Another air suspension question: 1996 Cont...

[Kenwood]

My mechanic just mentioned that the air suspension "bags" were showing cracks and could start leaking---and added they were quite expensive to
replace, but had no idea how much...I have just noted on a current post they cost as much as $2500...!!!???

I have a few questions:

1... At what point does one replace them---do they go down all of a sudden
or do they start leaking first?

2. Can a car be driven with a deflated suspension...

3. I heard the word convert mentioned---does this mean one can go to another type suspension and save money???

Thanks for your response...
KW

 

[bigdog1279]

yes they have conversionkits you can get for a little under 500 shiped and it would cost about 200 to install them probly
or
you could get aftermarket shock from strumasters.com
for about a little less then 200 each
and 200 each for labor probly
but yess to have for do just fron 2 of them would be 1800 and th back would be about 500 each i think so yeah about 4000 for the entire unit everything that it runs off of it you have it from ford

 

[mark0101]

If the car liftes up off the ground after you start it, you should be fine with your air bags. the 2500$ is for the two front air springs and the compressor.plus labor of course :slam

 

[aristo1963]

if you do it yourself(very easy)new bags for the front with new selinoids will run you 465 shipped overnight from arnottinc.just follow the included instructions.if you want a new compressor and dryer added its 165 more.takes a rookie about 3 hours usually.

 

[mespock]

Just talk to Eddie at http://www.americanairsuspension.com/main page.htm I am sure he can set you us much cheaper no matter which way you go.

 

[bigdog1279]

ppl on here always say do it yourself well its not always that easy
you have to have the tools but you always have to know what your doing and not just from a picture yously you need someone to show you how to your first time

 

[MichiganTeddyBear]

Bigdog is right. I am finding that out myself. the lack of 1 tool for a job can be a real headache. I am rebuilding the front end of trusty rusty (94 Jimmy) right now, and you have to remove the tension from the torsion bars before doing much of anything. That takes a tool that looks a little like a c clamp, but at least in my application, a c clamp heavy enough to handle the load won't work (too big). So I am 'exploring' other methods of removing the tension so I can get the lower arms out.

 

[aristo1963]

when answering questions here i have to go under the assumption that said person is a DIY'r with at least a general mechanical ability.if a job is beyond their range of ability i will be glad to help them by phone or msn voice by talking them thru it.
now if a person comes on and says hey im all thumbs no way can i fix it,i just need info to be armed for the mechanic,then all they have to do is say so and ill be happy to tell you what such and such is where it is and how much it can be had for so a dishonest mech wont rip out your heart.

now if you do want to learn how to fix these beasts i suggest for starters
1 a good set of jackstands and ramps(dont skimp get a good set that will easily hold your cars weight)
2 a good floorjack (again a good heavy duty one,your back will love you for it)
3if you plan to be serious get a decent tool set and box to store them in.a good general set will start about 150.00 up to 1000.00 for a very very good set at sears.
4 as for very specialised tools places like autozone rent them for free.what this means is you must pay the tools cost take it play with it,and when done return it for a full refund.if you decide you like so much to keep it they dont care you paid for it,but they would have ordered you a new one for same cost.
5 listen to these guys who give good advice,they will try and keep a novice from getting hurt and or breaking what wasnt broke.

doing your own work is much much cheaper and is very gratifying,plus it takes you from the clutches of the hounds trying to chew off your wallet.
last while some may say its easy for you to say...well your right it is ive worked on cars and have been a mechanic for 21 years.but it took me taking the first step on my own and at least trying to learn the trade.
oh and its (at least to me)fun to DIY. :Beer
JOHN

 

[MichiganTeddyBear]

aristo, I agree 100% with everything you said. I love autozone, for the tool rental. only thing is, they don't have ALL the specialty tools you might run into needing some day, but they do have most.

I love working on my own cars, for many reasons... one of the biggest being the sense of gratification I get when I put it all back together, and it works, knowing I did it myself. I am in the computer service field (my main source of income), but I have spun wrenches for over 25 yrs (ever since I was 16, on my 1st car...).

