Just bought a VSC member's car and need some schooling on air components

Happy thanksgiving to the VSC gang,

I just bought bonafyd's LS430 and need the air suspension experts.  Can someone tell me what items A,B and C are in this pic?

[IMG]http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/edwinlau32/IMG00423-20101124-1646.jpg[/IMG]

A appears to be some type of solenoid that's has no connection and is just plugging up a bung hole in the tank?

B - No idea what that is but the two knobs on top can be tightened/loosened

C - Not sure what that is but that's where air is leaking.  Do I need that screw on top or can I JB weld that screw in there.

Thanks very much for your help!

Edwin

that looks bad :( 
 
A= Pressure sensor. Used to turn compressor on and off. it should be hooked up
B= ride height sensor...obviously not hooked up, so its just a "plug"
C= sum sort of home made flow control. Either order a real flow control or replace the the screw with a shorter one that doesnt block off the entire flow of air....also means that u dont have control over the air speed. Your lines are pretty small anyway, so it really shouldnt matter.
 
What to do:
- Replace all 3 C's and B with Flow control devices or cap them off.
- hook up the pressure sensor before u burn up the compressors or blow up the tank.
 
also, be sure to use tape on all the fittings...
 
[B]You should have never have a need for JB weld in any part of your air suspension system. [/B]
 
 
good luck!!

[QUOTE=DriftGirl;357221]that looks bad :( 
 
A= Pressure sensor. Used to turn compressor on and off. it should be hooked up
B= ride height sensor...obviously not hooked up, so its just a "plug"
C= sum sort of home made flow control. Either order a real flow control or replace the the screw with a shorter one that doesnt block off the entire flow of air....also means that u dont have control over the air speed. Your lines are pretty small anyway, so it really shouldnt matter.
 
What to do:
- Replace all 3 C's and B with Flow control devices or cap them off.
- hook up the pressure sensor before u burn up the compressors or blow up the tank.
 
also, be sure to use tape on all the fittings...
 
[B]You should have never have a need for JB weld in any part of your air suspension system. [/B]
 
 
good luck!![/QUOTE]

Thank you driftgirl.  Sorry for the dumb questions but where can I buy flow control devices?  I'm a total noob when it comes to air suspension (as you can prob tell) so any help is greatly appreciated.

What type of tape do you use on the fittings?  Also, how do I hook up the pressure sensor?  Is it pretty simple?

Edwin

[QUOTE=DriftGirl;357221]that looks bad :( 
 
A= Pressure sensor. Used to turn compressor on and off. it should be hooked up
B= ride height sensor...obviously not hooked up, so its just a "plug"
C= sum sort of home made flow control. Either order a real flow control or replace the the screw with a shorter one that doesnt block off the entire flow of air....also means that u dont have control over the air speed. Your lines are pretty small anyway, so it really shouldnt matter.
 
What to do:
- Replace all 3 C's and B with Flow control devices or cap them off.
- hook up the pressure sensor before u burn up the compressors or blow up the tank.
 
also, be sure to use tape on all the fittings...
 
[B]You should have never have a need for JB weld in any part of your air suspension system. [/B]
 

good luck!![/QUOTE]

Sorry, I realized that I should have posted pics of the whole system

I just took some pics now to show all the connections to the tank

[IMG]http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/edwinlau32/IMG00425-20101125-0957.jpg[/IMG]

Could this be the pressure sensor?  The grey wire is going to the ecu of the accuair system I believe (def does not go to the compressor)

[IMG]http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/edwinlau32/IMG00424-20101125-09562.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/edwinlau32/IMG00426-20101125-0957.jpg[/IMG]

Thanks!

Edwin

Yes, that is your pressure sensor, it looks like the system was rewired and the old components were left in place as plugs.  The accuair system is controlling the system now..not just a switchbox.

Looks like youve got the 'right stuff'...just not very visually appealing at this time...but u can easily fix that!! :biggthumpup:
 
 
tag it, take a picture and take it apart! 
 
- Clean up your fittings and use [B]Tape[/B]
- remove that unused sensor because they rust inside..especially if u dont have water traps
-Cut a piece of plywood that fits in ur spare tire well and layout your parts. 
remember, you can always get 90,60 or 45 degree angles to get it to look nice and fit properly. 
- mount it all up 
- pop ur trunk to show off ur handy work to friends and Fam  :runcoold:

i'm assuming that green stuff is pipe joint compound (although i've never seen it green), not jb weld. i prefer the compound to tape.
 
i would remove the unneccersay regualtors all together. it will be cleaner and the less connections the better.
 
a little clean up work on the wiring and plugging the ports with the proper parts and you'll be fresh.

