Land Rover Repair: Discovery SLS, airsprings, wheel arch

Question
QUESTION: Hello,
I wonder if you can assist. I have a 2000 Discovery series 2 ES TD5 with SLS. I am finding that with the engine switched off the suspension stays level. If you then put a load on the car, typically open a back door and climb in, the suspension then hisses and lowers at that corner. It lowers to such and extent that the wheel ends up in the wheel arch and the car then sits at a steep angle. When you start the car up and drive away it soon levels itself out. No fault indicators are displayed. Can you confirm if this is normal or do I have a fault in the SLS system.

Thanks in anticipation,

Robert

ANSWER: There is a fault, most likely leaky airsprings. it is possible to leak at one height, but not another. by adding load you change the heigt and weight on the spring, allowing it to leak.  Replace both springs, the compressor assembly is probably still in good shape.  If you let it go too long it will destroy your compressor.

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QUESTION: Sorry one other thing, I have the workshop manual for the car which describes the replacement of the air springs. It doesn't sound to bad a job only the suggest using a Landrover 'Testbook' to depressurize the air springs before disconnection. I don't have the test book, is there another way that I can depressurize the air system?

thanks  

Answer
Any LR specific diagnostic tool can do it, most independent LR shops have them.  you can also leave it overnight so it lowers itself, then jack it up by the frame, the pressure will be low enough to disconnect the airlines and remove/replace the springs.