02 Tahoe Autoride

[oleshifty]

Figured I'd check here before tearing into it.

Mom's 02 4wd Tahoe. Has autoride on it. The truck feels REALLY loose. I checked tie-rods, balljoints, wheel bearings, all seem fine. I was thinking shocks were shock. She said the rear leveling hasn't been working in a few months. I'm assuming that's why front isn't working right. It's like the shocks are empty. Truck has 120k on it. What components are there to check on this? I know there was a pump for the auto-level, think it controls front as well. Besides Fuse/Relay, where do I look? (This is probably more directed to gas-guzzler...but anyone is welcome to chime in) I think the auto-ride is dumb on a truck (but amazing when towing), give me my stiff suspension and off-road shocks

[AKlowriderZ71]

No pump on an auto-ride. Just VERY expensive shocks.

For a handling concern on a Tahoe/Yukon, I'm leaning towards alignment or tire condition.

[oleshifty]

Tires are fine, so is alignment (or tires would be wearing funny).

If you jerk the wheel at all while driving, truck sways from side to side like a roller coaster. It feels like it doesn't have a sway bar (but front/rear are still attached properly)

[AKlowriderZ71]

Tires are fine, so is alignment (or tires would be wearing funny).

If you jerk the wheel at all while driving, truck sways from side to side like a roller coaster. It feels like it doesn't have a sway bar (but front/rear are still attached properly)

I just re-read your OP, and with 120K on the shocks, they may need replaced also. Knowing the expense of the rear shocks, you may try just the front ones first & see how much improvement you notice.

[GasGuzzler]

I agree with the bro from the great white north yet west of there

The fluid internal to the shocks changes viscosity based on the current supplied to them. This makes them variably and infinitely adjustable.

Rear leveling is completely different. This is accomplished with air shocks in the rear and a compressor mounted behind the LR tire.

Not sure on an 02 but the 03+ will display a SERVICE message if there is an electrical issue with either system.

[oleshifty]

Ya no check engine light. I'll have to get a meter and see if voltage is going to shocks. Any idea what fuse would control the system?

[oleshifty]

The fuse for the system is not blown. Looks like all 4 have a leveling arm and air hose running to em. Think the compressor might have just taken a crap.

[GasGuzzler]

So the problem is with the leveling and not the autoride? I have a used compressor off an 05 but the exhaust solenoid is bad. If you wanna try it you can. Not sure if it's the same for an 02 or not. They're $500 new.