You have a verrrry nice ride there. Congrats!

[QUOTE=elpresidente;357234]Yes, that is your pressure sensor, it looks like the system was rewired and the old components were left in place as plugs.  The accuair system is controlling the system now..not just a switchbox.[/QUOTE]

Thanks el presidente.  I kind of figured that with "P Sens" on the gray wire after I posted.  

[QUOTE=DriftGirl;357237]Looks like youve got the 'right stuff'...just not very visually appealing at this time...but u can easily fix that!! :biggthumpup:
 
 
tag it, take a picture and take it apart! 
 
- Clean up your fittings and use [B]Tape[/B]
- remove that unused sensor because they rust inside..especially if u dont have water traps
-Cut a piece of plywood that fits in ur spare tire well and layout your parts. 
remember, you can always get 90,60 or 45 degree angles to get it to look nice and fit properly. 
- mount it all up 
- pop ur trunk to show off ur handy work to friends and Fam  :runcoold:[/QUOTE]

Thanks again driftgirl.  Is there a website that you use to buy the fittings/pressure valve?

I have two weeks off from work in Dexember so I think this will be a project for me

[QUOTE=BLKonBLK98;357249]i'm assuming that green stuff is pipe joint compound (although i've never seen it green), not jb weld. i prefer the compound to tape.
 
i would remove the unneccersay regualtors all together. it will be cleaner and the less connections the better.
 
a little clean up work on the wiring and plugging the ports with the proper parts and you'll be fresh.[/QUOTE]

THanks Dave.  What is the regulator for?  Regulate the air flow?

[QUOTE=Schnitz;357257]You have a verrrry nice ride there. Congrats![/QUOTE]

Thanks.  Hope to get it the way I want it soon

Edwin

[QUOTE=m32;357267]Is there a website that you use to buy the fittings/pressure valve?[/QUOTE]
 
you really don't need any parts other than a plug for the tank unless you decide to rereoute the airlines. the plugs can be bought locally from home depot or a plumbing supply.
 
[QUOTE=m32;357267]THanks Dave. What is the regulator for? Regulate the air flow?[/QUOTE]
 
they're used to slow down the lift. honestly, i've never seen anyone use those. a lot of people slown down the dump.
 
like i said, i would remove them completely.
 
and it's mike btw.

LOL dave.

i hate it when installers drill a milion self tapping screws to one spot for the ground.

[QUOTE=BLKonBLK98;357276]you really don't need any parts other than a plug for the tank unless you decide to rereoute the airlines. the plugs can be bought locally from home depot or a plumbing supply.
 

 
they're used to slow down the lift. honestly, i've never seen anyone use those. a lot of people slown down the dump.
 
like i said, i would remove them completely.
 
and it's mike btw.[/QUOTE]


Whoops...sorry about that Mike.  I responded to your pm on HI.com

Edwin

Ok, need some more input.

I went to work on the car last night and wanted to raise the car up by adjusting the BC coilovers.  I put the car on height 3 (high setting at 90% travel on the bag) and when I took the front wheel off and started to turn the top coilover perch to raise the car, the coil would turn but so would the UAS bag.  With the air line hooked up, I obviously can't keep turning the perch (and bag).  What would be the best way to raise the car up without disconnecting the airline (... or do I need to disconnect the air line?)  Should I drop the car to height 1 (low setting at 10% of travel on the bags) ?

After giving up on the front, I went to work raising the rear.  To my surprise, I didn't have this same problem in the rear.  However, I did notice that that bag wasn't sitting tight on the coils (meaning, I could turn the bag with my hand and even move it up and down (about 1/4 inch).  Is it supposed to have that much play?  

Anyway, would really like your input as I'm going to give it another try after church this afternoon.  

Thanks all!

You need to take air out of the bags to adjust the perch, why are you trying to raise the car anyway? I heard Texas streets are pretty smooth :biggthumpup:
 
I'm sure BLKonBLK can give you a hand with it, If you dont know what your doing your gonna cause more headaches for yourself

[QUOTE=BLKonBLK98;357276]you really don't need any parts other than a plug for the tank unless you decide to rereoute the airlines. the plugs can be bought locally from home depot or a plumbing supply.
 
 
 
they're used to slow down the lift. honestly, i've never seen anyone use those. a lot of people slown down the dump.
 
like i said, i would remove them completely.
 
and it's mike btw.[/QUOTE]
 
 
Hey Mike those are Tees they used tto have senders on them

sounds like you were trying to raise the ride height by the spring perch. that's  not the way to do it. you raise the height by extending the lower bracket.
 
with the suspension unloaded (on jackstands) and not fully inflated there will a gap between the topat and top of the bag.
 
[QUOTE=phillygs3;357560]Hey Mike those are Tees they used tto have senders on them[/QUOTE]
 
that makes a lot more sense. wonder why nobody took em out.

[QUOTE=phillygs3;357559]You need to take air out of the bags to adjust the perch, why are you trying to raise the car anyway? I heard Texas streets are pretty smooth :biggthumpup:
 
I'm sure BLKonBLK can give you a hand with it, If you dont know what your doing your gonna cause more headaches for yourself[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the info Rob. I want to raise it b/c even when I'm driving around now, the wheel rubs against the side of the fender.

[QUOTE=BLKonBLK98;357562]sounds like you were trying to raise the ride height by the spring perch. that's  not the way to do it. you raise the height by extending the lower bracket.
 
with the suspension unloaded (on jackstands) and not fully inflated there will a gap between the topat and top of the bag.
 

 
that makes a lot more sense. wonder why nobody took em out.[/QUOTE]

Mike, I think I see what you mean.  So I need to take off the bottom bolt of the coils and essentially twist the lower portion of the coil to raise/lower the car?  

What about the rear bag having play when it's almost fully inflated?  Is that ok?

Edwin

A lot of good info here.  I agree with compound instead of tape.  I can't count the amount of times I've put tape on incorrectly.

Hmmm I see what they did there. Confused to what car it is

Wouldn't it be easier to just adjust the presets in the E-level, than adjust the actually coilovers?

I'd imagine too, but maybe wants a different height all together

[QUOTE=DirtyJerzey;357590]Wouldn't it be easier to just adjust the presets in the E-level, than adjust the actually coilovers?[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=VipDout;357606]I'd imagine too, but maybe wants a different height all together[/QUOTE]

I can only really drive around realistically in ride height 3.  I'd rather have it like that in 2 and then go up if I need to clear bumps and stuff.

Edwin

[QUOTE=m32;357564]Mike, I think I see what you mean. So I need to take off the bottom bolt of the coils and essentially twist the lower portion of the coil to raise/lower the car?[/QUOTE]
 
you have the idea but theres an easier way to do it. if you turn the locking nut under the spring perch counter clockwise it will extend the damper out of the lower bracket.
 
[QUOTE=m32;357564]What about the rear bag having play when it's almost fully inflated? Is that ok?[/QUOTE]
 
fully extended the uas bag is 9.25". your distance from spring perch to tophat with the suspension unloaded should be about that (adjust for additional brackets).

[QUOTE=xseveredveganx;357573]A lot of good info here. I agree with compound instead of tape. I can't count the amount of times I've put tape on incorrectly.[/QUOTE]
 
 
I used tape the first install i did and really couldnt get the system sealed. I prefer teflon dope cause its not as sticky as the other compounds that can make your valves stick
[URL]http://www.accentshopping.com/product.asp?P_ID=148705[/URL]

[QUOTE=phillygs3;357622]I used tape the first install i did and really couldnt get the system sealed. I prefer teflon dope cause its not as sticky as the other compounds that can make your valves stick
[URL]http://www.accentshopping.com/product.asp?P_ID=148705[/URL][/QUOTE]

Nice.  I'll prob pick one up.

Btw, I think I finally managed to drive the car around without rubbing onthe fender.  However, it's set at pretty much the highest the bag will go.  Is it not recommended to drive with a near fully inflated bag or does it not matter?

Edwin

[QUOTE=m32;357625]Nice. I'll prob pick one up.
 
Btw, I think I finally managed to drive the car around without rubbing onthe fender. However, it's set at pretty much the highest the bag will go. Is it not recommended to drive with a near fully inflated bag or does it not matter?
 
Edwin[/QUOTE]
 
Pressure is gonna change with the height of the perches, But i think no more then 150 psi is recomended . Can you post pics of the ride height?

[QUOTE=phillygs3;357740]Pressure is gonna change with the height of the perches, But i think no more then 150 psi is recomended . Can you post pics of the ride height?[/QUOTE]

Hey rob,

I took it out today to take some pics, get it inspected and run some errands.  Here's the current ride height that will allow me to drive around town and not scrape 80% of the time.  It still scrapes when I turn.  

Please don't scoff at me driving this high... someone already did =)  This is close to the max high it can go.  I have to say the ride was pretty bouncy

[IMG]http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/edwinlau32/IMG_8230.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/edwinlau32/IMG_8232.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/edwinlau32/IMG_8240.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/edwinlau32/IMG_8228.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/edwinlau32/IMG_8242.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/edwinlau32/IMG_8239.jpg[/IMG]

Edwin

I seen worse :smiley-rofl: But It's good your taking precautions till you get used to the car, a few months im sure you will lower it some more, You have to dial in the susspension to get rid of that bounce . What psi you running at that height?

[QUOTE=phillygs3;357744]I seen worse :smiley-rofl: But It's good your taking precautions till you get used to the car, a few months im sure you will lower it some more, You have to dial in the susspension to get rid of that bounce . What psi you running at that height?[/QUOTE]

Rob,

I don't know about the psi... I don't think I have any way of measuring.

Edwin

[QUOTE=m32;357745]Rob,
 
I don't know about the psi... I don't think I have any way of measuring.
 
Edwin[/QUOTE]
 
Dont you have digital gauges?

Rob,

Sure don't :(  If it did, I haven't seen it anywhere :)

Edwin

[QUOTE=m32;357749]Rob,
 
Sure don't :( If it did, I haven't seen it anywhere :)
 
Edwin[/QUOTE]
 
 
Maybe you dont need them with e level , Im not to familiar with that system . I'm sure there is some kind of safety switch on that system to keep you from putting to much pressure in the bag

i'm pretty sure you can read it with the control unit, but i don't know how. you'll probably just have to fiddle with it a bit.

oh you bought that one! cool!

With the Accu-air system, there is no need for gauges as it levels automatically...


That is, unless your in Edwin's position, and actually need to see the PSI.   I'm still looking into things for you Edwin.   Fear not my friend. ;)

[QUOTE=Jedidiah;357780]With the Accu-air system, there is no need for gauges as it levels automatically...


That is, unless your in Edwin's position, and actually need to see the PSI.   I'm still looking into things for you Edwin.   Fear not my friend. ;)[/QUOTE]

Thanks Ben.  I am starting to think I wasn't fit for VIP lifestyle :sad:  LMK bud... :biggthumpup:

Edwin

haha youll get the hang of it!  still love those rims..i say you space em out 25mm and get crazy with the camber!

Hope you get use to it soon, the car would look so much hotter with a lower rolling height.  You sir have 2 very lovely cars:bigthumbup:

Round 2: Air suspension 101

Does someone have a DIY on how to install a water trap?  I would like to tackle this in the next few weeks.  I assume it goes between the compressor and the tank right?  What do I all need to install one?  The seller threw one in for me so do I need to buy new lines?  Thanks everyone

Edwin

Also curious about the water trap... I need to add one to my setup.

[QUOTE=audax;360552]Also curious about the water trap... I need to add one to my setup.[/QUOTE]

I found some pics online.  I think it simply bolts into the tank 

[IMG]http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/edwinlau32/water_trap.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/edwinlau32/trunk.jpg[/IMG]

Looks pretty simple

Edwin

yup, most useful between the tank and compressors but you can also go off the lines. my offer still stands. :biggthumpup:

[QUOTE=BLKonBLK98;360566]yup, most useful between the tank and compressors but you can also go off the lines. my offer still stands. :biggthumpup:[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the help mike.  I'm going to try to drop by your shop over the break to get some ideas from you.  I'll hit you up via IM

Edwin

It depends how close to the compressor. If its too close the air is still too hot coming out of the compressor for the trap to pull any water out of the air.
From what I've seen compressors are usually too close to the tank for a trap to do its thing.

wow  !!  looking at this thread and the install on this  LS all i have to say is i am very luck with regards to my install ......

Might also want to consider installing an external air inlet so you can fill the tank with air from an external air compressor just in case your in-line compressors ever fail

Idk if you tackled the project yet, but make sure to de-pressurize the system before you start removing lines. It's nice to see that car again. Sat in that car many of times!