Air Suspension Compressor Removal, Installation for 2007 - 2014 GM Tahoe Suburban Yukon Escalade

Electronic Air Suspension Compressor Removal and Installation
Video shows install of Dorman 949-001
Instructions are the same for Genuine GM 22941806, APDTY 050112, A1 Cardone 4J-0003C
For the models:
Cadillac Escalade
Cadillac Escalade ESV
Cadillac Escalade EXT
Chevrolet Avalanche
Chevrolet Suburban 1500
Chevrolet Tahoe
GMC Yukon
GMC Yukon XL 1500
Applies to years:
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14

[@MEL-lm5od]

finally a video that shows the complete removal including up by the gas filler and 3rd nut in the frame 👍

[@skippyp.nutbutter9815]

On your air hose connectors, just turn metal clip 90 degrees and it you can pull the hose right off. You never need to take the metal retainer completely off. May help prevent losing the clips. Great video! The first one I've seen that takes you all the way through the install.

[@kentdesautel5404]

Very helpful video.... I followed your steps and completed the job successfully. One tip I would like to offer is to use electrical tape to wrap around your socket wrench parts to keep them attached when you are working on that one hidden bolt. My socket came loose inside that cavity so I had to fish it out with a magnet.... and then I used the wrapped tape on my second attempt and it helped keep it from coming loose.

[@polizzi82]

Great idea!

[@laststopliquorstore5492]

Great video !! 👍🏼 good core memory for daughter helping 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@dawneberhard7718]

You really did a great job with this video, focusing the camera in on the small parts, connectors, etcetera. I've never seen anybody actually film the inner workings of one of those p.i.t.a. plastic wire assembly clips. I always struggle with those. Your filming was great, your descriptions were great (even the ones you made up!), and your instructions were great. Fine video.

[@hatcher2262]

This video was succinctly done. Most of the time people wanna tell jokes as if we click on the video for a comedy show and the video takes forever. Not sure who gave thumbs down...but I would love to see them produce a better video or something like a quick tutorial, with diagrams. The added bonuses were breaking down the steps that needed special attention. Impressive!

[@polizzi82]

Thanks 12Hatcher23, I appreciate the comment :)

[@MrGnikco]

Just used your video to replace my compressor and shocks. 2 hours start to finish. Thanks for sharing!

[@SuperStratus1]

Great video explaining the installation - I have a 2011 Suburban and had no problem putting in the new Dorman compressor I got on Amazon. Thanks for taking the time to post and offer the extent of detail - great job! I saved almost $800 from the dealer quote.

[@christianmajor2054]

Appreciate the video. I have an '07 Avalanche LTZ and the grinding is horrific. Been putting off the fix, but after seeing this, I definitely want to get it done because it looks so easy now! Thanks again!

[@trainingwheels1408]

Great Video ! You covered everything that the others left out, and you did it without a lot of rambling or foul language. Thank you for posting this video and helping out a lot of people. Much better than the A1Auto vid.

[@samsen201]

This is the best demonstration of this repair job on KZbin. What a shame that about 60K people have viewed but only about 540 thumbs upped, even less, 431 has subscribe. You deserve a lot more subscribers and attention as your content is VERY RICH. I've confidence in saving big time, listening and following what you show so clearly. Cheers and blessing to you and your family.

[@polizzi82]

Thanks Sem Sen :)

[@markyoung4922]

You and Zoey rock, Dude. Heading out on a trip with the wife pulling our camper in a couple of days and this blasted thing is going out. Was going to take it to a shop tomorrow, but I do have an hour or two to spare tomorrow night before we leave. After seeing this I think I'll give it a shot tomorrow night if I can find the compressor locally. The only thing I will be lacking at that point is the ability to pull off that awesome goatee. Thanks for the great video - very detailed and managed to get in all the 'gotchas'.

[@theconsultrepreneur]

Thanks for this video, I was able to do this myself and saved over $500 not having to use my mechanic!!

[@matthewdickerson8648]

This was an awesome video. Helped me through the entire process. The electrical disconnection was the hardest part as mine did not pivot and release. One thing I would add is to put some dielectric grease on the electrical plug face to slow down any water corrosion. I also followed my installation up with replacement of the OEM shocks and that was a PITA on the passenger side. Thanks for the video.

[@6301rb]

I think it's great that you have such a good helper. Keep up the good work Zoey!

[@robjovel5298]

I needed this. Just replaced the suspension to aftermarket, but just left the compressors attached and they kept doing this. Thank you

[@BCola2978]

You guys did a great job. Especially Zooey! I have a lil girl too bout the same age and she too is right there with me when I do stuff like this!! Nice to see an avg guy get it done!

