QuestionThanks Again John!
We followed up with a Land Rover dealer (the original we perchased the Disco II from), and after I
explained the sympotoms, they immediately said the "air bags" were the issue. They indicated
that in this vehicle for some reason, the right side air bag develops pin-hole leaks. Indeed, this is
exactly what our trusted shop said also.
So I'm not sure I understand your response below "Airbag?" In addition, I read the warranty
information word for word to the dealer who then indicated that if "airbags" was not explicitly in
black and white, then they are not coverd. I'm awaiting a price from them to replace the so-
called mystery "airbags".
Thank you,
Paul
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Followup To
Question -
Thank you JohnMc for the quick feedback.
We're still having the problem. I will try to be as detailed as possible. Our trusted shop has
indeed replaced the compressor and repaired leaks. In addition, one sensor was replaced. We
have extened warrant we purchased ($2868) 100 K miles or 4 years with $100 deductabe per
visit. They have paid for everything that is covered which includes all parts up to now less
deductable for one visit. So it's not that bad. Although they've said "they are at their wits end"
(scary) the trusted shop is now indicating that it is perhaps the "air bags" which I think means the
variable suspension in the rear? Although he cannot find any leak yet in that part, he feels
perhaps it's super tiny and opens when the car is on an incline or in a specific angle. This makes
some sense given the car falls sometimes although it's hard to tell.
The insurance is indicating (per the trusted shop) that they "do not cover the air bags". Is there a
more technical name for that? So the trusted shop is indicating that maybe it's time for springs -
less expensive than the airbags but will "fix" the problem (but loose variable height control).
So I think that captures the current status.
> Should we replace both sensors before converting to springs?
> Is it something else?
> If it were the air bags, why doesn't it fall while the car is running and is at an angle?
> Could it be something electrical (i.e.: a switch that tells the air bags to deflate) ?
> The following are all the items listed in our plan word for word (which is "supposed" to be the
best):
MECHANICAL COVERAGE
PREMIER ADVANTAGE SERIES (from Warrantybynet.com)
Front and Rear Suspension: Upper and Lower Control Arms; Control Arms Shafts and Bearings;
Upper and Lower Ball Jionts; Radius Arm and Bushings; Tosion Bars; Mounts and Bushings;
Stabilizer Bar; Links and Bushings; Struts; Strut Bearings Plates; Spindle and Spindle Support;
Wheel Bearings; Pannard Bar; Track Bar; Suspension Bumpers; Leaf Springs; Leaf Spring Shackels
and Hardware; Load Assist Shocks; Shocks; Load Assist Springs; Coil Springs; and Seals and
Gaskets.
Variable Dampening Suspension: Compressor; Control Module; Dampening Actuator; Solenoid;
Struts; Height Sensor; Mode Selector Switch; and Seals and Gaskets.
> Are the "air bags" indeed not included? Or is there a technical name for that which is incuded
above?
> Or is it time to let go of the car and mvoe on (we own the car and a Land Rover Dealer only
offerd a rinky dinky $2500 Trade in for it (we expected 10K per Blue Book 70K miles on it driven
lightly by my wife mostly, warrant is transferable)?
Thanks for your help and timely response.
Paul
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Followup To
Question -
We own a 1999 Disco S2 that we love. Unfortunatley, lately when
we stop and park it, the rear suspension seems to drop
completely down. The front remains normal.
We've taking it to our trusted shop who has made repairs that
total almost $2K USD. Nontheless, it still has the same problem. On a 2nd
try, the shop indicated they called the manufacturer who explained
to replace the level sensor and still it drops.
What could the problem be?
Thank you,
Paul
Answer -
Hi Paul,
it could be a leak in the line or a compressor failure or leak.
I'd be going back to the trusted shop and get them to fix it for free...I think you should still be
covered under the $2000 job. Don't you have a 30 day garantee with the work they did?
Best of luck,
JohnMc
Answer -
Hi Paul,
I think you've recouped the $2900 you paid for the extended warranty. Most owners never do
and I'm glad you are one of the lucky (?) ones.
The warranty statement:
"Variable Dampening Suspension: Compressor; Control Module; Dampening Actuator; Solenoid;
Struts; Height Sensor; Mode Selector Switch; and Seals and Gaskets"
covers your problem. Air bags?
Is your trusted shop a Land Rover dealership? This is a common problem on many Rangies and
some of the Series II Disco's that inherited the Range Rover air suspension.
Yes, many Rangie owners have (reluctantly) switched to coil and shock in order to save time,
money and stress levels (marriages?). Atlantic British has a conversion kit available and it would
give you a good idea on what you'd need to switch over. Goto www.roverparts.com for this.
Send me an email and I'll attach some techsheets that discuss the air suspension on your Disco II:
jmcinnis64@hotmail.com
I like the '99 Disco II and its the best Disco to come out. The only downside is the air suspension
problem. EMS is outstanding and your vehicle is well worth keeping for another 5 years.
I don't think I'd ever trade in my Disco to a LR dealerhip. In your case, you'd be giving the
dealership a nice $7000-10,000 gift...that they'll resell or auction for a quick profit.
Regards,
JohnMc
AnswerHi Paul,
I don't know of any airbags on a Disco. I always thought that the Self-Levelling Suspension (SLS) basically was a replacement of the rear coil springs with the Range Rover air springs. I don't think you can order an airbag from LR...you'd have to purchase the entire air spring.
It sounds like the part is covered under warranty but not the internal component that actually failed. huh?
I would argue that "airbag" is implied within :
"...Hardware; Load Assist Shocks; Shocks; Load Assist Springs; Coil Springs;", "Dampening Actuator", or maybe "Struts" if not at least "Seals and Gaskets".
You can get a new air spring from Atlantic British for $189US: www.roverparts.com
Best of luck,
JohnMc
