2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada 4 Wheel Air Suspension Conversion Kit With Shocks (GB14F)

Replaced Components
The 2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada is built with the following suspension components:

2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada Air Springs (x2) - commonly referred to as air bags, a plastic and rubber bag that is fitted on top of the strut that uses pressurized air as a cushion instead of a metal coil spring to hold a vehicle off of the ground and off of its wheels. These are the number one cause of all air suspension leaks. All air springs all go bad at about the same rate. If one is leaking, the others will not be far behind. For a proper repair, all of them need to be replaced at the same time.

2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada Shock Absorbers (x2) - 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. Some models dampening may be controlled by the suspension control module and can be very costly to replace.

2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada 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.

2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada Coil-over 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. Coil-over struts have a coil spring seated at the top which controls the height of the vehicle. Over time, coil springs can become weakened and will need replacing.

2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada Air Lines- tubes that run from a compressor to the air which carry pressurized air to the air bags in order to adjust the height of the vehicle, respectively.

2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada Solenoids (x2) - 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.

2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada Compressor Assembly- 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 air springs 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.

2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada Dryer- prevents moisture build-up inside of air suspension parts.

2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada Suspension Control Module- a computer which is responsible for the operations of the air suspension system and maintaining the vehicle's correct ride height.

2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada 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.



Suspension Failure Signs
If you think your 2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada 4Wheel is unable to reach and maintain its proper ride height, it may be suffering from a failed or leaking air suspension system. You want to do your best to diagnose a bad air suspension system before total failure sets in. The most noticeable sign is a sudden uneven height difference between different sides of the Bravada. Typically one end will sag while the other end remains inflated (rear vs front). This can make the Bravada look like it is squatting down low to the ground. Perhaps there is only a subtle lean from one side to the other. If there is an illuminated suspension warning light or message on the instrument panel than a repair or replacement is likely necessary. Other components may wear out- check the air compressor to see if it is still working. If it runs too often, it will be very loud and noisy, further indicating the suspension needs to be fixed.

OEM Replacement Cost

+ Air Springs ($200/air spring)
+ Coil-Over Strut Assemblies ($170/strut)
+ Compressor and Dryer Assembly ($500)
+ Shocks ($170/shock)
= Over $1,400 (but that doesn't include replacing electronic components that are known to fail such as the height sensors).

Aftermarket Replacement Cost

+ Air Springs ($190/pair)
+ Front Coil-over Struts ($130/strut)
+ Compressor and Dryer Assembly ($500)
+ Shocks ($60/shock)
= Over $1,000 (but that doesn't include replacing electronic components that are known to fail such as the height sensors).