Self levelling suspension

[cooky]

Just as i rid myself of the dreaded engine warning light i get the self leveling suspension warning light!
Have any of you guys got any clues as to what the problem maybe?
It has been suggested that the leaf springs may have weakened and require strengthening as a result of towing a caravan and thus making the shockers work overtime.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Howard]

Welcome to the site.

First thing to do is check that the switch is on (by the jack behind the flap on the nearside at the rear). Then can you hear the pump running? Have you got an air leak either in the lines leading to the shocks or from the shocks themselves? Try measuring the height then put something heavy in and see if the height changes and the pump activates. Mine works even just by parking on an incline. If the pump is working overtime and you can't hear any leaking air then it could be that the seals in the shocks are worn out. New shocks may solve your problem.

 

[cooky]

Thanks for that. The switch is on and the pump is working. Would an air leak be obvious or would you need to be close up to tell.
The joint where the leaf spring is connected to the vehicle at the rear is pushed quite far back. Could this be a sign that they have failed?
The guy where i get my parts says the failure of a rear shocker is very rare.

 

[Howard]

If a leaf spring has failed you would have other knocks and bangs. But a visual inspection will tell you that. I agree that shock failure is rare so it may be just an air leak which you might detect with your ear (as a hiss) or use my favourite instrument a stethoscope.

 

[CDW6212R]

Those air shocks are extremely expensive, the good price is $211. A Ford shop foreman told me that they suspect that some rear shock failures may come from lifting the back by the frame. When the suspension hangs freely, the shocks are supporting the suspension weight.
Avoid jacking the truck with a big car lift. I bought the parts to install the ARC system, but I believe I would do fine with the later 99-01 rear only ARC system. Good luck,
Don

 

[cooky]

Thanks for the advice. I didnt consider an air leak so that may be something to listen out for.