Ride height compressor

[blackmage]

03 Allroad. in a nut shell, the air ride height adjustment works when it wants to. I can hear the compressor kick on, but sometimes it makes some god awful noises, almost like piston slap in a small lawn mower :p The system doesn't ever fall or lose air(so ruling out leaks there), but if i ever want to manually change heights i hit the button, i hear the compressor kick on, the light flashes on the up button, and then the compressor kicks off, light stops flashing, and nothing moved. Other times it will work flawlessly and will jack up all the way or down no problem. I havn't been able to figure out if it works when its warm or cold out, currently -4 up here this morn. Any ideas on what I should start looking for? There is a ride height light on the dash that is on, but a Mechanic said it was linked to the ABS module being dead and that was it. New compressor time?

[G0to60]

It looks like your compressor is on it's way out. You have two options.

One is to replace the compressor with an OEM one or an aftermarket unit from Arnott. These run around $400 for the aftermarket and more for the OEM.

https://www.arnottindustries.com/part_AUDI_yid17_pid124_gid471.html

You could also try to rebuild it. There is a guy over in the UK who sells rebuild kits on Ebay. His handle is bagpipingandy and sells them for around $60 or so. I am going this route as my compressor gets pretty noisy and struggles past level two. Especially in the colder months. Either way you have to take the compressor out so it's your option whether you want rebuild or replace.

[blackmage]

It looks like your compressor is on it's way out. You have two options.

One is to replace the compressor with an OEM one or an aftermarket unit from Arnott. These run around $400 for the aftermarket and more for the OEM.

https://www.arnottindustries.com/part_AUDI_yid17_pid124_gid471.html

You could also try to rebuild it. There is a guy over in the UK who sells rebuild kits on Ebay. His handle is bagpipingandy and sells them for around $60 or so. I am going this route as my compressor gets pretty noisy and struggles past level two. Especially in the colder months. Either way you have to take the compressor out so it's your option whether you want rebuild or replace.

I think i may have stumbled upon a write-up he did on how to rebuild them, so that might be the option i go with as well. Any idea how big of a pain it is just to initially remove the compressor?

thanks for the name, heres his kit:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Audi-Allroad-Air-Suspension-Compressor-Repair-Kit-/160945500319?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item257919709f

[G0to60]

From what I've read it's not too difficult as long as the bolts aren't too rusty. It's just in front of the spare tire well and behind the rear diff. Here's a small pic of the area.

http://www.blauparts.com/assets/allroad_suspension/audi_allroad_compressor.jpg

I also found a couple of exploded views online:

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff285/ricam78/Allroad/tmp.jpg

http://www.audi-forums.com/attachments/audi-allroad-forum/5216d1208886750-noisy-air-compressor-5.jpg

http://www.audi-forums.com/attachments/audi-allroad-forum/5217d1208886780-noisy-air-compressor-6.jpg

[blackmage]

yea that doesnt look bad at all. Probably order the kit soon here and Ill let you know how it goes. Thanks man!

[bagpipingandy]

yea that doesnt look bad at all. Probably order the kit soon here and Ill let you know how it goes. Thanks man!

Hi guys,

the hardest part can be removing the 2 cylinder head bolts If they are corroded, if not the job is easy and can be done with the compressor still on the car, if the bolts are stuck it is easier with the compressor off the car to give you room to clean and to help persuade the bolts out. If leaving the compressor on the car it is essential to make sure there is no dirt in the cylinder before putting it back together.

If it doesn't reach the level it should put the error light on in the dash, but ignition off and on and it clears and tries again, this is a good sign of a tired compressor which the kit will fix :).

Any questions please just ask, or pm or email address, your email and I can send you the instructions for reference.

Best regards & merry christmas

[blackmage]

Hi guys,

the hardest part can be removing the 2 cylinder head bolts If they are corroded, if not the job is easy and can be done with the compressor still on the car, if the bolts are stuck it is easier with the compressor off the car to give you room to clean and to help persuade the bolts out. If leaving the compressor on the car it is essential to make sure there is no dirt in the cylinder before putting it back together.

If it doesn't reach the level it should put the error light on in the dash, but ignition off and on and it clears and tries again, this is a good sign of a tired compressor which the kit will fix :).

Any questions please just ask, or pm or email address, your email and I can send you the instructions for reference.

Best regards & merry christmas

thats good to know as well! And yea thats exactly what it does, tries to move, throws the light on on the dash. cycle the key, and it tries again lol Is it bad for the suspension to be on the lowest setting, or the lowest setting flashing?

