Replacing An Air Suspension Compressor on an Escalade Tahoe Yukon Suburban 2007-2014

The air suspension compressor on my 2008 Cadillac Escalade was making a very loud sound when it ran it it seemed to run more often for a lot longer than it used to. I suspected an a leak from the piston in the compressor. In this video I go step by step on how to replace the air compressor with an aftermarket Dorman 949-001 Suspension Air Compressor to replace GM Part #20930288. I got this for $160 from Amazon as a full plug and play replacement.
This should be the same for a Tahoe Yukon Suburban Avalanche from 2007-2014.
This is for the Cadillac ESV, EXT, GMC Yukon XL, etc.
This should be similar for all cars, but the Escalade shares a lot with a Tahoe, Suburban, Silverado, Denali, and several other GM vehicles.
Tools required:
Needle Nose Pliers
13 MM Deep Socket with 6 inch Extension
Screwdriver or Trim Pry Tool
Large Zip Tie
Rust Penetrating Spray (optional)
Compressor:
Dorman 949-001 Suspension Air Compressor to replace GM Part #20930288
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Cost effective Alternate part link:
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Rough Country 2" Lift Kit Compatible w/ 2010-2017 Jeep Patriot 4WD Suspension System 66501
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Comment or DM me with any questions.
Though I try my best to do a lot of research, Any Do It Yourself Tutorials are made with no guarantees as to correctness or safety. I or KZbin are not responsible for any loss or damages. Proceed at your own risk.
I am signed up as an Amazon Associate. If you decide to take on a project you can can help support my channel by buying parts and tools through the links provided in my description. It's not much, but every little bit helps.

[@crustygrandpa9833]

Great video, installed in my 2005 EXT I was going to take it to the dealership but after watching the video I installed it myself. thanks for sharing

[@OmarsGarage]

Glad to know it’s the same on the early model Trucks.

[@xnadave]

I just finished replacing the rear shocks and compressor on my '07 Escalade. This video was incredibly helpful - I'd not have found that hole on the frame rail for getting to the left-most nut on the compressor. Thanks!

[@OmarsGarage]

Love to see this video is still helping a lot of folks. Thanks for the comment.

[@thatboywoody7]

Just knocked mine out on my Denali. You're video made it easy as could be. 20 mins, done.

[@OmarsGarage]

Nice 👍

[@justsaved3876]

Excellent video, I have a 2007 Cadillac Escalade Esv, and my air ride pump & air shocks just went out, and getting ready to buy the pump & shocks set...This video was very helpful

[@OmarsGarage]

Thanks. Hope you get your Escalade back to top top shape. 👍

[@snostream5123]

Thank you! great video. Helped me replace mine.

[@yusefmorris2898]

Thanks your instructions were perfect

[@JeffLyle]

nice job... this is my project for today. Thanks for the instructions!

[@OmarsGarage]

Let me know how it turns out. 👍

[@JeffLyle]

@@OmarsGarage we replaced the rear shocks as well. our compressor was a little different because we had to reuse some factory lines. But the work was simple and straight forward with your help. Took us about an hour to do the whole thing with shocks. Thanks again Omar!

[@OmarsGarage]

@@JeffLyle another satisfied customer 👍 Appreciate the comment. 🙏

[@georgequintanilla3629]

Great video

[@mrdeanv4414]

Good job and good video... Thank you!

[@OmarsGarage]

Thanks!

[@viper200075]

Nice clean job....

[@OmarsGarage]

Thanks 👍

[@JOHNNYBOY92147]

NICE JOB

[@cordis1973]

Спасибо, дорогой! Все отлично видно и понятно, удачи!

[@OmarsGarage]

cordis1973 not sure what it says, but thank you for commenting. Hoping the video helped you out!

[@kaibintech]

Great video!

[@OmarsGarage]

Thanks!

[@rayg3074]

good job

[@nav5897]

Nice job

[@OmarsGarage]

Nav thanks!

[@orlandopadron7520]

Awesome, thanks bro

[@OmarsGarage]

Thanks for the comment. Don’t forget to like the videos 👍

[@mujjuman]

amazing!!!

[@OmarsGarage]

Thanks!

