2008 Trailblazer SS

[MostMint]

I use car-part.com

But it will be hard to search for that part on that site. I'd look for something unique to the Trailblazer SS like the air bag for the steering wheel, that will tell you who had/has and SS then you can ask if they can get you this part.

[wxo]

I'll give it a try. Thanks.

[GMJohnny]

https://www.gmpartsbin.com/p/Gmc__Envoy ... 99463.html

I think I found a number that supersedes yours here.^^

I’m wondering if you can retro-fit another one, like a “universal” part.

GM

[Basement Paul]

Maybe I'm missing something, but I did a search on Rockauto and got a Dorman part number 927009 for a left rear level sensor for a 2008 TBSS...

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/che ... nsor,17137

-BP

[wxo]

The ride height sensor on RockAuto says: "Rear Left; w/o RPO Code ZQ8 (Sport Chassis Package". The TBSS option is RPO ZQ8, so the sensors on RockAuto aren't a fit.

[wxo]

The more I study this predicament, the more questions pop up. The part that is broken is a plastic link between the actuating arm on the sensor mechanism mounted to the frame with the other end attached to a trailing arm. I believe the sensor is fine. I have a lot more investigation to do. Right now I'm thinking of ways to replicate the broken link if possible. There is a plan B available, but I don't really want to go there, yet. There are kits available to change over from the air suspension to a conventional coil spring suspension. I like the automatic ride height system that came with the truck.

[wxo]

I did more digging today with the friendly help of updates from GM Johnny & BP and I followed the part number successions and it looks like the Dorman part 927009 may apply to the TBSS. With that in mind, it's on it's way from Amazon. With easy returns, it's a no brainer.

[Basement Paul]

If I was reading one forum correctly, the sensors are the same but the length of the arms are different. One guy mounted his sensor crooked to accommodate the longer vs shorter arm? Or is it possible to fill both bags using just one sensor if you tee them together?

-BP

[wxo]

I'm glad we have more than just my brain involved in this dilemma. I think you may be on to something, BP. Right now my plan is to compare the original unit to the new sensor from Amazon when it gets here. I'll keep your suggestion in my back pocket for later.

[GMJohnny]

With all of the epoxies out there, I think you could try to fix it. I’d try to
make some type of splint if possible and glue it to the arm for strength.

There has to be a way!

GM

[wxo]

I gave that a lot of thought, GM, but the thing that turned me away from that solution is that if the link fails, the suspension is likely to collapse at some inconvenient time. Right now, I'm putting my money on the unit coming from Amazon to do the trick. I'm going to let this episode play out after that.

[wxo]

Based on just this one thread, https://www.tbssowners.com/threads/leve ... -2#repliesthis problem has been worked on for years. There are several DIY ideas here. One of them will make you laugh.

[GMJohnny]

It's interesting that a couple of the people said they can manually set the ride height
still with a broken link. Also, if those people can use paint sticks and coat hangers, you
ought to be able to figure out a solution if your new one doesn't work.

GM

[wxo]

I have an idea or two. I'll see what arrives tomorrow.

[wxo]

The sensor arrived, but it is not a match. There are two differences. The link is about 1/2" too long and the resistance measurement is about 3 ohms different from part to part. Furthermore, there is an obstacle to making one myself. The rubber ends of the link are designed to be stretched over the retaining knob on the end of each post to which they are attached.

So if I want to change to another way to attach the link to the posts, I introduce another complexity to the solution. Whatever I do has to easily rotate at each attaching point and not slide off (i.e. a heim joint). In addition, the RH side is probably deteriorated also, so I need to do some more ruminatin' on this problem. I'm out of ideas.