1997 Mazda Mvp Air Shock Question

[cruiser88]

Got a air shock question on the rear of this wagon. First of all the compresser seems to work fine along with the lines. But ive got a little rear sag along with the compresser running 90% of the time. So i figure i have a air leak in or around the shock some place. No big deal i will get a new set WRONG I AM.
Sure all the auto chains carry air shocks to fit this beast but they all exclude the automatic leveling systems. Why is this, they already sell a shock/fitting kit to fit this thing but they say to NOT use it with this oem setup.Anybody have any clue why? Would it be unwise to go ahead and install these monroe air shocks or does the oem pump provide to much p.s.i i wonder?

 

[cruiser88]

Well i just found out that compresser runs the oem locker i dont know if that makes any difference. But i know the locker functions perfectly,

 

[35inchoverdrive]

As one who was imprisoned at a few parts counters for several years, I can say that-

Any time you go to a generic parts store and request an unconventional part, you are taking a real gamble. The chain stores(for the most part) do not provide the employees with any resources to search for anything more than routine replacement parts. Since relatively few vehicles have self-leveling suspensions, this will be hit and miss. Some of the factory air/hydraulic shocks we could get, and some we couldn't. The ones we could get were wildly expensive. There were also instances where the system pulled up non-self-leveling shocks, or even generic air shocks for the a vehicle that had a self-leveling system. In every instance that I encountered, these were the wrong parts. However, I did not have the pleasure of scouring our inadequate system(computer and catalogue) for the shocks for your Mazda. It's possible that the manufacturer(of the shocks) could provide you with some explainations about the flagging in the part store's system, but my guess is that these are generic air shocks that either will not fit at all, or will not tie into your existing air line setup. The poor suckers behind the counter probably won't be able to tell you much of anything. I'm willing to bet that the only info they have on the subject is the vague "not for use with self-leveling system" prompt they got on the computer screen. They probably haven't even been provided with an up to date catalogue for the shocks. Good luck.

 

[cruiser88]

Yea i will be getting deeper into the system in tha am pinpointing just where the leak is and calling the dealer. I have a feeling my left nut will be involved

 

[cruiser88]

Well the dealer advised me that the aftermarket shocks cant handle the load of this rig along with the shocks cant handle the air compresser outputok i suppose. I was thinking i am being feed a line of s*** then i found out the cost of the shocks from mazda are not any higher in the cost than after market .

 

[35inchoverdrive]

It's a good thing that cost made that one a no-brainer. It is possible that the dealer is speaking from experience when they've had disgruntled customers come in from buying aftermarket shocks...but it does also make you wonder how they know the specific shortcomings of components other than their own.

 

[cruiser88]

It's a good thing that cost made that one a no-brainer. It is possible that the dealer is speaking from experience when they've had disgruntled customers come in from buying aftermarket shocks...but it does also make you wonder how they know the specific shortcomings of components other than their own.

One of the other tech guys did add they have in the past removed monroe air shocks.

 

[cruiser88]

Just add spacers. They are like 20 bucks from Advance. Cured my issue when I had this ride