[@waltermcclure3504]

The shock had a pin hole that caused the original compressor to lock up after installing the new checked all fuses and relays it has power to the compressor just doesn’t come on.

[@larrytemen4789]

It’s easier to fully remove the bolts and then leave the new ones loose for the slotted holes.

[@Mr921kevin]

Can you be the FIRST ON YOU TUBE to make a VIDEO ON HOW TO REMOVE the SPEEDOMETER or CLUSTER on your ESCALADE?THANK YOU.

[@OmarsGarage]

Keavion sorry but the Escalade is gone. Subscribe to the channel to see what replaces it.

[@vicpeel6093]

Thank You - spot on video.

[@OmarsGarage]

Vic Peel thanks for your feedback. 👍

[@c5back9]

Ok, well firstly, kudos to you for taking it on and seeing it through to completion. Nice going! Going forward, I suggest removing expensive watches and various jewelry prior to turning wrenches so your valuables aren’t accidentally ruined.

[@OmarsGarage]

I’m more worried about my knuckles than my watch lol. Since you are about the third person to mention my watch...I will try to remember to take it off next time 😆 Thanks for the kudos.

[@c5back9]

LOL, I know all about that knuckle rash old buddy. My thumb sometimes gets in the way of a hammer too. Ouch!

[@germanrodriguez8653]

Hello, I just recently replaced the air compressor and I want to know on how can I tell if tje motor is working or not.

[@OmarsGarage]

The air compressor usually kicks on about 30 seconds after you start the car. You should here it running every time and then stop.

[@Mr921kevin]

Do you think you can do a VIDEO on how to remove the SPEEODMETER CLUSTER ON a 2007-20014 ESCALADE?THANKS

[@OmarsGarage]

It should be very similar to this video as they are built on the same platform. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZa6mquZr8ydo68 but to remove the center panel take a look t this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpDUhKSPiJJsrK8

[@kosimak32]

I just installed brand new rear shocks ,I noticed my left shock has air and the right shock looks tucked in the compressor kicks but I don’t know if there’s enough pressure putting in the right shock when I unplug the air line from the tucked shock and turn on my car ,the air is very light what can it be ?

[@OmarsGarage]

Did you replace the air lines when you replaced the shocks? Also did you make sure the electrical connectors are all snapped in all the ways both shocks?

[@kosimak32]

Omar's Garage yes everything is all snapped in , I didn’t replace the air lines , could it be from the air line or height sensor ? Do u have an email I can send u the pictures

[@OmarsGarage]

Prince G [e-mail]

[@thegoodwood76]

My 04 has 168,000 Miles and the dash say check air suspension. The air compressor doesn't come on. Do you think I need to get the whole kit or just the air compressor with that kind of mileage? Also should that code clear itself after installing a compressor?

[@OmarsGarage]

MattTheGoodWood have you checked the fuse for the air compressor. You may have a fuse out.

[@thegoodwood76]

Not yet I'll check the one inside and the one in the engine bay first thing in the morning. Thanks for the reply. Good thinking hopefully it's one of them

[@SIDHU_514]

I have no msg on screen but i just found that my shocks air bags are flat i dont know how to find out if my air compressor gone or other problem because theres no suspension valve msg on screen and i figure out that my compressor not making any sound may i know how can i check if i need new air compressor

[@OmarsGarage]

Most times if the compressor is not working you will have a fuse that has blown. Check your fuses first, if the fuses are good then it could be that your compressor has gone bad. The compressor should always do a self test and run about 30 seconds after you turn the car on. If the truck is older then it may be worth changing out the compressor regardless as they are known to go bad with time.

[@SIDHU_514]

Omar's Garage thank you ill check it this weekend and if not ill change the compressor thanks for giving the proper info for installation

[@williampedraza8993]

How much dies the air compressor lift the back like an inch or what?

[@OmarsGarage]

The air compressor maintains the shocks at a certain level and will fill them with more to compensate for a heavy load. So if you put a bunch of people in the rear it will start running to level out the suspension. Since I never had the shocks totally without air I can’t really say how much from 0 it raises the back.

