Air suspension..total confusion!

[ianoliver57]

This is driving me nuts. Identified a leak in the o/s/f air strut. The car was settling too low on that wheel. After posting here, Brian G gave me measurement as to what the correct settlement should be presumably when parked. Two new struts fitted to the front. Now the suspension settles within the perimeter given, but, doesn’t raise above that when I start up and drive off! So effectively I’m driving with the suspension at park height! If my fronts are at 390mm and the rears at 380 when parked, what should they go up to on driving off? The suspension is VERY firm now, previously smooth, soft and comfortable. Now has me bouncing up and down in the drivers seat!
Any ideas here!

Regards

Ian.

[ptjs1]

Ian,

There isn't really a "Park" mode at all. The vehicle doesn't automatically lower when parked. It only does that if there's a change or leak or temperature variation in any one of the wheel struts. On a well-maintained car, if parked on level ground and with no significant temperature change, the car will stay constant overnight and just stay at that height when started.

Your measurements of approx 390 front and 380 rear are fine for Driving. If you've got harshness, it's something else causing that, either an inability for the struts to react appropriately, or maybe suspension bushes etc.

I have the Jaguar Service Training manual for the X350 Air Suspension which should be broadly the same as your car. This explains it in great detail. Drop me a PM with your email address and I'll send it to you.

Cheers

Paul

[ianoliver57]

Thanks Paul. PM sent.

Ian.

[ianoliver57]

Paul, thanks for the download. Very interesting. Mention is made of WDS but doesn’t say what that stands for. Probably something obvious and I’m just being dim, but, what is it. I’ll send a copy to Prestige Jaguar in Paisley, independant Jag specialist who may already have a copy. It’s up to them to come up with a solution following fitting the new struts.

Regards

Ian.

[ptjs1]

Ian,

You're welcome, hope it's of some use.

WDS is one of the acronyms for the older Jaguar Diagnostic system that works with the X350 model.

Cheers

Paul