I Bought an "As-Is" Bentley Truck and got 60% Off Because of a Faulty Air Suspension

[@Samcrac]

Wait till you see how we fixed this 😅: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJuupp-mlsSsfqssi=c6_Gn2rx_sDC9KvF

[@pitchman1974]

Copart?

[@macz6681]

Based on the damage to the lower control arms, that Bentley was picked up with a fork lift at somepoint...likely how the ride level sensors were sheered

[@NZMASTEROFGAME]

Agreed, that don't happen from normal driving

[@greg76543210]

That’s how they move them at auction/salvage yards.

[@tuck6464]

Either that or it's been airborne.

[@robm3063]

Or somebody broke them on purpose to scare people off at the auction.

[@andyleo8418]

​@@robm3063well then why didn't they buy it?

[@LightningFabrication]

Before you go pulling the compressor, see if it turns over by hand. It could be a low or high pressure switch or it might not be getting a signal form the AC switch. disconnect the harness and hook 12 volts to it and see of it starts cooling. you'll need around 40 psi on the low side and 225 psi on the high side. If it needs a compressor there's got to be a workaround. Pulling the whole front end, fenders and lifting the motor up seems like an excuse for the dealer to charge the customer out the ass for the repair. Techs are paid by flat rate and are always trying to find a way to beat it. Check around with some of your exotic car buddies and see if they have a shortcut.

[@scottme100]

Don't you love vehicle engineering design where you must dissassemble the entire front end just to get to one bolt on a component that has a highish fail rate?

[@andrewdoman6294]

Also check the A/C relay

[@Cyrix2k]

You beat me to it. Also the newer compressors usually have a solenoid / control valve that controls the displacement of the compressor. If that goes bad, it will act like in the video. Be sure the wiring is good and there's no faults to that valve. Sometimes the valve is easy to get to and replace independently from the compressor, other times it requires removing the compressor just to get to it anyway.

[@shyamnair5743]

Won't that show in the diagnostic scan tool

[@Cyrix2k]

@@shyamnair5743 if it's an open circuit or shorted, yes. I don't think it will if it's mechanically jammed.

[@tgkmotorsport]

Glad we were able to help ya!

[@famus801]

You guys are Gods😔🙏🏼

[@goodcitizen9855]

How can I lower my 2017 Q5? Huge gap at the wheel base. Help!!!

[@christopherhamilton5557]

You da real MVP!!! 😄😄😄👏👏👏

[@MrScrambles]

The damage is from a tow truck driver throwing chains on the lower control arms to pull it onto the flatbed. We occasionally see this exact thing on Cayennes and 911s at my shop.

[@mikekuschka998]

Tow truck, they just take the hooks and put them on the control arm. The hooks slide inward as it gets pulled up the flatbead. Breaking the sensors. Fixed this kind of issue several times as a dealor technician.

[@Samcrac]

This makes sense

[@sftrkrt07]

As a tow truck operator I would bet your right. It is easy to do if you're not paying attention.

[@cartmanrlsusall]

Sounds plausible

[@EliBarretoBKNY]

It was probably stuck on Parked

[@smellsuperb1]

Either repo or rental recovery tow truck driver. Wasn't looking and didn't give a crap.

[@jekell101]

I watch tons of KZbin car channels. I can honestly say that this is one of the few channels I get excited about when I see a new video. It's just something about this channel that no others have.

[@vhonanimulea3783]

This channel got me into this type of content, from here I discovered other channels like Tavarish, Goonzquad and others.

[@loubakker5049]

The beautifull surrounding he is working in perhaps ?

[@markfoster7564]

Don’t ask me why I get excited! 😜

[@toddaulner5393]

I like how he shows how to fix expensive parts with the same parts from a different company.

[@longbar2344]

yeh. loads of unfinished cars

[@retrok33455]

Samcrac is by far the cheapest automotive youtuber. I love it

[@TheJaoMing]

I hate the ones that just go to the dealer and order 30k in parts for a car worth 50k lol

[@oneemotiva4975]

Yes but at that point, really 30 dollars is to much, well he got some for free, lucky.

