Compressor cover damage

[dmcneive]

New to this site and owner of a 2008 LR3. There is a 1 inch crack in the compressor cover (full disclosure, I had the jack in the wrong place when changing a flat and didn't realize it until I started to lift and cracked the case) Now when I start the engine and the compressor does its thing the case makes an awful noise for about a minute. I'm sure it's from the crack, and the noise stops once the compressor finishes.

Can I simply remove the cover, un-displace the crack, put a strong adhesive on it, and put it back on? If so, any tricks to removing the case, and any other recommendations?

Thanks.

 

[bbyer]

Most likely broke the compressor mounting bracket.

Welcome to Land Rover ownership - I think you just initiated yourself. I believe that you have broken the aluminum air compressor mounting bracket. The crack in the plastic bottom cover just hides the real damage.

Other than a bit of money and fuss to replace the bracket, it is no big deal however and it is now time to start to learn about the air suspension anyway start to read up on the forums.

On one of the jpg's per the link below, you will see a new unbroken compressor bracket. Normally it is a tyre dealer that first breaks it, but either way, broken brackets are common to new owners.

http://www.disco3.co.uk/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=4138

 

[bbyer]

Link re replacement of compressor bracket

This is a good link re the joys of replacing the compressor bracket - more than you want know, and everything that you need to know.

http://www.lrrforums.com/showthread.php?17897-Compressor-Support-Bracket

Again, welcome to Land Roving.

 

[dmcneive]

Thanks for the info. One more question.

Again, I am a car neophyte but eager to learn. So if I want to take off the lower case and see the condition of the compressor bracket, I can just remove the 3 bolts, undo the 5 clips and take a look? I read about the nightmare of trying to remove and replace the compressor, and I am definitely not up for that. I just don't want to get into a situation where I remove the lower case and can't replace it. I'd like to have an idea what's going on inside before I take it to the dealer for an estimate.

Thanks again.

PS I don't have a lift, so anything will be done on my back with it in low terrain mode.

 

[dmcneive]

ok, so i removed the case and the bracket is NOT broken

the only problems I have found are, there is a crack in the case, which I realigned and superglued. One of the two bolt holes in the case had broken off, and was being held in place by the bolt. I have also adhesed that back to the case, will see if it holds. On the compressor itself, the aluminum bracket looks intact, but the large black washer holding it in place seems bent, and the rubber piece under the metal washer is a little displaced. I am going to removed the bolt holding the black washer, see if I can replace the rubber based on the pictures I have seen on this forum. See any problems with this?

Thanks

 

[bbyer]

Sounds like you are a winner.

By the looks of it, it would appear that you got the education but without the cost. That is a win.

You might want to drive around a bit with the bottom cover off just to prove that the noise is not there any longer. The rubber vibration dampers may shift back into position if the bolts are backed off somewhat.

Also while it sounds like you have the cover removal process figured out, keep in mind that the air suspension. The 3 can drop maybe a couple of inches down to the stops should the air release from the air springs. As to why it would release for no good reason, well it will for no good reason. As such, I suggest that you support the frame on a couple of axle jacks, (I like 6 ton as they tend not to tip over).

The link below is to some files I have on disco3. A couple of the files have pdf's with a lot of data and drawings detailing the air suspension system and how it works both electrically and mechanically.

http://www.disco3.co.uk/gallery/index.php?cat=15405

 

[dmcneive]

ongoing saga; it seems that the arm that extends from the

compressor, into which the lower 4mm bolt inserts through the grommit, is bent. The other lower rubber grommit (the cone shaped one) not longer articulates with its hole, and no amount of wrestling with it seems to align it. So while the bracket survived (which I take from reading these threads is a minor miracle), the compressor frame took some damage. I started the engine with the case off and it still rattles. My guess is the compressor would have to be removed and the frame bent back into place. Reading some of the horror stories on this site from those much more mechanically inclined than me makes me hesitant to give this a try. I'm sure the dealer can get this done in an hour. My hope is they don't tell me it must be replaced, because the compressor seems to be functioning fine.

 

[bbyer]

Dealer has lots of experience anyway.

Well if you end up with a new compressor, try to keep the old one as a parts source. You will have to purchase a new compressor sometime anyway and the newer ones are getting better. The replacement compressor is the current D4/LR4 compressor so that is the good news.

Regardless, the dealer has lots of experience with this sort of thing - just try to avoid the flat rate change out cost - they will do OK on the full list vs their cost increment.