[@javierg3671]

OMG this was way better than the doorman video , very specific wish everyone di the videos this way life would be so much easier , thank you this is on my to do list tomorrow

[@edwinkim8223]

Good video, knocked it out pretty quick with shocks. You can get to the compressor a little easier if you are replacing the driver side shock when removing inner fender lining. Especially that connector! Video was super helpful!

[@lexanausa]

Great instruction. I installed mine on my Escalade in about 40 minutes thanks to your tips and diligence in explaining the process. Excellent job. My next issue is now that I have installed the new compressor, I must have some other issue as the compressor will not fire up. Both fuses look fine, I've been reading it could be some relay. Going to start finding trouble shooting videos for that. Thanks again for doing such an awesome tutorial!

[@bobwilliams22]

John Reynolds try disconnecting the battery for a few minutes to reset the censors. There are a few things to look at. Ride height censors and wheel speed censors could be bad. The Car Doctor has a video that explains these.

[@msmudduck44]

THIS IS AWESOME!!! Thanks for the great, detailed, easy to follow video!!!! We can now fix our Avalanche!!!!

[@willemjanssen7297]

Very good instruction video; i live in Holland and i have the same problem with my Escalade, and despite there are no good Cadillac dealers in Holland, who can help me, your video was very helpful!! Thank you.

[@happymeal6781]

This was the best video ever. It was very helpful and I thank you sharing.

[@joshniehaus3303]

Amazing Video! Great detail at all the crucial parts. LOL about the part that was a PITA. This helps me out a lot

[@dakeen1974]

Excellent video. Local shop literally tried to charge me $1000 bucks to replace that compressor.

[@yogi799]

I used your video, thanks. It allowed me to turn off my brain for a bit and just follow more or less what you did. One major difference in how I did it was I took the wheel off (and before I did, I did not use my ramps as that ride sits high enough). Anyhow, taking the wheel off gives much better access to the shock connector and the compressor unit itself - you can actually see its top side which helps a lot. Also, I ended up having to disconnect the battery anyway to reset the suspension error message, so in other words - save yourself the trouble of pulling the fuse, just go for the negative post right away if you have an error like i did (my old pump was dead).

[@ktarchinski]

Love this video and your comments! Great Job!

[@laschell59]

I've an 06 Lincoln Navigator limited and mine is in the front, your video is well positioned and instructed. THANK You. I make videos for my SUV as well. Sun roofs, and other items. Now I'm curious that my compressor makes a louder sound but always works. My front bag is going out.. boy they made it difficult for comfort. Thank DYI Girl here

[@chadbaker4403]

Man oh man, GREAT video!! Super detailed job. Thank you much!!

[@mrdeanv4414]

Awesome video! Thank you... I'm gonna be doing this exact same job to my 07 Ext Escalade very soon..

[@whiskeytangopapa1232]

I like your movie references. They earned you a like and a half.

[@terryslay1]

Great video and very helpful. Your daughter is precious!

[@mrdeanv4414]

Hi...! I live in Hamlin Tx and I just wanted to tell you Thank you very much for doing the video on the air ride compressor change out... I have 07 Ext Escalade and it was exactly the same... again Thank You..!

[@bobjack8007]

Excellent, description and camera view. Thanks

[@winnyhawk]

Dude I love the video. Great job I am replacing mine in a few days on a 2008 suburban ltz

[@cvitko320]

Great video. I will be attempting same repair today.

[@mikesoroka6942]

Thanks, saved a few bucks . Generally simple , but rusted bolts and stubborn electrical connection made my fix longer than most . Working fine now.

[@polizzi82]

Congrats Mike. You're very welcome. Please 'Like' and 'Subscribe' for more tutorials. :)

[@kayroq11]

Thanks for this video! You gave me the courage to fix this compressor myself. If I had this done at a dealership, it would have cost $518 for the part and $316 for the labor (I had to know, so I called and inquired at my dealership). So, that's $834 bucks.... I paid $166 on Amazon. What a savings. And it's a great feeling knowing I fixed it myself!

[@GoatGirl314]

Thanks for the video. I'm going to be tackling this on my Avalanche LTZ soon.

[@polizzi82]

Good luck. It's an intimidating job but it is pretty straightforward. Before you know it you'll be done and saved hundreds of dollars. You're very welcome. Please 'Like' and 'Subscribe' for more tutorials. :)

[@rkafulani]

Love the money shot. Thank you

[@henrywantstofish]

This has been added to my list of things to do on my 2011 Yukon Denali Sport. I bought it used and I knew that sound was my air ride, but haven't been under it enough due to monsoon season, work and homework to know that the compressor was going. Thanks for the video.

[@jaysom2240]

holyshit what a great video. by far the best i found on this part.

[@samr1275]

Great video. To purge air from the air suspension, you need a scanner tool to open the vent valves. Of course, before disconnecting the battery/fuse.

[@michaelgriffin1620]

Very nicely done. Very impressive.

