Is your car drooping on one side?
Have your rides become bumpier, noisier, and more uncomfortable than usual?
These may be signs of a failing air suspension system.
The worst part?
An unstable ride can put your safety at risk.
In this article, we’ll help you spot any air suspension issue, understand its causes, and explore the best repair options.
Keep reading to know more.
This Article Contains:
- What Is an Air Suspension System?
- Core Components of the Air Suspension System
- 6 Major Symptoms of a Failing Air Suspension
- 8 Common Causes of Air Suspension Issues
- Is it Safe to Drive with a Failing Air Suspension?
- How to Diagnose and Repair Air Suspension Problems
- How Much Does Air Suspension Repair Cost?
- How to Keep an Air Suspension System in Top Shape?
What Is an Air Suspension System?
Air suspension is an advanced suspension technology found in modern vehicles that uses air to adjust the vehicle’s height for various road conditions or loading requirements.
Unlike a typical suspension that features coil or leaf springs, air suspension systems use compressed air to support the vehicle’s weight.
How do they do it?
Powered by an air pump or compressor, the air suspension inflates flexible, textile-reinforced rubber bellows. The inflated bellows lift the chassis away from the axle, improving comfort, handling, and adaptability.
Let’s go over the different parts involved in the functioning of air suspension systems.
Core Components of the Air Suspension System
The primary air suspension parts include:
- Air springs: Also called airbags, these inflate with pressurized air to support the vehicle’s weight and provide a smooth ride.
- Air compressor and lines: The air suspension compressor pumps air into the springs to adjust the vehicle’s ride height. The air line carries the compressed or pressurized air from the compressor to the airbags.
- Air dyer: This component removes moisture from the air entering the system to protect the metal parts from rust, corrosion, and damage.
- Solenoid valves: The valves regulate the airflow in the system and allow the vehicle’s height to be adjusted.
- Height sensors: These sensors measure the vehicle’s height and adjust air pressure to maintain balance.
- Reservoir: The reservoir stores extra compressed air to ensure the system has a steady air supply when needed.
- Struts or dampers: These parts absorb road shocks and improve ride stability.
- Suspension control module (SCM): Some luxury cars and SUVs have a separate control module to adjust the vehicle’s ride height and suspension settings.
NOTE: In older or passenger cars, the Engine Control Unit (ECU) manages various vehicle systems, including the air suspension.
Like any other car component, air suspension parts can wear out over time, leading to system failure.
Read on to find out about the signs of air suspension failure.
6 Major Symptoms of a Failing Air Suspension
A bad air suspension system will give these signals:
- Irregular vehicle ride height: If your car sits too high or too low than intended, it may indicate a failing air suspension system. This is often caused by faulty height sensors, air leaks, or a valve block.
- Unusual noises: Hissing, clunking, or grinding sounds indicate a damaged air suspension system caused by air leaks or a faulty compressor.
- Sagging vehicle: A drooping vehicle suggests the airbags or coil springs are worn or damaged, reducing their ability to support the vehicle’s weight.
- Constantly running air compressor: Airbag leaks can sometimes cause the compressor to run continuously. The compressor works overtime to refill the leaking airbag to maintain the required height and stability.
- Bumpier ride: Worn-out airbags that no longer effectively cushion road impacts may result in a rougher ride and poor handling.
- Leaning or rolling while driving: If your car leans during turns, squats during acceleration, or rolls when braking, it often signals a worn shock absorber or air strut that needs replacement.
Now that we’ve covered the key signs of a failing air suspension, let’s explore the underlying causes of failure.
8 Common Causes of Air Suspension Issues
Your air suspension system may start malfunctioning due to:
- