1994 Continental Suspension Problems

[J-Lalor]

Hello all, I'm new to this group and am hoping you all can help me. I have recently begun to experience two problems with my 1994 Lincoln Continental. This vehicla has 98,000 miles and in in beautiful condition. I want to resolve the problems so I can continue to enjoy the vehicle. I'll outline each problem below.

Problem 1
Ocassionally I find the rear of the car deflated, but NOT ALWAYS. My drive way has a very cslight pitch to it. If I park the car with the front slightly lower then the rear. Everything is normal. If I back the car in and the rear is slightly lower, then it seems the rear deflates. First noticed at a mall recently where the car was level when parked, but the rear deflated. When started, the compressor pumps everything right up and all is normal untill parked again for a few hours. What is your input on problem? I welcome any suggestions or recommendations.

Problem 2
Even before problem 1 started, I had recently begun to hear a thump ocassionally from the right front wheel. More recently I have noticed that when the compressor runs thea tht front does not come up gradually. The right front seems to sit there doing nothing, then all of a sudden "POPS" up and seems to satisfy the leveling system and the compressor stops. Suggestions? Thoughts?

Suppliers.
I have looked at the sites for popular suppliers for the struts (Front and Rear). I have noticed there is a significant difference in price between Bagmaster and Arnott Industires. Are the parts equivalent? Is there an advantage to buying the more expensive part?

[Lscman]

1) Your car intermittently sags when parked. Most likely bag leaks due to dryrot. Cracks in the rubber will sometimes be "pinched" closed and other times they are stretched open. It will depend upon the ground terrain and other variables. This makes leaks seem intermittent->they are. Spray garden hose on suspension and listen for bubbles. Replace/repair leaky parts. Cars with leaky bags sag when parked because the compressor is disabled for a time when the key is off and reduced battery voltage with no alternator charging means the compressor does not build as much head pressure. This means marginal pumps and leaks are magnified when parked. I must wearn you that chronic leaks will quickly overduty and destroy the compressor...which will increase the repair bill.

On issue 2, realize that the air ride computer satifies the rear ride height before opening the front soleniods and transferring pressure to the front suspension. This is likely what you're seeing...especially with a leaky, slow to rise rear. I doubt if the front air soleniods are "sticking".

On issue 3, Arnott and Bagmaster are NOT equivalent. Each has some excellent products and some terrible products....they vary by car model, year and type of part. In addition, parts pricing is all over the map....some ripoff and some deals of the century. Do your homework before selecting a source to buy EACH major part. I have bought from both.

;)

[ January 08, 2003: Message edited by: Lscman ]