Hi Everyone, this post will be my debut.

I hope this is the right forum?

I just bought an 02 STS. It seems to me that the rear passenger side is a little squirrelly when going over bumps - particularly at higher speeds (40mph+). I was sitting in my driveway reading my owners manual. The engine was not running but the ignition was on. Everyfew minutes or so I would hear a noise from the rear passenger side. Sounded like a small air compressor. I assume, after looking, that these shocks/struts are managed with air. I tried to recreate the situation along with a bottle of soapy water expecting to find a leak. I was particularly checking the connection of the air hose to the shock body. I could not get any bubbles so I assume the fitting is air tight. Can anybody help me here? One side strut from the dealer is about $800.00!!! I could go after market, but would need to change both sides - also $800.00.

Any help would be appreciated.

I suspect that you were hearing the air compressor. Maybe there is a small leak somewhere that you haven't found yet or maybe a sensor isn't working right. I wouldn't rush to buy new struts yet. I believe there is also a valve that will depressurize the struts as needed. Perhaps the valve is allowing air to escape when it shouldn't, which is why the strut seems soft and your hearing the compressor?

Thanks,

Where is the vavle?