GetMeMyStogie
04-30-2010, 04:32 PM
So, after swapping over my winter wheels to the stock MM wheels last weekend in my parent driveway, I found myself with a bunch of sunshine remaining, and a bunch of free time. So, I removed the air-suspension compressor to see what makes it so noisy. My last 2 MGMs both had the rear air suspension, but neither were anywhere as noisy as the MM.
After pulling it out, I had a close looke at it. Sure enough, there were several areas of shiny metal on it, indicating contact with the plastic in its 'nook' of the plastic fender liner. Why so much contact? Well, 3 rubber isolating mounts were a bit worn out, and drying out a bit, but not entirely gone. Even new mounts wouldn't really raise it up very much, maybe a few millimeters, 5 at most - which didn't appear to be enough to keep it from hitting the plastic at it violently shakes while operating.
For a quick solution, and since it was a Sunday and no Ford parts counters were open, I went scrounging for something to wedge between the compressor and the plastic fender liner. What I ended up using was a piece of styrofoam I found in the recycling bin. Trimmed it to fit by simply breaking bits off until it fit without blocking the drainage hole. Put the compressor over it, which stretched out the isolators to their max, and tightened the mounting nuts down, squishing the styrofoam.
The very first time it ran after that, I could feel more vibration through the floor - but it was definitely much quieter. Now, after a week of driving, I only notice it if I stop and listen for it - that's how much it's improved!
Anyway, I find that it's much quieter now, and hardly noticeable. Total cost: $0.00. Total time: 30 minutes.
After pulling it out, I had a close looke at it. Sure enough, there were several areas of shiny metal on it, indicating contact with the plastic in its 'nook' of the plastic fender liner. Why so much contact? Well, 3 rubber isolating mounts were a bit worn out, and drying out a bit, but not entirely gone. Even new mounts wouldn't really raise it up very much, maybe a few millimeters, 5 at most - which didn't appear to be enough to keep it from hitting the plastic at it violently shakes while operating.
For a quick solution, and since it was a Sunday and no Ford parts counters were open, I went scrounging for something to wedge between the compressor and the plastic fender liner. What I ended up using was a piece of styrofoam I found in the recycling bin. Trimmed it to fit by simply breaking bits off until it fit without blocking the drainage hole. Put the compressor over it, which stretched out the isolators to their max, and tightened the mounting nuts down, squishing the styrofoam.
The very first time it ran after that, I could feel more vibration through the floor - but it was definitely much quieter. Now, after a week of driving, I only notice it if I stop and listen for it - that's how much it's improved!
Anyway, I find that it's much quieter now, and hardly noticeable. Total cost: $0.00. Total time: 30 minutes.