[@JoE_Songs]

@tiva4975 yep, it's really the principle sometimes. I had the plastic bone rupturing on the level sensor of a Passat. The VW group could easily sell this part only. But they only sell the whole unit for 70-90 $. it's the same with Audi, getting worse with the luxury brands. And it's a matter of wasting good parts, a mechanic thinks: why throw away a perfectly well functioning potentiometer/sending unit just because a bolt or plastic thingy is failing. Those things are driving a guy mad.

[@iansmith3975]

For real. I’m surprised he didn’t try to make a new one out of something he found in his field

[@jljr1998]

rich rebuilds?

[@marknewell7160]

Before suspecting the compressor, run diagnostics and see what codes are thrown. It may be a sensor, control unit or pressure regulator.

[@dj-kq4fz]

When ever I think I should buy an auction car, I just watch Sam all the way to the end of a video. Thanks Sam!

[@a.m.9357]

😆😆😆

[@brayannexon4613]

I have the opposite problem where sam is my gateway to getting myself into predicaments with junky auction vehicles. 😂

[@bewernia]

🤣

[@tommorgan1291]

Did a.lot.of auction buys. Found out best to buy from a fleet.

[@hcpitcher]

Just sell it in Alaska. AC issue solved. LOL Great Video. (I"m Joking by the way.)

[@randylee2549]

in 2018 bought a LBZ duramax from Ontario, it is my winter rig, minty otherwise, but who needs Ac when it is 20 below Zero. I have a summer LBZ duramax that has working AC, best of both worlds!

[@muskokamike127]

tbh, here in Ontario Canada we get down to -48 C and up to +45 C with 100% humidity. I stopped using my a/c when I had contact lenses because it dried out my eyes and when it's really hot out, it just makes it feel that much hotter when you get out. If I was in a big city with bumper to bumper traffic, I'd prob use it more but where I am I go through 2 lights and then it's all open road. 5 mins from 1 end of town to the other.

[@jerri0401]

AC is not only there for cold air...

[@timmyymmit615]

AC is used for defrosting too.

[@johnelectric933]

@@muskokamike127 Sam's here in Florida; A/C is not optional, especially in a black car.

[@KinRyuu]

Just did basicly the exact same job as required for your AC compressor, when changing the watercooled alternator on my A8. Bumper, Frame, 3 radiators, airfilter boxes, both intercoolers, intake piping, engine mount had to come out (the list goes on) took me about 12 hours to completion with a workshop manual. Good luck!

[@olie3146]

From personal experience @samcrac you want to use a locking nut with some locktite on those bolts that hold it to the control arm, they come undone very easy 👍

[@HistoriaAlive]

Sam's not pregnant but he always delivers

[@BillGates_Alex]

I could be convinced he is carrying

[@Samcrac]

C'mon man be nice 😆

[@BillGates_Alex]

@@SamcracI’m sorry lol. You genuinely aren’t fat, I just wanted to make a joke.

[@GEOTigerHNTR]

Mo videos, love your stuff, CRACs me up😅

[@taelorwatson9822]

I'm surprised his stepmom hasn't gotten pregnant with all the seamen she's taken

[@BBPissed]

Good to see you again, Sam. Don't be such a stranger!

[@Barrett_Fodder]

I've seen this a few times and separated from the scuffs it has always been either over compression or over extension of the suspension that out-traveled the length of travel of the sensor arm. It wasnt violent over extension either. Dropping the lower a arm for service without disconnecting them did it in 1 scenario.

[@ssnerd583]

Need a lock washer and/or some loctite on that stud where you just put the nut on....bad idea not to have some sort of locking on that.

[@THOMMGB]

I would have installed a flat washer and a new Nylock nut on that stud. It’ll never get loose.

[@zizoumonk10]

I would just use spray foam

[@HksF16]

@@zizoumonk10 JB weld it and call it a day.

[@walter.bellini]

Literally thought exactly the same thing when I was watching the video red Loctite of course thank you

[@shaunwalker2055]

Before checking and replacing the compressor check that the outside air temp sensor is still on the car, if the leveling sensors were torn up like that, someone may have got the temp sensor also, if it’s gone and the car thinks it super cold out it won’t activate the compressor

[@draganmladenov]

I had a similar issue in the past with my cheap Bentley. No AC. A few shops tried to convince me it is the AC compressor. I didn't believe and just went to charge the system. After charging, it didn't turn on. Again, i heard the old song that my ac compressor is faulty. Then, with ODIS i just deleted the errors in AC section. Everything worked after !

