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Conferences Suspension Topic #1366
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Mikekentucky
Member since Nov-19-02
2 posts
Nov-19-02, 11:26 AM (EDT)
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"suspension problem"
 
   I ahve a 95 markVIII with 84000 mikes on it. The front end pancakes in the morning, but when the compressor turns on, the front end lifts, but within 20 miles, it pancakes again. Is there a leak, or is it something else?

Can someone give me guidance?


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  Subject     Author     Message Date     ID  
  RE: suspension problem drgnfrmteam Nov-19-02 1
     RE: suspension problem calviromanteam Nov-19-02 2
         RE: suspension problem sonza68team Nov-19-02 3
             RE: suspension problem drgnfrmteam Nov-20-02 4
                 RE: suspension problem Rinkydinkjrteam Nov-24-02 5
                     RE: suspension problem Mikekentucky Nov-27-02 6
                         RE: suspension problem drgnfrmteam Nov-27-02 7
                             RE: suspension problem Rinkydinkjrteam Nov-27-02 8
                                 RE: suspension problem kwikwaymel Nov-28-02 9
                                     RE: suspension problem Calabrio Nov-28-02 10
                                         RE: suspension problem drgnfrmteam Nov-28-02 11

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drgnfrmteam
Charter Member
1122 posts
Nov-19-02, 11:51 AM (EDT)
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1. "RE: suspension problem"
In response to message #0
 
Most likely you have a leak in one of the front bags. When the car is pancaked start the car up let it air up and spray some soapy water on one front bag at a time and see if you have any bubbles. Hope that helps.

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calviromanteam
Charter Member
1364 posts
Nov-19-02, 10:53 PM (EDT)
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2. "RE: suspension problem"
In response to message #1
 
   The car is due for some new front struts (215$ a piece from FPN). Even if they werent leaking - they're 8 years old and nearly 100K on the damper portion (wore out).


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sonza68team
Member since Oct-17-02
4 posts
Nov-19-02, 11:39 PM (EDT)
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3. "RE: suspension problem"
In response to message #2
 
   I have a related question. Last Sat, I went out to my car, and the front was pancaked. After I started it up the front rose up to normal height, and the check air ride system message came up. When I parked it, and started it up later, the message was gone. The front end has stayed at its proper height ever since. Does this sound like a problem, or just a one time anomaly? The car has 92k miles, so I'm thinking that it may be the start of problems.

______________________________
Tom
'95 Mark VIII Deep Jewel Green
'00 Cougar V6 Black
'68 Bronco - Resto Project


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drgnfrmteam
Charter Member
1122 posts
Nov-20-02, 07:44 AM (EDT)
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4. "RE: suspension problem"
In response to message #3
 
Sounds like you have a leak in one of your front bags. Most likely the reason that you got the check air ride message is probably because it did not come up all the way to the proper ride height in the time alloted. If you have problems with the bags then they should be replaced, if not you will be replacing the compressor as well.

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Rinkydinkjrteam
Member since Nov-1-02
24 posts
Nov-24-02, 04:32 PM (EDT)
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5. "RE: suspension problem"
In response to message #4
 
   I to had similar problems. Sometimes the air bags would hold ok and other times I would come out in the morning and the front would be slammed. I live in the NE and feel that the cooler over night temperature (winter is coming) had some effect causing the air to escape more readily. This is just my own guess and can not prove it, but I put new struts on and have had no problems.

Rinkydinkjr


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Mikekentucky
Member since Nov-19-02
2 posts
Nov-27-02, 02:16 PM (EDT)
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6. "RE: suspension problem"
In response to message #5
 
   I think you're right. If the temp is over 45 degrees, the front end stays level. Under that, it drops. The bagmaster svc center in my area is quoting 318 per strut, incl parts & labor. Is that a fair price?


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drgnfrmteam
Charter Member
1122 posts
Nov-27-02, 02:58 PM (EDT)
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7. "RE: suspension problem"
In response to message #6
 
If they are going to install them for that price......maybe. You can do the whole thing yourself and save close to $200 if you order them either from FPN (ford parts network) or Dan at 5 Star Ford. It only takes maybe an hour (IF that) to do each side. Not much to it. So for roughly $100 a side for service sounds kinda high, when you can get the air bags for $215 at FPN. Good luck!

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Rinkydinkjrteam
Member since Nov-1-02
24 posts
Nov-27-02, 05:02 PM (EDT)
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8. "RE: suspension problem"
In response to message #7
 
   I agree with drgnfrm if you have the tools.the time and a place to do it, you can save some money. Did the front struts last week and it wasn't difficult.

Rinkydinkjr


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kwikwaymel
Charter Member
1054 posts
Nov-28-02, 09:48 AM (EDT)
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9. "RE: suspension problem"
In response to message #8
 
   The struts for $215.00 are the Gen. 2 Marks, I believe, I have them in my '94 and they are great. I understand that the Gen. 1 struts are more expensive for some reason. Go figure!

MotoMel


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Calabrio
Member since Oct-31-02
68 posts
Nov-28-02, 04:11 PM (EDT)
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10. "RE: suspension problem"
In response to message #9
 
   Are any special tools required? Anything more specific than a phillips screwdriver and a decent set of sockets?


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drgnfrmteam
Charter Member
1122 posts
Nov-28-02, 04:39 PM (EDT)
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11. "RE: suspension problem"
In response to message #10
 
LAST EDITED ON Nov-28-02 AT 04:42 PM (EDT)
 
Not really......you will need...the best that I can think is...

1) Jack/jack stands

2) Decent socket/ratchet set up to 22MM

3) Flat head screwdriver

And that is it....oh and maybe a 12 or 18 inch cresent (hammer) wrench.

For the Front Airbags:

A) Turn off the air ride in the trunk, and pop the hood

B) Jack up the front end and put it on the jack stands

C) Take the wheels off

D) Remove the clip that holds the solenoid into the airbag

E) Vent the front air bags by slowly turning the vent solenoid to the
first detent....be VERY careful NOT to turn the soleniod ALL the
way until the air is depleted......the amount of air pressure
could pop the solenoid out too fast and possibly break it...and
move the solenoid to the side so as to not break it

F) Remove the lower bolt from the airbag

G) Remove the cover above the appropriate airbag and remove the
nuts/plates from the shock tower

H) Remove the airbag

I) Now place the new airbag in and repeat steps H-A in reverse

J) Repeat steps for the other side....if necessary

Here is also a more detailed set of instructions......from the Homepage.... http://www.markviii.org/LOD2/strut.htm

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