you are considering a conversion to the conventional coil spring, the cost can range up to $300 for Disco II, then add shipping,  import fees and mechanic labour.

Here's Atlantic British conversion kit for $269 *plus...
http://www.roverparts.com/Parts/9268D2ABP.cfm

Considering that that compressor is over $500 *plus, the conversion would save you money in the long term.

AB compressor: http://www.roverparts.com/Parts/RQG100041.cfm

As for the change in ride, yes there will be a difference.  I find the air suspension is a firmer ride.  You could compensate by also including an upgrade in shocks all around.  The air suspension also improves braking (so I am told).

I like the ride of air suspension but I wonder if the costly repairs are worth that added comfort. Since the Disco has so many comfort features already, the removeal of air suspension may not be that bad.  In your case, the dealer is not even sure the suggested fix is the true solution.  It's a fix that keeps on giving (to the dealer).

I would think if you replace the airbag spring with heavy duty coils, you would rid yourself of one major problem.  The cost would have to include the small loss of a more comfortable ride.  The difference in ride being noticeable only to those who drive more often, long highway trips and on rough roads.  

Best of luck,

JohnMc