[bagpipingandy]

the flashing ussually indicates the car is not level or sitting lower than level 1, does the car sink when parked at level 1 overnight? Does the car look level, or sitting very low? Is the suspension error light on in the dash all the time Or only on ignition on? You may have a leak also

Best regards

Andy

[blackmage]

the flashing ussually indicates the car is not level or sitting lower than level 1, does the car sink when parked at level 1 overnight? Does the car look level, or sitting very low? Is the suspension error light on in the dash all the time Or only on ignition on? You may have a leak also

Best regards

Andy

The car sits level on flat surfaces. i lowered the car to level 1 earlier this week while traveling, and it hasnt brought itself back up since then. It is sitting low, i can fit about a finger between the tire and the fender flare. rear just a touch lower than the fronts. The cluster light only comes on after the compressor has tried to pump up the system, then it stays on until the ignition is cycled. The center console light flashes constantly at this point.

[bagpipingandy]

Thats ok, so level 1 level light never flashes only level 2 light flashes when up is pressed and compressor tries to lift, but after a bit error light on in the dash, but ignition off and on and it clears error and press up and away she tries again, this is a tired compressor ok, i was thinkng you had other issues from the flashing and i wanted to check in case there were other issues causing the compressor to be weak, but it sounds like its the compressor only.
My thinking was if the level 1 light flashes, or light in the dash, this indicates the car is lower than level 1 and ussually points to a leak but you would notice the car sitting very very low or uneven when left parked overnight,

I think you just bought a kit, many thanks. i will get it posted ASAP

Best Regards

Andy

[blackmage]

Thats ok, so level 1 level light never flashes only level 2 light flashes when up is pressed and compressor tries to lift, but after a bit error light on in the dash, but ignition off and on and it clears error and press up and away she tries again, this is a tired compressor ok, i was thinkng you had other issues from the flashing and i wanted to check in case there were other issues causing the compressor to be weak, but it sounds like its the compressor only.
My thinking was if the level 1 light flashes, or light in the dash, this indicates the car is lower than level 1 and ussually points to a leak but you would notice the car sitting very very low or uneven when left parked overnight,

I think you just bought a kit, many thanks. i will get it posted ASAP

Best Regards

Andy

Sorry I wasn't quite clear, the level 1 is the one that is flashing. BUT, ive measured the height when the level 1 light is solid, and when its flashing(like right now :-/ ) my ride height hasn't changed. I just want to make sure you have the info right so we're not missing anything haha. Thanks for the help!

[bagpipingandy]

NO Probs, I am probably over complicating things as i ussually do [rolleyes], I like to cover all possibilities, well actually the real reason is i just cannot type a one line answer, it has to be a story!!,
anyway, fit the kit which will renew the compression and keep an eye on it, these systems are quite complex and any number of things can cause issues, it may just be low air pressure due to the compressor which makes it think it is low, when at level 1, hence the flashing light, the kit will fix this OK,

just to check: I assume the compressor actually runs when you press up or maybe when it flashes? it is just slow at lifting is this correct?

best regards

Andy

[awdjunkies]

Wow, a lot of these threads opening up lately... Andy, you've got your work cutout man [up]

[vtraudt]

G0to60: can you report back or PM or email regarding the repair of the compressor?
I have 2 Allroads myself, and 3 more in my friends network.
Last compressor swap (junkyard one) wasn't too bad, but mounting bolts CAN snap (not your typical high quality Audi bolt; must be cheap mercedes supplier bolts).
But junkyard compressors are a crapshoot; rather rebuild and know what I get (for about the same cost).



You could also try to rebuild it. There is a guy over in the UK who sells rebuild kits on Ebay. His handle is bagpipingandy and sells them for around $60 or so. I am going this route as my compressor gets pretty noisy and struggles past level two. Especially in the colder months. Either way you have to take the compressor out so it's your option whether you want rebuild or replace.

[blackmage]

Ill let you know how the rebuild goes as well. I believe Andy is the one selling the kits on ebay, so I'm sure he can give you a lot of insight as well.

[vtraudt]

Link to 'andy' on ebay?

[blackmage]

I think i may have stumbled upon a write-up he did on how to rebuild them, so that might be the option i go with as well. Any idea how big of a pain it is just to initially remove the compressor?

thanks for the name, heres his kit:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Audi-Allroad-Air-Suspension-Compressor-Repair-Kit-/160945500319?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item257919709f


Link to 'andy' on ebay?

Post #3

[vtraudt]

I did a few. Some with rear on jack stands, one with car on hoist (obviously, nicer).
Its a bit cramped down there to get to the bolts, particularly when I did my first one without real instructions and no idea what mounts to where (I think I took pretty much all the components off instead of the whole bracket).
And IIRC, it was tough to get the thing OUT.

Also replaced the valve block twice.

Extensions, sockets, woble extension (like them better than true universals) should do it.

Soak every bolt you see (pretty far up) with WD or PB several times before starting.

[awdjunkies]

I did a few. Some with rear on jack stands, one with car on hoist (obviously, nicer).
Its a bit cramped down there to get to the bolts, particularly when I did my first one without real instructions and no idea what mounts to where (I think I took pretty much all the components off instead of the whole bracket).
And IIRC, it was tough to get the thing OUT.

Also replaced the valve block twice.

Extensions, sockets, woble extension (like them better than true universals) should do it.

