1990 Cadillac EL Dorado Air suspension?

SEEMYPROFILE

MEMBER
1990 CADILLAC ELDORADO
V8
FWD
AUTOMATIC
100,000 MILES

Hello- I just bought a 1990 El Dorado at an auction. Very nice looking car inside and out. Driving it home less than a mile, the darned thing rode like a truck.

I'm no mechanic but seem to remember that Cadillacs have some kind of "air suspension" that supposedly cushions the ride. I think it's kind of like 4 air bags between the body and undercarriage in addition to the shocks. Again, I believe that these "bags" are served by relatively thin tubes going to each one and controlled by some kind of mechanism under the hood.

Does my understanding come even close to the truth? How do I check whether the problem is with the shocks or these air bags?

And, by the way, even though I'm NOT a mechanic, I'd like to attempt to do my own work on this vehicle even if it takes 4 times as long as a skilled mechanic. I want to learn as much as I can about mechanical stuff provided I don't hurt myself, do big time damage to the car or do something that requires a big equipment or tool outlay.

To that end, what is the BEST, most descriptive repair manual I can get on this car? Where do I find it?

Thanks guys. Sorry about the wordiness.

1 Reply

ERNEST CLARK

MECHANIC
1,730 POSTS

Your car won't have air bags unless someone installed after market units.

What it will have are "Air shocks", and those are only in the back. These will be supplied air from an air compressor.

You could be experiencing worn front struts, the bushings may be worn or missing, and the rear shocks may be shot.

The best and most detailed repair guide will be an on-line data service such as AllData or Mitchell 1. You can purchase a "Single Vehicle" subscription to either from AutoZone or NAPA, or even look on-line and buy directly.