Suspension shock absorbers

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Kasie Hawkins

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So I am having to replace my front left shock on my LR3 2005 and the mechanic says to make sure I find one that has an air bag but when I search for the front ones it won't show options for the frontal ones having airbags only the rear appear to have them and when you look into buying all four it will show the same thing-- front no airbags and rear with airbags. Am I just not looking right or do the frontal ones really don't have air bags?

Please Help
 

Houm_WA

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Where are you "looking?" All shocks (front and rear) on an LR3 are air....you can always call your LR Dealer and get the part numbers.
 

Kasie Hawkins

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Yeah that's what I figured. I've been looking at Amazon and Ebay but yes I will go straight to the source and ask for the part number, thanks!
 

jwest

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Land Rover online sources like median or palm Beach or atlantic british and Rovers north. Super easy to get correct front air strut.

FYI: it’s called a strut when it’s a combined spring and damper. Spring is either steel coil or air bag, damper is what people call a shock. It dampens(slows) the up and down movements.

I have two that could be for sale now after upgrading to bilstein.
 

eckman

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Land Rover online sources like median or palm Beach or atlantic british and Rovers north. Super easy to get correct front air strut.

FYI: it’s called a strut when it’s a combined spring and damper. Spring is either steel coil or air bag, damper is what people call a shock. It dampens(slows) the up and down movements.

I have two that could be for sale now after upgrading to bilstein.


How do the Bistein's compare to the stock airbag?
 

bbyer

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Yeah that's what I figured. I've been looking at Amazon and Ebay but yes I will go straight to the source and ask for the part number, thanks!

As I presume you are new to your 3, you might want to look thru the various files I have collected re the air suspension system per the link below. I note that one has over five thousand views and another over four thousand, hence I guess others regard them of value as well.

Your 3 has what I call air springs - that means a balloon inside a "tin can" and thru which a conventional shock absorber runs down the centre. While one can replace the shock and reuse the other parts, it is normally best to replace the whole assembly. The oil that leaked out of the old shock had to be deposited somewhere - probably the inside of the rubber bladder.

Regarding parts, (any parts), I would stay away from eBay or Amazon.

They might work OK for a Chev, but for your 3, you need advice first, and then more importantly, the correct part. For a 3, that is not so routine. Used, I would purchase from people here on the forum; new from the likes of Atlantic British, BP Utah or Lucky 8 - those kind of sources as their people know Land Rovers.

The dealer, yes I purchase some parts from him here locally, but they know the newer vehicles better than the older units - also the prices are full retail - not always the best.

http://www.disco3.co.uk/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=3778


Delphi-Air-Module-HR front.jpg
 
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jwest

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As I presume you are new to your 3, you might want to look thru the various files I have collected re the air suspension system per the link below. I note that one has over five thousand views and another over four thousand, hence I guess others regard them of value as well.

You 3 has what I call air springs - that means a balloon inside a "tin can" and thru which a conventional shock absorber runs. While one can replace the shock and reuse the other parts, it is normally best to replace the whole assembly.

Regarding parts, (any parts), I would stay away from eBay or Amazon.

They might work OK for a Chev, but for your 3, you need advice first, and then more importantly, the correct part. For a 3, that is not so routine. Used, I would purchase from people here on the forum; new from the likes of Atlantic British, BP Utah or Lucky 8 - those kind of sources as their people know Land Rovers.

The dealer, yes I purchase some parts from him here locally, but they know the newer vehicles better than the older units - also the prices are full retail - not always the best.

http://www.disco3.co.uk/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=3778


View attachment 8177

There’s no reason whatsoever to not use amazon or eBay. You just have to know how to verify part numbers.

I got the Billstein on eBay or amazon (can’t recall) as well as control arms and other bits that either the usual suppliers had priced too high or not available.

For example, only place with the Meyle HD ball joint LCA was on eBay. The rover suppliers only still had the standard ball joint versions.

Parts are no different if properly researched for exact brand, model and number.
 

jwest

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How do the Bistein's compare to the stock airbag?

The air bag should be identical and irrelevant seeing as it’s for the damper that you buy Billstein.

It’s just a nicer feel to it, you could ask them what’s different from the standard OEM version they also sell.
 

Ian Morrison

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So I am having to replace my front left shock on my LR3 2005 and the mechanic says to make sure I find one that has an air bag but when I search for the front ones it won't show options for the frontal ones having airbags only the rear appear to have them and when you look into buying all four it will show the same thing-- front no airbags and rear with airbags. Am I just not looking right or do the frontal ones really don't have air bags?

Please Help
. Rimmer Brothers have everything you need Tel : 01522 568000.
It’s part no Genuine part: RSC500190
Or OEM : RSC500190P1
 

DPetty2994

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FWIW—often, when one goes out, the others aren’t too far behind.

May want to think long term/big picture and consider replacing all 4(may get a discount from your parts dealer)

OR—(maybe not a popular option by some)—get conventional shocks/struts and convert the air suspension over to something standard(read—cheaper to maintenance).

Just one option if you don’t utilize/aren’t married to air suspension.
 

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