While I don't have a good floorjack, my nieghbor does (father-in-law), and its pretty tough to make a floor jack work good in a pile of sand (most of northern MI is sand), and I don't have a garage or even a paved spot in my yard! I primarily use a large (20 ton) bottle jack for lifting, and of course a good set of stands to hold the car up. I usually place the stands on about 18" square pads of 2 by stock to keep them from sinkin... I hate that sinkin feeling....

 

[aristo1963]

aristo, I agree 100% with everything you said. I love autozone, for the tool rental. only thing is, they don't have ALL the specialty tools you might run into needing some day, but they do have most.

I love working on my own cars, for many reasons... one of the biggest being the sense of gratification I get when I put it all back together, and it works, knowing I did it myself. I am in the computer service field (my main source of income), but I have spun wrenches for over 25 yrs (ever since I was 16, on my 1st car...).

While I don't have a good floorjack, my nieghbor does (father-in-law), and its pretty tough to make a floor jack work good in a pile of sand (most of northern MI is sand), and I don't have a garage or even a paved spot in my yard! I primarily use a large (20 ton) bottle jack for lifting, and of course a good set of stands to hold the car up. I usually place the stands on about 18" square pads of 2 by stock to keep them from sinkin... I hate that sinkin feeling....

hi bear man that stinks not having a good work area.ive seen many of your posts,you ask good questions and attempt alot of repairs.would it be possible for you to have a 12x12 pad poured or maybe do it yourself?ive seen many guys here in the carolinas have a pad put down then they buy these inexspensive shelters(they are metal frames with a foldover metal roof.then as money allows they frame them in and make fairly nice little garages out of them.ive seen cheesy looking ones and some that looked so good i wanted it lol.good luck in however you do it.and im like you i haTE THAT SINKING FEELING(ESP 4000 LBS ON MY CHEST)
john

 

[MichiganTeddyBear]

Its all a question of $$$... I ain't got none!

I moved from the big city to the boonies after loosing my home to the bank... decided it was a good time to start a new life. My landlord (I rent currently) is a family member, and actually may want to sell the place I rent (which is ok by me, I can't hardly afford it anyway), and let me move to another place he has for 1/3 less per month. This other place has a garage/pole barn, but I suspect its being used for storage by previously stated landlord. Also, father-in-law has a big garage, but its so full of crap you cant even open a door without something fallin on you. LOL


On another side note, I am gonna either need to replace my conti's starter soon, or replace the brushes.. they are worn/hangin up. I can do the brush work myself, if I can get the parts..... otherwise I spend about a c-note on a reman starter....

p.s my conti runs just fine and dandy..., as does the Cougar. if I only had a radio for the Conti! it needs tlc, which is not unusual for a car that sat for 2-3 yrs without moving....

 

[aristo1963]

Its all a question of $$$... I ain't got none!

I moved from the big city to the boonies after loosing my home to the bank... decided it was a good time to start a new life. My landlord (I rent currently) is a family member, and actually may want to sell the place I rent (which is ok by me, I can't hardly afford it anyway), and let me move to another place he has for 1/3 less per month. This other place has a garage/pole barn, but I suspect its being used for storage by previously stated landlord. Also, father-in-law has a big garage, but its so full of crap you cant even open a door without something fallin on you. LOL


On another side note, I am gonna either need to replace my conti's starter soon, or replace the brushes.. they are worn/hangin up. I can do the brush work myself, if I can get the parts..... otherwise I spend about a c-note on a reman starter....

p.s my conti runs just fine and dandy..., as does the Cougar. if I only had a radio for the Conti! it needs tlc, which is not unusual for a car that sat for 2-3 yrs without moving....

look on ebay for a radio i got a cd button jbl that was brand new with a years warranty for 10.00+ship 25.00 total it was.if i had got it from a lincoln place escription Year MSRP Price Core Price Your Price
W/o cd 1996 $417.73 $313.30


W/cd 95-96 $696.60 $522.45


it works a charm plus i added the factory cd changer also from ebay for 38 bucks.most exspensive was the ford only harness for the setup.like 68 bucks.
believe me im a serious bargain hunter lol.take care and good luck.ive been exactly where you are now,but it has improved 1000%in the last 4 years.
john

 

[tkd83]

conversion

My mechanic just mentioned that the air suspension "bags" were showing cracks and could start leaking---and added they were quite expensive to
replace, but had no idea how much...I have just noted on a current post they cost as much as $2500...!!!???

