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Air Suspension - Vehicle Sag/Spring Leak-Down

Article No. 86-7-4

AIR SUSPENSION - VEHICLE SAG
- SPRING LEAK - DOWN WHEN COLD - VEHICLES BUILT BETWEEN 7/31/85 AND 12/20/85

LINCOLN-MERCURY 1985-86 MARK VII, CONTINENTAL

The electronic air suspension system may leak-down when the vehicle is parked for twenty-four hours or less and the air temperature is 30~F or less. The resulting vehicle sag may be caused by leaking air spring solenoid O-ring seals, which may be slightly undersize and shrink when cold. This condition can be serviced by replacing the two (2) small O-ring seals on the air spring solenoids.

To verify the above condition, use these steps:

A. Determine if the vehicle sagged in less than twenty-four hours.

B. Was the vehicle parked in temperatures of 30~F or below.

C. Did the vehicle sag down to the jounce bumpers.

D. Perform test steps 1, 2, and 3 of the air suspension diagnostic procedure with the vehicle at room temperature. Refer to the 1986 Car Shop Manual, Volume B, Section 14-40.

If the vehicle passes Step D and meets the requirements of Steps A, B, and C, replace the air spring solenoid O-rings where required. If the vehicle fails Step D, proceed with the diagnostic procedure and repair as necessary.

Air Spring Solenoid - O-ring Seals

Removal

1. Refer to the 1986 Car Shop Manual, Volume B, Section 14-40, and remove air spring solenoid.

Figure 3:




2. Remove two O-rings from solenoid and discard. Use care not to scratch or damage the O-ring sealing surface (Figure 3).

3. Using a clean, lint-free cloth, wipe off the end of the solenoid (Figure 3).

Figure 4:




4. Remove the O-ring from the air spring end cap (Figure 4). Inspect the O-ring and replace if damaged.
5. Clean out the inside of the solenoid housing with a clean, lint-free cloth.

Figure 4:




Installation

1. Apply a light coating of silicone dielectric compound, D7AZ-19A331-A, or equivalent to the large O-ring.

2. Install large O-ring into solenoid housing (Figure 4).

Figure 5:




3. Install two new small O-rings on air spring solenoid and apply a light coating of silicone dielectric compound, D7AZ-19A331-A, or equivalent, to the O-rings (Figure 5).

4. Refer to the 1986 Car Shop Manual, Volume B, Section 14-40, and install air spring solenoid.
PART NUMBER PART NAME CLASS

E4LY-5312-A O-ring Seal - Pkg. of 2 C
D7AZ-19A331-A Silicone Dielectric Lube A


OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: None
WARRANTY STATUS: Reimbursable within the provisions of the Warranty and Policy Manual.
OPERATION: SP5312A86
TIME: 1.2 Hrs. DLR. CODING: Basic Part No. 5311 - Code: 11

(Figures 3-5 on following pages)