[@user-hf9yn5eh5q]

When you changed out the pump did you Eva changed the shocks at anytime

[@OmarsGarage]

No, my shocks never leaked.

[@AKaBig]

When coming to a stop mine, kind of rattles, shakes, or kinda jerks. Also now when I’m driving it’s somewhat of a humming noise. I’ve changed power steering fluids because I noticed that noise was coming. It’s gone but I’m still hearing a different hum

[@OmarsGarage]

To me it sounds like you may need new brake rotors. But it couldn’t one of many things.

[@AKaBig]

@@OmarsGarage was recently told it was my front axel carrier. Found one at a salvage for $500 🥲😂

[@logman42]

Fuel pump

[@AKaBig]

@@logman42 would that be a reason my gas shoots back out when filling up ?

[@logman42]

@@AKaBig possible

[@willroth8822]

Do you need to depressurize the shocks prior to changing the compressor?

[@OmarsGarage]

Not sure if it’s a required step but I didn’t when I changed my air compressor.

[@tonyb2190]

Question? Where you getting a service suspension system on the dmc? And after changing out the compressor, did it automatically clear the message?

[@OmarsGarage]

I never got an error message. I changed mine because it was getting really loud when running and it was running all the time.

[@tonyb2190]

@@OmarsGarage I've changed my compressor out with a Arnott compressor, it kicks in for about 4 seconds then cut off. I still have a service suspension system on my DCM on my dash. Try to reset by disconnecting the battery for 30 minutes to reset the computer but I'm still getting the same error message. Heading to the dealership to follow up

[@OmarsGarage]

@@tonyb2190 yeah, it is supposed to cut on every time you start the car. Please share when you resolve the issue for others that may be in the same situation 👍

[@tonyb2190]

@@OmarsGarage went to the dealership Saturday and they ran a diagnostic. The codes came up as C0580 R front actuator circuit open, C0585 L front actuator circuit open circuit, C0660 Level control Exhaust valve circuit short to ground, C0711 Level control air pressure sensor malfunction. Prior to me going to the dealership I replaced the air suspension pump. They said I had a bad pump which I explained I just installed a new one prior to coming to the shop. Waiting of Arnott to reply to the information I sent them.

[@OmarsGarage]

Yeah, I used the one in the link in my description. In general, I’ve had pretty good luck with Dorman...they also made the door lock actuator.

[@goatslayer85]

So that connector you took off on 6:00, what does it actually do up there? It doesn't seem like it's connected to anything at all other than the fasteners. I am needing to replace the compressor soon so I'm trying to get as much information as possible before tackling this project.

[@OmarsGarage]

Jean Christmas that is a breather valve for the air compressor. It will take air in from up there. The reason it’s up high is so that if you are in a puddle of water it won’t suck in air.

[@goatslayer85]

@@OmarsGarage ooooo ok! So it doesn't connect to anything, it just sucks in air. I got it. Thank you for your help good sir, your video is giving me the confidence to do this myself.

[@OmarsGarage]

Yeah it’s really not that difficult but you may have to give it a couple good taps to break through the Rudy if it’s been on there for a while.

[@goatslayer85]

@@OmarsGarage Another question if I may. I just recently purchased my 09 and I'm not sure if the compressor needs to be changed. When I start the vehicle I hear that noise yours has at the end of the video when you start the vehicle. Does that noise mean I have to change it out, or does it mean it's working fine?

[@goatslayer85]

I mean the grindy noise at the very end?

[@marioq478]

So I got a 08 Cadillac Escalade, I got 2 new rear struts and compressor (all comes in a kit) from A1auto. So the struts went on fine and then compresor went in fine. A code pops up as “service airbags” so tI put the old one back on and it runs and code was clear. Now they sent me another one (let me keep the old one) and no codes pop up but it don’t turn on. And again put the old one back in and everything works good. What would you do?

[@OmarsGarage]

So what you are saying is that the old compressor works but neither the first compressor they sent you or the second compressor works? If the old compressor works when most likely whatever they are sending you is not compatible or defective. There’s a link in the description for the exact replacement I used on mine. When you put in the old air compressor are the air bags filling up?