[@JasonfromMinnesota]

great video outstanding tips and teaching

[@RealAlLePage]

Good job by you and Zoey!

[@spencerpeterson2211]

Excellent Video!!

[@angelmaldonado3533]

Awesome tutorial video. Thank you for this. Subscribing to your page right now

[@sergioortega8464]

Thank you brother good video 👍🏼

[@henrywashington7893]

Thanks! Very helpful!

[@petemoffatt1641]

Thanks brother you answered the questions I had

[@FirstLast-we8cb]

Great video!

[@nav5897]

Thanks for sharing great 👍 knowledge

[@DobermanLover]

Lifesaver!!! Thanks for the detailed how to 😎

[@b8rlow]

Great video, you're a life saver.

[@polizzi82]

Thanks Barlows :) Please 'Like' and 'Subscribe' for more tutorials.

[@burnslamable]

Helpful video. Thanks for sharing!

[@polizzi82]

Glad to hear. You're very welcome. Please 'Like' and 'Subscribe' for more tutorials. :)

[@mujjuman]

excellent video

[@SQTierHog]

Thanks brother!

[@davidcournoyer1837]

amazing video thank you

[@durellpinkard3577]

👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽 Thanks brother! Great video!

[@BighitFiftySix]

Thanks Bro!!!! Your camera Shots and explanations were AMAZING 😁!!!! I even understood P.I.T.A (Pain In The Ass🤣) ancroymn for that Barb clip that hangs up the vent line!!!! 👊 appreciate Ya!!! I have and 07 Tahoe same exact set up.... With your help.... the install was a BREEEZE💨😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎

[@polizzi82]

I can be slow to fully grasp concepts so I try to 'dumb it down' to my level :D Glad to hear it!

[@user-je3hb1nu8j]

Great job man I got Tahoe and that sounds came out from the Air suspension and it’s really annoying Thanks again....

[@seahil]

Great vid and thanks a ton for all the help!

[@blueresendez]

I will be using this video because my 10’ escalade is giving me a service suspension system on my dash !!! Wish me luck!!!

[@polizzi82]

*luck sent* :)

[@lexanausa]

How did the install go on the Escalade? I'm getting ready to tackle it tonight. Great video.

[@JasonfromMinnesota]

good luck

[@antavalos3544]

Really good video 👍🏼

[@polizzi82]

Thanks Ant :)

[@collinsmetro]

Well made video

[@polizzi82]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@phylipraphael9870]

Thanks, great vid super informative

[@polizzi82]

You're welcome, hope it helped

[@Giroux68]

Office space style!

[@kekoakuhia545]

Great video! That little plastic fastener thing (you called a jerk in the video) is REALLY hard to get off. I wonder if there are any tricks to removing one-way fasteners like that.

[@favoritasdegeorge]

thanks hi to Zey!

[@stever7638]

Great video, thanks! Did you include the sound of the pump inflating the shocks once replaced? Was it dead silent or some noise? Mine makes noise but nothing like yours when it was shot. Thanks again!

[@dadecountyriders]

Awesome video thanks man I don’t have heat that awful noise

[@InfantryGeek]

Amazon has a video on how to properly install the pump. of course its the -099 and not the -001 so not sure if the video was on that ad but it says the vehicle tires should be off the ground before you start this project. Said you should use a diagnostic tool to pump up the air suspension then run the vehicle for a minute off the ground before letting the tires touch the ground. Great video though. Very detailed installation. I am getting the check suspension message every once in a while on my vehicle. Thinking it could be the pump. it comes and goes every few weeks. Might be a loose connection on the wiring harness though because I saw over the winter ice buildup on the harness and pulling it down under the vehicle. What are your thoughts?

[@keithredmore9473]

Good video - thank you. Is your Dorman compressor still running ok?

[@myraa1143]

Thank you for sharing! My compressor was making that noise I tought it was normal until I recently notice I wouldn't hear it anymore. I think it gave out. Time to fix it now

[@DeanSoloGuitarist]

I just had mine replaced with this brand you used and had someone else install as I have a disability. But after they were done, I still “hear” the compressor and wondering did my people not install it right or what causes it to be silent vs hearing it?

[@sarobinson56]

Ok, great job, bud. Am ready to address this continuously running pump issue on my Denali. Seems like we need to inspect the shock boots first to make sure they hold air, right? Pump bearings do wear out of course, so the pump replacement comes next, does that make sense?

[@owenno51]

Thanks you for making a good video. I was able to do it very easily with your help

[@mujjuman]

my pump makes the sound for like 2 seconds or so before getting quiet. is it still good or does it need replacement? idk these cars very well, i just bought it!

[@jessemartinez4601]

Great video but I noticed the pump was running continuously but your air shock boots are torn so the pump wouldn't build pressure anyway and the pump won't stop running with those torn

[@lapingadeldifunto2798]

the air compressor has worked without problems ?

