QuestionI recently bought an 89 Lincoln Town Car. Last night after getting out of the car, there was a sound from the rear on both sides kind of like a hissing sound. I think it is my air ride suspension, specifically the air compressor. When I disconnect the battery, the sound goes away. What is causing this to happen?
AnswerJessica,
From what you've described, it sounds like your air suspension is leaking. Keep in mind that the type of system your car has is more of a helper system and is not as critical as the newer systems. In other words, if the system goes out totally on your car, the rear will be a bit low....but will still be driveable. Your car has normal coil springs on the back right now and if weight is added, is designed to load level by way of airing 2 rear air shocks until the desired ride height is achieved.
Since you have one of the older systems as described before, I would suggest replacing the air shocks with a good load leveler(shock with a spring wrapped around it) shock and remove fuses to disable the system. This will keep the rearend up a bit and allow you to carry a little weight.
To my knowledge, the replacement air shocks are not available anymore from Ford and I don't know of anyone that sells a direct replacement air shock for your car. According to Monroe, you can replace the rear shocks with a standard shock # 33128(Monroe Matic) and use an adaptor kit. This is the note Monroe gives for this:
AK14 Adaptor Kit is required when replacing Air Adjustable Shock Absorbers on cars equipped with an Automatic Leveling System.
Good luck.