I have a few questions:

1... At what point does one replace them---do they go down all of a sudden
or do they start leaking first?

2. Can a car be driven with a deflated suspension...

3. I heard the word convert mentioned---does this mean one can go to another type suspension and save money???

Thanks for your response...
KW

Hi, I have a 96 conti and the front air bags have cracks and are leaking. I've decided to conver the frnt & bck to spring/strut. Strutmasters gives you the front spring and struts fully assembled. for the rears you only get the springs. Price including $50 shipping fee was $599... Arnotte industries includes 2 rear shocks, price with $50 shipping fee is $629. I plan to do the conversion myself as it really isn't to bad to do. My mechanic would charge me $300 to remove/install all four. Not a bad price but I want to put the $300 towards a new paint job. Now I just have to decide which of these two companies has the better product. Any suggestions?

 

[aristo1963]

Hi, I have a 96 conti and the front air bags have cracks and are leaking. I've decided to conver the frnt & bck to spring/strut. Strutmasters gives you the front spring and struts fully assembled. for the rears you only get the springs. Price including $50 shipping fee was $599... Arnotte industries includes 2 rear shocks, price with $50 shipping fee is $629. I plan to do the conversion myself as it really isn't to bad to do. My mechanic would charge me $300 to remove/install all four. Not a bad price but I want to put the $300 towards a new paint job. Now I just have to decide which of these two companies has the better product. Any suggestions?

me?i would not convert,the ride is a trademark of these cars.but if i had to id use arnott's their setup and design looks much better to me

 

[ketyokeinnor]

MichiganTeddyBear, if ya need a radio i have my stock AM/FM/Cass from my 94 conti sitting on my desk collecting dust. works/looks great. pay to ship it and its yours. I replaced it with an aftermarket one and nolonger need it.

 

[Larry1117Conti]

KW. I just went through this with my 95 Conti. In my case the front right started leaking to the point of the compressor was running almost constantly. The compressor lasted about a month and a half then died. I should have replaced the air struts earlier and saved the extra $185 for a new compressor and relay that burned out.
To quickly answer your questions:
1... At what point does one replace them---do they go down all of a sudden or do they start leaking first?
---Replace them as soon as they start leaking. They will NOT get any better, trust me!

2. Can a car be driven with a deflated suspension...
---Yes it can as I did this for a week before ordering and installing the new air struts. But again trust me, you do NOT want to do this! Riding down on all fours is savage, bumpy and likely will shake something off the car! The roads may look smooth, but driving like this you will know they are not. All you are riding on is a thick rubber bumper at the top of the shocks. You will bottom out the car more times than you or she will like.

3. I heard the word convert mentioned---does this mean one can go to another type suspension and save money???
---Yes you can save money on a conversion and not have to worry about the air suspension again. But I for one like the air ride. Springs and struts are just not as smooth and after riding on air, you will notice the difference.

As for doing this yourself, the instructions from Arnott Inc. were mostly cut and dry stuff and easy to follow. I did find that using an air wrench to remove the suspension bolts reduced the time. Standard sockets will work, but it is hard to get the leverage needed to break the nuts loose.
A friend and I did the total air replacements in about 4 hours with 2 1/2 hours of that time being the first one took off! It got easier after that. I did run across a few 'not documented' items that I can assist with if you decide to replace the suspension yourself. I captured a few of these with digital camera pictures and can share if you wish.

Personally, I would replace the air struts everytime, the ride factor outweights the less cost for springs. Larry

 

[pokeeto2]

Where did you here $2500? I could get a mint 1998 Continental for that money. For $1100 more, I'm in my 2001. If you don't care about the ride, go for the conversion, Continentals with the coil springs in front run great, I don't know how they are in back.

Arnottindustries.com sells the pair of aurspring including the struts for $595.
Spring conversion $581.

Only thing about the conversion is that u wiil never worry about issues agian.

There are some companies that might offer something cheaper but these guys are numero #1