ClassikFan
Member Since: 02 Nov 2016
Location: Surrey
Posts: 1027
  
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| Preventative Maintenance for Suspension Compressor |
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I have read many threads regarding fixing the suspension compressor and as mine appears to be working sweetly with no issues I'd like to try and keep it that way.
Are there any measures I can take to ensure my unit stays in tip-top condition, please?
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 12th Feb 2018 1:47 pm |
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ClassikFan
Member Since: 02 Nov 2016
Location: Surrey
Posts: 1027
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Really? Nothing at all?
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| 12th Feb 2018 11:45 pm |
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simbayoung
Member Since: 22 Apr 2009
Location: Pottsville
Posts: 13
  
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Hi Classikfan,
it is possible to remove your compressor and disassemble to check its individual components. There are absorbent beads in a drier compartment which eventually become saturated and reduce compressor's efficiency. The beads can be removed from drier compartment and heated in an oven or microwave to rejuvenate them (dry them out). Alternatively , you can buy kits on ebay which have new dessicant beads , and also a new piston seal. I replaced my beads and piston seal , but the piston seal did not last long (less than 25 k km). This was most annoying , as I worked on a fully functioning compressor only to have piston seal failure within one year of installation. I ended up buying a new hitachi compressor, with which I have been happy. I like the idea of servicing items to extend their life , but sadly, the kit I installed was not good. The bore of the original compressor was in pristine shape also , I can only conclude that the piston seal was not up to its job. If I was to contemplate this issue again , I would buy a brand new compressor , especially if the original was as old as mine (was 8-9 years old and 170k km).
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| 13th Feb 2018 5:18 am |
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ClassikFan
Member Since: 02 Nov 2016
Location: Surrey
Posts: 1027
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Thanks for that, I was pondering changing the desiccant and cleaning out the valve blocks. Maybe also one of the kits that swaps the plastic end cap that is prone to cracking.
Or is it better left alone until a fault starts to appear?
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| 13th Feb 2018 7:07 pm |
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simbayoung
Member Since: 22 Apr 2009
Location: Pottsville
Posts: 13
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If your compressor is working fine currently , I think changing the dessicant is all I would do. I have heard of end caps leaking but if your system is holding air , I would not intervene. Different story if leaking of course. Would be interested to hear other peoples experience with replacing piston seals , mine must have been made of putty. I had my compressor out of the vehicle three times , with all the stuffing around I should have bought a new one straight up (easy to be wise in hindsight).
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| 13th Feb 2018 11:55 pm |
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ClassikFan
Member Since: 02 Nov 2016
Location: Surrey
Posts: 1027
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Does the desiccant get soggy and clog due to a leak or does it simply deteriorate over time?
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| 21st Feb 2018 2:11 pm |
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