The Under the Hood
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Dear Motor Medics, I have a 2005 Buick Lesabre and under the back of the vehicle there are what appears to be shock absorbers and they have air lines attached to them. They both are leaking what I assume is oil and I hear a noise that lasts for about four minutes each time I start the car. This noise used to last only about 10 seconds if it happened at all. I have several questions.
Does this mean the shocks are bad? Is the noise I hear the air compressor that fills the shocks?
Can I let it go for a while because it seems to still ride well?
How expensive is it to repair this problem?
Thank you, Gary, in Sheldon, Iowa Dear Gary, You have load-leveling shock absorbers in back which means they not only control the firmness of the ride but they level out the vehicle when extra weight is added to it.
When a shock leaks or the vehicle has excessive bounce, it is an indication of the need for replacement. Oil is used in the dampening of the shock and when it leaks out, the shock can no longer control the bounce compromising your safety.
If you leave the shocks the way they are, the compressor which you hear running will eventually burn out and be very expensive to fix.
These shocks are usually available at most parts stores for a reasonable price and take about one hour to replace.
Take care, The Motor Medics
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