1990-1991 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Front Suspension Conversion Kit (CADF7)

The 1990-1991 Oldsmobile Delta 88 is built with the following suspension components:

1990-1991 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Shock Absorbers (x2)- a metal tubing filled with gas-charged hydraulic fluid that is connected to the wheel of a vehicle in order to reduce the effects of vertical travel on a rough surface which controls the bounciness, and therefore comfort, of a vehicle.

1990-1991 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Electronic Air Struts (x2)- a type of shock absorber; has metal tubing filled with gas-charged hydraulic fluid that is connected to the wheel of a vehicle in order to reduce the effects of vertical travel on a rough surface which controls the bounciness, and therefore comfort, of a vehicle. The Cadillac Deville struts, while having coil-springs, use an electronic signal to stiffen or soften the dampening of the strut.

1990-1991 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Height Sensors (x2)- a linkage located near each wheel of a vehicle with any electronic suspension that, either mechanically or electronically, constantly measures the height of the vehicle, and reports this information back to the control module so that the computer can identify if changes in height need to be adjusted accordingly. The ride height sensor is a moving part, and like all moving parts, they will eventually wear out.

1990-1991 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Air Lines- tubes that run from a compressor (air suspension) to the air struts which carry pressurized air to the air bags components in order to adjust the height of the vehicle, respectively.

1990-1991 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Solenoids (x4)- usually L-shaped, these plastic components connect the electrical connection and lines of suspension components to the suspension control module on vehicles with active suspension. The solenoid regulates the air pressure for each air spring. Solenoids start to leak as they wear out causing the vehicle to sag or to lean. This will cause the ride height sensor to send a signal to activate the compressor in an attempt to inflate the air suspension and level out the vehicle. This excessive work load will eventually lead to total failure of the compressor.

1990-1991 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Compressor- creates/sends pressurized to active suspension components. When the air suspension starts leaking, the compressor/pump starts working harder to try to keep the system inflated. By the time air suspension leaks down completely, sitting the vehicle on its tires, the compressor will either have failed or be well on its way to full failure. Buying replacement struts and taking the time to install them only to find out the compressor still needs to be replaced can be very frustrating, time-consuming, and expensive.

1990-1991 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Dryer Assembly- used to keep moisture out of air lines and air springs in order to prevent freezing and internal cracking of these parts. Once air suspension starts leaking, moisture will build-up throughout the air system. Moisture damages the air suspension from the inside. The dryer will need to be replaced in order to eliminate the moisture and prevent any further damage.

1990-1991 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Suspension Control Module- a computer which is responsible for the operations of the air suspension system and maintaining the vehicles correct ride height.

1990-1991 Oldsmobile Delta 88 O-rings- Although they are the least expensive parts of the air suspension, they are responsible for maintaining the seal where all of the air lines connect. Be sure to replace the O-rings when repairing any air suspension system.

Early detection of a bad suspension in the 1990-1991 Oldsmobile Delta 88 is the key to avoiding total failure. If the Delta 88 is not reaching and maintaining the proper ride height, it may be suffering from a failed or leaking air suspension system. The most classic sign that a suspension system is failing is a sudden height variance between different sides of the Delta 88. Typically, the rear end will sag and the front end will remain inflated. This gives the Delta 88 the appearance of “squatting down” in the rear. There may be a shifting lean from one side to the other. These issues should be fixed promptly. A bad suspension will wear out the air compressor if left unchecked. If the air compressor stops working, a suspension warning light will illuminate on the instrument cluster.