Why am I bottoming out in the rear?

1999 CADILLAC DEVILLE
122,000 MILES • V8 • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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MARKVELLUTATO
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  • 43 POSTS
When I go over speed bumps in parking lots, go up/down any incline like a driveway, or hit a sizeable bump, I am bottoming out in the rear. I just had a suspension test done and the mechanic said that my rear shocks seemed fine. If someone is in my back seat, it is much worse....lots of scraping when I go over any kind of bump. What could be my problem if it isn't shocks? Is it possible it is the shocks and the mechanic just didn't know what he was doing? Do I have regular shocks in my Deville or are they air shocks?
Oct 31, 2011 at 10:33 PM
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HMAC300
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 48,601 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
they are either air or electronic shocks. yur air system may have a leak or the compressor doesen't load the shocks with air. you'll have to check to see if the compressor is working or not.
Nov 1, 2011 at 12:08 AM
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CADIEMAN
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 3,544 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
the height sensor is behind the r/r tire area.it hooks to the axle if you pop the linkage loose and push it up your system will fill up.use soapy water to spray the shocks down to see if their leaking.ussally the bags devolop leaks and they need replacing.do you see the level ride light cycling on and off?
Nov 1, 2011 at 1:22 AM
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