Soak every bolt you see (pretty far up) with WD or PB several times before starting.

Yeah, I believe Andy's kit comes with instructions

But others who missed the link, here is his eBay item: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Audi-Allroad-Air-Suspension-Compressor-Repair-Kit-/150970947908?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item232691d944

[bagpipingandy]

To remove the compressor depends on the climate your car is in which effects the condition of the studs. If you need to remove the compressor, I would only remove the compressor from its spring mounts leaving the valve block & mounting plate on the car, this way you do not need to remove the valve block or drain the suspension of air and you can keep its weight on its wheels.

as vtraudt, its best to soak every bolt you see, i know in the uk the climate corrodes everything under there, some have reported its a 5 min job to change the piston ring complete, others a few hours it really depends on the condition of the bolts,

for more info: here is an old link to how the repair kit came about on our UK forum: http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?131191-Allroad-Air-Suspension-Compressor-strip-amp-repair&highlight=compressor+repair+kit

it is pretty old now but it still details some info on a stripped compressor and how the kit came about, note this link does not detail the steps to fit the piston ring, it is much easier that strip down shown in the PDF!!

If you wish the actual instructions how to change the piston ring feel free to e-mail me & I can send you the instructions for your reference. E-mail me on: andy_fulton1(AT)hotmail(DOT)com

best regards

Andy

[4rings2turbos]

Awesome, thanks for offering a kit, just ordered one. Was dreading the day my loud compressor that can't even get from L2 to L3 died. Excited to install this & save mad money :)

[bagpipingandy]

No Problems, & Thankyou, please let us all know how the install goes

best regards

Andy

[blackmage]

Thanks much Andy, just installed the rebuild kit and it works like a charm. Now lets see how long it works for before I need to order another one ;) just kidding, it seemed like a pretty solid kit and seems to work great. Took me about 1.5 hrs from start to finish, and this was the first time working on my Audi, so I'm sure a seasoned guy could get this done in less than 30 min.

[awdjunkies]

Thanks much Andy, just installed the rebuild kit and it works like a charm. Now lets see how long it works for before I need to order another one ;) just kidding, it seemed like a pretty solid kit and seems to work great. Took me about 1.5 hrs from start to finish, and this was the first time working on my Audi, so I'm sure a seasoned guy could get this done in less than 30 min.

awesome!!! congrats on your quick, easy, and hopefully permanent fix.. [up]

[bagpipingandy]

Ha Ha,. You doubted it/me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!? [;)]

its amazing what you can make out of any old crap material!!, by the way it is guaranteed for 30 seconds!! (i am only kidding, just in case[:d]!!)

Glad you like it, I can assure you it is made with high accuracy and I think the rest of the pump may give in before the piston ring, if not you know where to buy another one [;)]

many thanks for your feedback

best regards

Andy

_your friend from the other end of the pond_

[vtraudt]

bagpipingandy, how about a group-buy for the your kit for us poor cross Atlantic guys? Quid for Dollar?




Ha Ha,. You doubted it/me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!? [;)]

its amazing what you can make out of any old crap material!!, by the way it is guaranteed for 30 seconds!! (i am only kidding, just in case[:d]!!)

Glad you like it, I can assure you it is made with high accuracy and I think the rest of the pump may give in before the piston ring, if not you know where to buy another one [;)]

many thanks for your feedback

best regards

Andy

_your friend from the other end of the pond_

[bagpipingandy]

bagpipingandy, how about a group-buy for the your kit for us poor cross Atlantic guys? Quid for Dollar?

you are trying to cut a deal with a scotsman here!! we are renowned for being tight with money [;)][:)]

I feel the cost to buy is a fair price for now, basically it takes me a lot of man hours & tooling to manufacture these in fairly small batches on my conventional machines (NON CNC). I am looking at options to have larger quantities manufactured faster in the future and if this works I would be in a better position to offer a discounts to group buys, it may take a while but leave it with me for now to I try and improve this, I work full time as a toolmaker for a US Aerospace company, this repair kit is only done during evenings and weekends while juggling family life and nursing and old year 2000 allroad!! :)

any group buy ideas or improvements to the kit are of course welcomed, if any one has any suggestions, please feel free to comment

best regards

Andy

[blackmage]

any group buy ideas or improvements to the kit are of course welcomed, if any one has any suggestions, please feel free to comment

best regards

Andy

When i put my compressor back in i noticed two of my springs were pretty shot that dampened the vibrations of the motor. I shimmed them up so they were a little bit tighter, but maybe if you can find out the springs and some possible replacements you could add those into the kit as well. I'm sure not everyone will run into that, but just a thought :)

[bagpipingandy]

good point, I could at least supply the part numbers for these items in the instructions, as they are avalable form the Audi dealer:

1 set of attachment parts Spring mount kit part no: 4Z7 698 505

the compressor shield also common for breaking is part no: 4Z7 616 105

i can add this info to the instructions as items for reference should people require them

regards

Andy