[@clarkeee876]

Which one did you have ?

[@ChrisPatrick-q6k]

​@@clarkeee876Phaeton 😊

[@lebojay]

Most mechanics don’t have a clue how to diagnose anything. They are just parts changers.

[@ChrisPatrick-q6k]

@@lebojay Fitters sadly

[@draganmladenov]

@@clarkeee876 cheap Bentley = VW Phaeton

[@artifacthunter1472]

If it has pressure, the AC compressor is pumping if the pressures are identical usually it’s the orifice tube or expansion valve.

[@povlrueger3898]

Can't wait to see you fix it in a few years!

[@The_North0]

Careful that car could cost you your kidney and liver to keep it on the road

[@jimmyaber5920]

Most cars for the last 10 years or longer fornsome brands, have vraiable displacement compressors. If there is no clutch, only a 2 wire plug to a device on side rear of compressor then you have VDC. Some will have clutch and VDC. The VDC solenoid is available separately and it is what makes a smooth to turn by hand compressor do minimal pressure difference once it is on. The pistons in compressor are on a hinged swash plate. The swash plate angle changes via releasing high side bleed pressure out of crankcase and that drops enough presure under piston so that they come further down in bore and have pump stroke. Tdc for the pistons is as the hinge point of swash plate so tdc is not varied. If the solenoid bore wears then it sticks and default is very little angle and very little pumping, just enough to keep lube oil moving. You capture refrigerant and then remove solenoid and fit new and recharge. If the compressor feels rough whennturned then do compressor, the wear particles stuck the valve.

[@brendanhartnett7829]

Tavarish is a pro at taking those wonderful Bentley’s apart, just have him come give you a hand!

[@RPO6464]

Wow, what a sweet buy. I think you struck gold with this car.

[@ericmutnan6358]

It could just have low freon. There is a pressure switch that wont let the compressor kick on if its too low or too high. Its worth a shot to just shoot a little R134 in to see if it comes to life.

[@qemuandroid_8.144]

Good old Samcrac; totally addicted to the carsino... Love it!

[@hogwild5844]

DAMN! I got hopeful Sam might finish fixing a car..😂

[@hogwild5844]

I tease but i love your content. Always entertaining and helpful although a shame YT nixed your moms cameos...😁

[@ianmangham4570]

Darn it ,reading comments while i watch 😮👌

[@akasecrets9980]

Hey Sam ….instead of changing the whole compressor see if you can get out the control valve. Replace it should solve the problem without taking out the compressor.

[@BlackJesus8463]

The compressor won't turn on if the system is low on refridgerant.

[@vipervs12]

Good point. Also it would be a good idea to test that the magnetic clutch is working as well.

[@combsd3283]

Dukes of Hazard moment. Kid borrowed dad's SUV, jumps hill, shears sensors.

[@AlisyaBurke]

Unwavering dedication and humility set you apart. Congrats!

[@BillGates_Alex]

These sex bots are out of control

[@worldhello1234]

I hope your glazing is made of real sugar. 🤗

[@JoeMamaisgae]

@@worldhello1234its a bot mate

[@TheAcethunder32]

That car was towed using hooks on the control arms. We see this all the time with Porsche Macan’s and Cayenne’s. Being a group car with the Audis and Bentleys it’s the same sensor.

[@adolfomartinezmontenegro4844]

Perfect for New York weather!!!

[@jasonpoletta1797]

The ol copart fork lift drivers strike again lol

[@gregoryb1092]

If you hadn't found used studs, you could have removed the broken thread stock and used a bolt. For those you DID install, blue Loctite on the threads (and a washer between the nut and suspension arm).

[@jamesfair9751]

I see there isn’t any locking nut on that stud. I say it’s possible the nuts on the studs got vibrated loose going over bumps and things and when the studs got loose it makes them acceptable to snapping off easier on the next bump. I would put lock nuts on them.

[@crimsonstang]

Sam, I work for Hyundai and know exactly how front end modules (FEM) installation is. Probably very similar to our Genesis SUVs. Not an easy job for one person.

