1986-1992 Cadillac Eldorado Front Electronic Suspension Conversion Kit (CADF3)

The 1986-1992 Cadillac Eldorado is built with the following suspension components:

1986-1992 Cadillac Eldorado Shock Absorbers (x2)- a metal tubing filled with gas-charged hydraulic fluid that is connected to the wheel of a vehicle in order to reduce the effects of vertical travel on a rough surface which controls the bounciness, and therefore comfort, of a vehicle.

1986-1992 Cadillac Eldorado Electronic Air Struts (x2)- Coil springs hold the vehicle up but be careful, they are rated for and designed to work with the rest of the suspension system, so when you change air shocks to passive shocks, then you will need a different rated coil spring that works well with the new type of shocks.

1986-1992 Cadillac Eldorado Height Sensors (x2)- a linkage located near each wheel of a vehicle with any electronic suspension that, either mechanically or electronically, constantly measures the height of the vehicle, and reports this information back to the control module so that the computer can identify if changes in height need to be adjusted accordingly. The ride height sensor is a moving part, and like all moving parts, they will eventually wear out.

1986-1992 Cadillac Eldorado Air Lines- tubes that run from a compressor (air suspension) to the air struts which carry pressurized air to the air bags components in order to adjust the height of the vehicle, respectively.

1986-1992 Cadillac Eldorado Solenoids (x4)- usually L-shaped, these plastic components connect the electrical connection and lines of suspension components to the suspension control module on vehicles with active suspension. The solenoid regulates the air pressure for each air spring. Solenoids start to leak as they wear out causing the vehicle to sag or to lean. This will cause the ride height sensor to send a signal to activate the compressor in an attempt to inflate the air suspension and level out the vehicle. This excessive work load will eventually lead to total failure of the compressor.

1986-1992 Cadillac Eldorado Compressor- creates/sends pressurized to active suspension components. When the air suspension starts leaking, the compressor/pump starts working harder to try to keep the system inflated. By the time air suspension leaks down completely, sitting the vehicle on its tires, the compressor will either have failed or be well on its way to full failure. Buying replacement struts and taking the time to install them only to find out the compressor still needs to be replaced can be very frustrating, time-consuming, and expensive.

1986-1992 Cadillac Eldorado Dryer Assembly- used to keep moisture out of air lines and air springs in order to prevent freezing and internal cracking of these parts. Once air suspension starts leaking, moisture will build-up throughout the air system. Moisture damages the air suspension from the inside. The dryer will need to be replaced in order to eliminate the moisture and prevent any further damage.

1986-1992 Cadillac Eldorado Suspension Control Module- a computer which is responsible for the operations of the air suspension system and maintaining the vehicles correct ride height.

1986-1992 Cadillac Eldorado O-rings- Although they are the least expensive parts of the air suspension, they are responsible for maintaining the seal where all of the air lines connect. Be sure to replace the O-rings when repairing any air suspension system.

Look for these classic signs that indicate a failed or leaking air suspension system on the 1986-1992 Cadillac Eldorado. Early detection is the key to avoiding total failure. An inability of the Eldorado to maintain the proper ride height or any sudden height variance are major red flags. Height imbalances such as one sagging end, one inflated end, a shifting lean, or a “squatting” appearance are all signs that the suspension system has gone bad. If not fixed promptly, these imbalances will wear out the air compressor. A suspension warning light on the dashboard is also an obvious indicator of a failed suspension. The longer the Eldorado owner postpones a repair, the more expensive it will be.