Air Suspension System Repair Guide
Air Suspension System Not Working?
If your reading this chances are, your air suspension is not working, or not working correctly. These airbag systems usually go out with some warning. They usually will act up, for a little while before they completely stop working. They often will throw trouble codes. Or just not work right, for example the rear may lower down one day, and work fine the next. But if something is not working like normal, thats when its time to have it checked out. As if you wait, it could end up costing you alot more money.
How to fix Air Suspension System?
Depending on your skill level there are a few things you can do to narrow down or fix your problem. If your air suspension system vehicle is airing down in the back, like many do. Here is what you need to do to narrow down and hopefully fix the problem.
1. First, lets check the easy stuff. Make sure the ride height sensors (leveling arms) are undamaged and in the right place.
2. Check for service codes, pull codes if you have access to a code reader. If you dont have a code reader, most parts shops will pull codes for free. Once you get the codes, search them to try and narrow down the problem.
3. Make sure the air suspension switch was not accidentally kicked or switched out of position.
4. If you need to jack up the vehicle to get under it be sure to turn the air suspension switch off.
5. Check Compressor For Power. You can do this with a DVOM Meter, which can be purchased locally from hardware store, auto part store, sears, etc.
6a. You have power at the compressor, but the compressor is not doing anything. This means your compressor is broken, and will need to be replaced. But dont just replace the compressor, it is very important that you inspect for leaks in your system because your compressor may have went out due to being overworked. Check Airbags, Air Lines, etc. I will talk about finding leaks in a moment.
6b. You dont have power to the compressor. This is an electrical problem. Most commonly this means the relay is bad. Replacing the relay will fix this problem, in most cases. Occasionally it could be a damaged wire, so check for that as well.
Checking for Air Suspension System Leaks
7. When checking for leaks start with the air bags. You will need to look at the bottom section of the bag, to do this you will want to jack the vehicle up to extend the bags. Look for dry rot and wear.
8. Check lines in places with mounts or couplers. Make sure the line is run as it is supposed to to avoid putting pressure on the lines.
9. Check the line coming out of the air compressor, there is a small o-ring that often will break or rot.
10. Another good trick to finding a leak, as long as you have a working compressor, is to cover your air system in soapy water and watch for bubbles.
Coil Spring Conversion Kits – AKA Air Suspension Conversion Kits
The problem with these air ride systems is when they have problems. They are usually very costly to fix, especially if you take it to a shop. Which is why many people just go with a coil spring conversion kit, as they are usually less expensive than your air suspension repair will be. They are also far more reliable than your air bag system. Coil springs are so efficient and durable, in most cases will out last the car itself.
How Does A Coil Spring Conversion Kit or Air Suspension Conversion Kit Work?
So you may be wondering what coil spring conversion kits and air suspension kits are. Well they are the exact same thing it is just two different terms used. Coil spring conversion kit, is a little more accurate of a name, but they are very often referred to as air suspension conversion kits. It is a kit which includes coils and all the parts to change your suspension from an air ride system to a coil spring system. You can buy kits for just the rear or just the front, or you can get four wheel conversion kits. In either case the cost of the kit is usually cheaper than the cost of your first air suspension repair. Their affordability and durability is what makes these kits such a popular choice.
Why wasn’t my car originally made with coils?
You may wonder why they even made these cars with such a problematic and expensive suspension system. Well air suspension systems are thought to be a luxury feature, offered in the most comfortable cars. Which they often are slightly smoother riding systems, but the difference between airbags and coils is usually unnoticeable. It is mainly just a gimmick to sell customers on cars because they have “air suspension,” it is more of a selling feature. Plus they get to make money as these cars back for air suspension repairs.
Were to buy a coil spring conversion kit / Air Suspension Conversion Kit?
So now your wondering, “were can I get my coil spring conversion kit?” They are not to hard to find, however many shops wont mention them as they prefer to make the money off the air suspension repair. We have tested kits from a bunch of companies. We found the best quality and price was Strut Masters, the parts shipped quickly and were very well made.
