Auto rear leveling shock replacement (AWD, sell, replace, front wheel drive)

[southernnaturelover]

I have an '04 Chevy Venture w/ 66k miles and auto rear leveling. Do these rear shocks need replacing at a certain point like regular shocks? Or do you just use them until they fail (start leaking air)?

[trlhiker]

Everything wears out eventually. if they are not leveling out properly or they feel like they are not working then you will need to get them changed.

[NJGOAT]

They don't need to be repalced unless they are leaking or have another issue, like the compressor failed. We have the same system on our Buick Terraza and it's running fine with nearly 90k miles on it. When it does fail though, it can be pretty pricey to fix. There are a lot of companies that sell a regular replacement shock package that ditches the air-ride for a lot less money then it would take to fix the air-ride. If we still have our Terraza when the air-ride goes (it really is just a matter of time and luck) I plan on replacing it with a regular shock setup.

[southernnaturelover]

I will probably do the same when the time comes. I'm assuming that doesn't set off a code of any kind?

Everything still works fine on mine, but I did notice it seemed bouncey one day when I had a full load (four adults and luggage), maybe thats normal. I may go ahead a replace the front struts with some KYBs.

[Jayess1]

Actually, it (repairs) depends on what fails & if AWD or Front wheel drive. The weak link seems to be hoses followed closely by the actual strut body, and you are incredibly fortunate - that may be the least expensive air shock/hose setup on the market. My cousin's Chevy went bad (the tell was the ride quality - went from OK to nothing overnight) & the replacements (Monroe, IIRC) were under $100/side. For a comparison, go price repairs on my Touareg's suspension.... :-)