[@therocket280z7]

For those not familiar with VAG vehicles, and more often Audi designed vehicles, taking off the front bumper/radiator support is known as the "Service Position". Because Audi specialty is longitudinal front engine with FWD or AWD, you have to take the front of the vehicle off to access anything at the front of the engine. Enjoy!🎉

[@rpturbo]

I agree, but taking off the fenders seems excessive

[@AutoAuctionRebuilds]

To replace a headlight or turn signal bulb on my Bentley you have to remove the entire front end including fenders radiator condenser etc. Have fun with this one!

[@robm6962]

Would have been nice to put a lock washer on that part you installed 😂

[@stiggy3833]

Love the video and yea, a good buy. But guys, from an engineering point of view and considering its a Bentley, where was the washer you should have put under the nut on the sensor stud to prevent the nut marking or damaging the mount before tightening it up? Very bad practices from a mechanic point of view.

[@nvragn]

I bet someone somewhere is having a melt down from using rusty channel locks to connect the leveling valve link 😂😂👍🇨🇦

[@Sturz7]

One thing to look out for on VAG and increasingly other late model vehicles -- some AC compressors use a control solenoid/valve instead of a clutch to turn the compressor on and off. When these valves fail in the open position, you will see equal pressure on both the high and low side of the AC system. These valves are pretty simple to replace and MUCH cheaper than a new compressor. Something to keep in mind!

[@victoryfirst2878]

Sometime one gets lucky and sometimes one gets the BONE !! Have fun with your truck.

[@seanflynn4901]

I think someone yeeted that thing off a sweet jump

[@jflyg2652]

You may be able to change the control valve on the compressor. I did it on an old Jetta might me the same system.

[@billj9838]

I bought a 2003 Lincoln navigator in 2011. The very first thing that needed maintenance was the air suspension. Ford dealership wanted $2400. I said fine. I have a bumper-to-bumper warranty that I bought from Ford for just such an emergency. By the time the suspension went out again about 50,000 miles later again a shop wanted $2200 to fix it. But they advise me to put on new struts and springs. And rip out the air suspension. It it would cost 1100. That’s the route I went. I had them install a whole new set of strut master springs and struts. it’s a little bit more wishy-washy going up, ramps and turning sharp corners, but driving straight down the highway zero difference.

[@kingfordexpedition95]

Huge fan! Bring back the stepmom skits 😂

[@thomasassim-ita1787]

Samcrac I really like your business model especially the risk taking part. You always amaze me with the type of project you pick honestly. Can't believe you pick this Bentley SUV and fix it for less. Love your work and your commitment ❤❤❤❤❤

[@moodiblues2]

Sam, I’m a fellow car nut and Floridian. I have four classicish cars, a 2002 Jaguar XK8, 2002 Ford Thunderbird, a 1994 Corvette, and a 2016 Mustang. At any given time three of my cars are not in a carport nor garage, so I keep them covered with nice, but affordable covers from Amazon that fit each very well. This keeps my beauties out of the sun and protects their interior as well as exterior. I would recommend you do the same for your stable of beauties!

[@The_Knucke_Dragger]

There are some sleek, roof mounted, AC units.

[@jamesmyers9285]

The Bentley line of vehicles is the most beautiful on the road. The problem is Volkswagen's parent company which is too bad considering the crap they build with VW and Audi.

[@dirtycomment2324]

Nice car. Its never gunna get fixed tho

[@marcusPehrsson]

Check the expantion valve. it is responsible for getting a low side and a high side- it is close to the evaporator near the cabin, not close to the compressor

[@Gold63Beast]

Where did you get those workshop repair pdfs?

[@Medes06]

beautiful car. And when you say European you mean British. As they are the only ones that speak English in here, In Spain we don't name those as wings, we name it "aletas", which is a Spanish name for "fins".

[@davidbenji1]

4:30 If BOTH lower control arms are scuffed up in a similar way, there is a HIGH probability the vehicle has been picked up by a giant fork lift like the type they use at Copart. The forks are what cause those scratches. On heavy duty control arms it is probably just cosmetic. On thinner control arms, like the Toyota Highlander I bought from copart, they will likely be bent from supporting the weight of the car on the forks.

[@BillGates_Alex]

Can’t you just pick it up by the frame or is there no way to lift it without damaging the arms?