[@jeffreyjones3202]

Sooo do you still have the suburban? And how did you reset the service suspension code after install? Great video btw

[@jasons4586]

Any updates on the Dorman compressor? thanks

[@derrekpeele6279]

I'm not getting any message at all. My compressor works but, rearend is down. I did get a service brakes message, but that cleared out. I'm thinking maybe a sensor wire is grounded out. Any ??? Help would be great.

[@r.t.1942]

great video but i did notice you need new air shocks , youll just burn up the new pump

[@jdjernigan222]

Pro tip: put the retaining clips on the air lines before you push them back on to their connections, they will literally just click on when you push them on

[@AdrianPerez-kq3jy]

great video!!! question..... after being replaced, should you hear it ? at least for a couple of seconds?? please advise... thanks

[@jgjg3848]

You'll should always hear the compressor when the air bags are filling up and raising up the back end.

[@cpljarhead11]

I see you replaced this part 4 1/2 years ago. Have you had any issues with it since you replaced it? Is it still functioning properly? Great Video BTW! Much more info than most how to vids have making the little things much easier to understand. Thanks! Also do you have an affiliate link to buy the part with?

[@polizzi82]

There ended up being a leaking air shock so I ended up keeping the fuse pulled to save the new compressor. Within a couple months the wife moved out and traded it way upside down for a used Prius. Problem solved!!

[@Chukers]

I have a bad compressor... I am assuming the shocks are full of air... does anyone know how to bleed the air from the shocks?

[@haithamali74]

Why there are 7 wires connected to AC??

[@RichNickel]

Can anyone give a recommendation on a good replacement choose? I ordered some last summer AC Delco's from Amazon. With in a few months they rattle like crazy. Every bump they speak. My compressor never comes on that I know of now. So apparently the original shocks were leaking. Is their a way to test the compressor to make sure its coming on? Just pull the air line off one of the shocks? Thanks in advance.

[@polizzi82]

Sounds like your shocks may have a leak which will burn the compressor out within months. You may want to look into a conversion kit to avoid the repeated air shock failures. The air shocks and pump seem to have a finite life.

[@RichNickel]

@@polizzi82 I dont have a service light for the suspenstion on the dash. Removed one of the air hoses with the Yukon running. Still nothing. I think something with the eyelets is wrong.

[@CedarPass]

Hate to say this to ya 'cause it will cost an arm (no legs, though)...but your driver side rear shock boot is blown. No amount of air will compensate for the blown boot...which is supposed to capture/hold the air once pumped into the shock. I had the same problem, btw. Good video, nonetheless.

[@polizzi82]

Thanks Jeff... Ya it seems to be over-stressing the pump trying to keep pump it up - I pulled the fuse until the 'car-fix money' budget gets replenished :/

[@CedarPass]

Good to know. I bought mine (rear left/right) on Amazon and it appears they have come down in price about 75 to 100 dollars (I purchased in ~ Oct 2016). So that's good news. Here's the link, but double check your RPO codes in the glove box to ensure a match: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014VZLKJY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Also, something I use to ensure matched parts is the following site - put in your make/model/year etc. and you get parts diagrams and specific GM part numbers (I've ordered from them too when I couldn't find it on Amazon or desired an OEM part from AC Delco): www.newgmparts.com/auto-parts/2007/gmc/yukon/denali-trim/6-2l-v8-gas-engine

[@dudrija82]

How do you know they are blown by looking at them? What should we look for?

[@mrTminer]

Look for a big hole in the Air Shocks!

[@pbear216]

BTW, the compressor you replaced was just fine. Your shock needs replaced.

[@hpcerttechguy833]

The compressor was loud because the bearings failed. It failed due to the stress of bad shocks. Wife since split and traded it for a Prius so 2 problems solved lol

[@AlanTrades]

How do you know it was the air compressor and not the shocks?

[@polizzi82]

Could be both. If the shocks are bad they'll burn out your new pump. Make sure you pull the fuse until you can replace the shocks if you find that's the case (saving your new pump).

[@dewaynemiguel5695]

Sounds like a air leak it's not suppose to keep running check your air lines or shocks

[@harmando39]

I changed my shocks on a 2002 tahoe from air shocks to regular anyone knows how to disable the code ?

[@jessemartinez4601]

They sell simple resistors that act like the shock is still installed therefore turning off the light or dash message

[@JasonfromMinnesota]

the car doctor out of alaska says there’s a dummy plug to make the computer get a good to go code

[@byronbiller1858]

you mention the need to purge air from system, this is done using a scan tool apparently. came across this point watching another video kzbin.info/www/bejne/epu1m6lrprenbKc

[@stanleytolle416]

Hay, go to a junk yard and find a replacement. 10 bucks or so.