[@marioq478]

So yes both compressors they have sent me have not worked 1st one code pops up and 2nd does nothing. And yes the old OEM one works good and fills the bags good. It’s just that the kit came with the shocks and compressor and thought that I’d be good to Change it out to a new compressor. Thanks for the help!!!!

[@OmarsGarage]

Mario q sounds like you have received two bad compressors. I would send it back and ask for a refund for the compressor or explain the situation and hope the the third compressor does the trick.

[@doloreshaefele7789]

I had a mine replaced and my truck still feel bouncy when I hit bumps in the road. I also had my shocks replaced. Any idea what the cause can be?

[@OmarsGarage]

On the front Amd the rear?

[@jwill9877]

Check for broken stabilizer links. It will ride like a tank of ones broken

[@OmarsGarage]

I replaced the stabilizer links as well I’m another video kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6uQYYejo8Z5gJY

[@waltermcclure3504]

I did the step as shown but my compressor doesn’t come on any suggestions?

[@OmarsGarage]

Have you check the fuse for the compressor? Was the compressor working before you replaced it?

[@MrRandali]

Walter, if the shock didn’t hold air because of the pinhole it could have caused The compressor to continue to try filling it, long beyond The few minutes it’s meant to run. This may have burned it out. It is, I’m afraid, a common reason for this Replacement. I hope that helps

[@stretchrules2793]

I got a quick question and I hope you can help me or somebody. I have a 2007 Tahoe LTZ had that grinding sound coming from the compressor so I changed both rear shocks and compressor but now after about 5 months after changing I'm having a problem with my battery going dead. MY question is can the compressor drain the battery and if so why or why do you think? I never had this problem until I changed the compressor and the shocks and I've had the truck for about 7 years. P.S. the battery is somewhat new to it's still under warranty change about 12 months ago

[@OmarsGarage]

Is the battery draining overnight or is it something that happens over a couple days. It could be the alternator is going bad. I don’t see how replacing the compressor would be causing this unless the new one was faulty. If it’s overnight that the battery drains you could try pulling the fuse for the compressor so that you can rule it out. If you pull the fuse and the battery still goes dead then you can rule out the compressor. Checkout my video where I replaced the battery on my Porsche. It will show you how to check your battery. Make sure the battery darling 12.7 volts and then you can also check to see if the alternator is running by checking the voltage while the car is on.

[@stretchrules2793]

Over night but I definitely fix the problem what it was was once the battery went dead the first time and just never had enough juice so I had to keep jumping it and it would go there so this is happening to you or anybody else recharge the battery at AutoZone Pep Boys whatever you have make sure you clean your terminals your battery up and it should be fixed

[@stretchrules2793]

@@OmarsGarage i fixed it

[@OmarsGarage]

Glad to hear you got it sorted out.

[@stretchrules2793]

@@OmarsGarage thst make 2 of us lol thanks

[@PlayaflyJoe27]

Did you replace your rear shocks on your Escalade before? If so, which ones did you use?

[@OmarsGarage]

playaflyJOE27 I haven’t replaced the rear shocks. It doesn’t seem like they have leaked. The truck has 103,000 miles now.

[@PlayaflyJoe27]

Omar's Garage lucky you. I have to replace mine and I only have 79,000 on my 2010

[@OmarsGarage]

playaflyJOE27 what symptoms are you having? Is the truck leaning to one side? Or is the air compressor running non stop?

[@PlayaflyJoe27]

Omar's Garage whenever I hit a railroad track or bump in the road I feel it more in the rear of the escalade than I do in the front. I actually don't feel anything in the front. It's just the rear that feels rough

[@OmarsGarage]

playaflyJOE27 ahh ok. Thanks for sharing. Hope you get it resolved.

[@richardfoster2600]

Will this air compressor make the check engine light and stabilitrak light come on

[@OmarsGarage]

I don’t think it would but I never had that happen. Is the air compressor not running. Normally it will turn on and Ron for like 20 seconds every time you start the car.

[@richardfoster2600]

@@OmarsGarage it's some kinda of noise that turn on every 20 second if the truck is on park. Sounds like something is turning on and off. It could be the traction control.