[@davidbenji1]

@pricetagcitrus Copart never picks them up from the side. Always from the front or rear with VERY long forks. Since lower control arms hang lower than the frames on most cars or trucks, they are what tend to make contact with the forks. Some of the drivers are careful and will slide the forks along the ground before lifting but others make contact with the control arms while still sliding under the car and that is when some damage occurs. Then they drive the vehicle all around these MASSIVE storage yards bouncing as they go and bending weaker control arms.

[@jdmather5755]

Get yourself a small lathe (and milling machine while you are at it) or become friends with a machinist. Things like those studs would be trivially easy to machine yourself. Great for making special one-off hand tools as well. In this case you were lucky to find stash of particular part.

[@Yet_Another_Steve]

No, no. Wings. As in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. The button to deploy is on the dash just below the one for tea and cucumber sandwiches. Then again, the ones we sell to the colonies might not be so.

[@antoniootero9484]

You don’t need no air conditioning’ in Florida. Roll down the windows, take off yer shirt and get yous a cold hurricane. 😅

[@thailandretromods]

I mean..... 3x zip ties... That's a "permanent fix"... 😂

[@j_tootie]

If those are the AC hi/low pressure numbers with the clutch engaged (most of the time you can hear or see it engage) then it's likely the compressor. if it doesn't engage then it will be a different issue (faulty pressure switch, bad/broken wiring, or a bad switch somewhere else in the system). a good scan tool can tell you if cooling is requested when you have it set to AC in the cabin, and tell you any specific codes if any.

[@Putt4fun]

this looks like they curbed it! probably drove over a curb at a high speed shearing both sensors off and lower scraping on the control arms

[@celililkimen634]

İs the lines and compressor holding gas don't remove .. first you hit it hammer some times compressors seased inside especially if the car no running ac very often or high humid wheather.

[@jeffg2217]

Samcrac actually making repairs! Wow! Take my upvote!

[@JACB006]

Great Car … Looking forward to seeing how you fix the A/C.

[@240SSONLY]

Imagine buying a car that gets totaled when you're AC compressor takes a dump

[@jpdeklerk8205]

Just check the ac compressor won't start if the pressure in the system is too low. Vacuum the system and refill and check if it starts up.

[@psychobiotch]

Sell it w/o air conditioning to Maine, Ontario, Michigan U.P, or some other cold northern climate locale.

[@dawn2788]

Samcrac is a genius , I cannot believe anyone can have so much mechanical knowledge. Though there are none or few videos of how he actually sells his cars?

[@user-427.commodore]

The tax man watches, you cant sell cars on KZbin without paying the tax man..

[@mikebe2090]

So he’s not paying taxes? While the rest of us!!!

[@victorthecarguy3126]

Before taking it all apart have you tried to force the compressor clutch on to see if it works? I wouldn't rule out something in the electronics without doing some testing first.

[@adamsmith2936]

Any way to identify the previous owner? Interesting story.

[@That_ViperDude]

Wow, I feel really good about my Viper:)

[@ewenblack4174]

I knew it was a level sensor when it on the roll back dude.

[@ng-ht1vx]

Make sure the expansion valve on the evaporator isn't stuck open.

[@cuatrokoop32v]

We had a Q7 4.2 with bad "residual check valves" on the rear airbags. It stuck the rear up at way full ride height and rode like an ox cart. Fix was about $200 in parts and labor. I ditched that Q7 and got a "gen 2" TDI with steel suspension to replace it.

[@spudmarsden4280]

Sam, check the AC compressor magnetic clutch, the compressor may be ok and just the clutch requires replacing. If the clutch is getting 12v and not engaging, it,s magnetic coil winding may be open circuit. It may be easier to replace just that part, usually held on with a circlip after removing the pulley if you can get access. If it's not getting 12v, then it may be a refrigerant pressure switch problem, again an easy fix.

[@YungEBT]

Great video Samuel!

