rear suspension parts - where in the UK

[Howard]

Check for air leaks. Maybe they did some damage when then put the exhaust on, like used heat and melted the plastic pipe to the shock.

 

[janolsson]

Hi,
I am new to this forum and being an explorer owner, I have been perusing this and the serious explorations forum for the last 4 weeks before deciding to buy a 1999/2000 x reg XLT with 132,000 miles.

Now a proud explorer owner with a couple of minor problems to sort out, one of which was a rear section exhaust.

I had the exhaust fitted, but before it was fitted I switched off the suspension leveling switch, just to be on the safe side in case the garage needed to jack up the body. I then drove it to the garage and back again.

When I got home, a distance of only 4 miles in total, I switched it back on.

Ever since then the pump comes on every time I stop and get out. It comes on immediately and stays on for 30 seconds, then off for 20 seconds and on again for 30. If I dont switch it off it continues like that.

I have tried the reset procedure that is on the American forum, but I believe their suspension system is slightly more complicated than the UK vehicle.

It didn't work, so I am now worried that I may have damaged the system somehow, as I now realise that it shouldn't be driven with the system switched off

Any help would be much appreciated.

Cheers

Welcome to the fold Owen

First off, unless you have something specific about a thread it is usually better to start your own thread to get straight to the crux of things.
Secondly get yourself a photobucket account so you can add lots of lovely photos of the old girl (the car not ya mum )

Now for your suspension!
Get under the back end and check the load/ride height sensor is still connected to the little ball joints at either end. It is the 6-8" long consatener thing attached between the axle and the underside of the body just to the off side of the rear diff.
If that is attached then follow its wiring back to the connector (may have to remove spare wheel) and check for damage. You may want to unplug and reconnect to ensure clean contacts. Then find the air lines where they go into the shocks and check they are seated firmly and follow the off side one back a bit to ensure no damage.
Once you are happy with all those then go thro the reset procedure;
1) switch off
2) chock front wheels
3) raise back end so both wheels hanging
4) leave hanging for half hour or so
5) Drop rear back down
6) switch back on
7) close all windows and doors then get in and key on for a few secs then off, exit the car and shut the door and hopefully the compressor will kick in and raise to the correct level.

Just thought that you could do steps 1-4 whilst you are doing your checks so long as you put on axle stands, not just rely on the jack!!!!

Hope this helps
let us know how you get on
Jan

 

[janolsson]

Dang Howard beat me to it
The possible damage from heat or heavy handedness is why i suggested checking the sensor wiring and air line to the shock

 

[dezufo]

@ Owen Elms, from the problem/diagnosis on my rear end it sounds very much like your ecu is getting a low level signal from the sensor. This could be due to the off side shock either not raising the body or not holding once raised, either way would be due to the air line being damaged as suggested by Howard.
For future reference check this post out; http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=369239

Sorry to OP for off topic

 

[Owen Elms]

Thanks all for the welcome, and your comments.

Due to work commitments it will be next weekend before I can take a look at it.

The added problem I can see already is the it has been converted to LPG, and where do you think the tank is?

Yep, where the spare wheel should be!!

will post when I have looked at it.

Thanks again.

 

[dezufo]

Thanks all for the welcome, and your comments.

Due to work commitments it will be next weekend before I can take a look at it.

The added problem I can see already is the it has been converted to LPG, and where do you think the tank is?

Yep, where the spare wheel should be!!

will post when I have looked at it.

Thanks again.

SNAP! my tank is in same place but I can still get to the sensor connector and see the air lines it's just the compressor/soleniods that cant be accessed.
If you need to use the vehicle I suggest switching system on for journey,off at destination then back on for next journey etc, warning light might still come on though.

 

[Owen Elms]

Dezufo,

Ok, thanks for that

Cheers

 

[Beardy359]

For Explorer parts in the UK you could try http://www.fordpartsuk.com/ . You will need to know the Ford part number. I just got an OOM12 kit from them for £75, they had to order it in but it arrived in about a week. Very good service as well.

 

[jackmarkn]

OK so main rear shocks are sorted