[@OmarsGarage]

Richard Foster if you look at the video you will see that the compressor is located in the rear on the drivers side. If the noise is coming from there every 20 seconds it could be that you have a leak in the air shocks or the compressor.

[@richardfoster2600]

Ok I was wondering because I been trying to track down why this light keep coming on. When I drive the light turn off. Just brought the truck used. So I'm trying to replace pretty much everything sense the parts are pretty cheap.

[@OmarsGarage]

Richard Foster have you checked to see if the brake fluid level is low? That also causes the stabilitrak message. Check out this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYfUd6GEpMqrjpI

[@messinaconstruction]

What size ratchet nut remover do you need

[@OmarsGarage]

Tom Messina 13mm deep socket with 6 inch extension. Everything you need including links to the parts are in the description btw. 👍

[@markgarcia5417]

Did you have to discount the battery while you did this install

[@OmarsGarage]

It’s been a while but I don’t believe I did. Just make sure not to put the key in the ignition while working on the car.

[@OmarsGarage]

In general though it’s not a bad idea to take the extra 2 minutes to disconnect the negative battery terminal. I especially disconnect when I’m working on anything tied to an air bag like a steering wheel, door panels, seats, etc.

[@kevins5268]

So is there a compressor for each shock?

[@OmarsGarage]

No, it’s one compressor for all the shocks.

[@kevins5268]

@@OmarsGarage any programming required or just disconnect the battery? 2015 escalade

[@OmarsGarage]

@@kevins5268 I would just disconnect the battery. No programming required.

[@kevins5268]

@@OmarsGarage thanks boss!

[@ryanpalmer7854]

How did you purge the air from the system?

[@OmarsGarage]

I didn’t have to complete any other steps other than replacing the compressor as shown in the video.

[@ryanpalmer7854]

Omar's Garage did you get a service stabilitrak and service traction control message after you replaced it? I also replaced both shocks. Everything is functioning perfect tho still those two messages

[@OmarsGarage]

No not at all... is this something that was on before you replaced them? Also low brake fluid can also trigger those warnings. I have a video on my channel regarding that. Try topping off the brake fluid reservoir just in case.

[@ryanpalmer7854]

Omar's Garage no they were not on, the only warning that was on was “service suspension system” and that went away immediately. I’ll try the brake fluid tho thank you.

[@MrRandali]

Hi, I can pass along that someone told me that removing the negative battery cable for some 5 minutes will reset those warnings

[@louisgreenberg5384]

why are you wearing a watch

[@OmarsGarage]

It helps me tell time.

[@josehernandezs6043]

Kitate ese pinche relog no te dega ni trabajar ,,,

[@OmarsGarage]

Ya no uso ese...compre un Casio.

[@jamesjohnbanksroth6622]

I would not let this fool work on my. He didn't check for leeks from the entire pneumatic line system with soap and spray bottle you didn't check to see if the airbags were leaking you didn't show how far the system is to raise the vehicle and you didn't show what the other components her on the side of the cylinder and it solenoid create to shut off points with no back for sure can come into the pump and the component is reminded on the shoulder of the pump is the release valve to release pressure on the pump so that it can start easily again the regular orange after his installation he didn't check the airbags to see if they're retaining air or leaking air he didn't show the car elevated himself from the shock absorber equalizer pump coming on obviously doesn't know what the other componentry is on the pump there's a on solenoid a couple of inches away from the exhaust port on the I assume that actuates doesn't allow back-pressure to go into the pump cylinder and then the rectangle on the side of the cylinder must be a regulator and also a pressure release valve show that the Piston has no resistance on startup whatever pressure pump stops at when there's a rectangular box is a didn't even mention the regulator or where the pump is regulated at

[@waltermcclure3504]

The shock had a pin hole that caused the original compressor to lock up after installing the new checked all fuses and relays it has power to the compressor just doesn’t come on.

[@OmarsGarage]

I’m guessing you have disconnected and reconnected the wiring harness to make sure it’s properly seated? If you got some type of reaction from the old compressor you can try plugging in the wiring harness to see if it reacts. If it does then you may have a bad new compressor, I’ve seen it happen before.

[@dunnriteauto9770]

Disconnect the battery