[@leerob2403]

I had an 04 Allroad and loved the air suspension. I replaced the blown fronts with solid aftermarket units and never had a problem again. I paint matched the bumpers and fender flares and it was super reliable, going against the stigma of it being the Audi motor ever, lol. It was the miracle motor for sure. But it was owned since new by an audi tech so that helped too, haha. It was actually his wifes car. I said "if this was good enough for his wife, its good enough for me" as it had 110k miles. I was t boned by a red light runner and it saved my life with the curtain airbags. I was punted a half a block to my right by a rav 4... I miss that car so mucn . I'm lookimg at the new Allroads now but am unsure about the new quattro system.

[@ManinaGarage]

Super wicked! What a flippin’ roller coaster! 😅 Thanks Sam 🙌

[@Samcrac]

Any time!

[@Cagruntas]

Where can those workshop manuals be bought from?

[@garystevens1044]

AIR SUSPENSION IS EASY TO FIX!! Is it valves or manifold?!hell it doesn’t matter grab a Chris Chad manifold run some 1/2 air lines and run 2 viair 485C’s then add the ride sensors for Self leveling and it’s a day

[@Chazaxl]

As a Phaeton owner with air, this was my first thought, sensors not working. I've had my Phatty 'stuck' with the front like that - exactly the same.

[@tonyford7987]

Oh dear I thought I was watching a samcrac video where he fixed something 🤣

[@MrCook-l4c]

Sam, where do you download your workshop manuals from?

[@darylpike8547]

I can't wait to join you in buying a bentley bentayga, I've already got a continental gtc, and yes it's black

[@thomaslibonati]

The same thing happened with my Airmatic in my Mercedes E500. Stuck all the way up in the front and all the way down in the back. I chose to just convert to coils to avoid future headaches.

[@Smokedout.]

It looks like it was towed and maybe they hit them with the lift part ,the control arms or whatever it is attached to is scrapped up like a person with a tow truck backed up with the lift part to high and they have the little arms that catch the tires and maybe they were picking it up since it was leased . But both of those arms had marks like that lift was sliding down the arm and it could have broken both sides at the same time. It looks like it happened at to both sensors at the same time, like maybe when it was towed or put on a lift at a shop.

[@sanjivejadjad]

You can change the compressor by just slightly removing the bumper and radiator with support. Worth a try. 😊

[@robertmassmann228]

My Mercedes ML 350 has a angle sensor on one of the rear control arms ball is mild steel and it was frozen in place because the pivot ball was so badly corroded. Now I check it regularly. Found that issue when I had replace rear springs were broken. The Mercedes is 2012 with less than 100k miles.

[@94Gidge]

Have held ride heght valve and sensor linkages in place with zip ties on trucks for days when they break and have to wait for parts because someone didnt order any when they used the last one

[@VincentConti-m5j]

In 1968 i purchased a used MGB. It wasn't running well!!!! $200... When i got it home i found that the accelerator cable was connected to the choke! Fun car, convertible, compared to today's vehicles, It was junk!!!!

[@toenytv7946]

Great find Sam. Happy for you. Fun video very inspiring. Troubleshooting at its finest. #tips of the trade.

[@PELEGSM]

Looks like the Sway bar hit and broke it. Happened to me also with an Audi TT, the gen 2 Xenon package had a similar sensor, who always broke when you drove in a pothole.

[@ShaighJosephson]

Huge score... I'm just surprised that no one caught the simple fix on such an expensive car... Crazy...

[@markmccrimmon9398]

Nice Ride you can solve problems man I enjoy smart creative inspiring people watt comes out of ur mouth is a symphony of Raw KNOWLEDGE is Power 😊😮❤ From Ontario Canada enjoy ur life teaching a lot of people The force is with you Sir 15:26

[@thechiraltheory7712]

That's like a couple afternoon's worth of work.

[@Google_Is_Evil]

You may have done these off camera, but I would have filled up that aircon to the recommended pressure and done some tests like manually activating the pump and checking if the clutch is maybe faulty before condemning the compressor itself. Other than this, while extensive, these "service position" audi vehicles aren't too difficult to do, it's just a lot of work.

[@Nordic_Mechanic]

there is no clutch in those compressors. They are variable displacement compressors

[@grayrabbit2211]

You're not kidding about "notoriously expensive" to fix the suspension. Replaced the two front airbags my Bentley Flying Spur... $9k. and that's just the front, not the rear.

[@rickd650]

'Bentley' and 'Truck' are not two words I seem to be able to associate with each other.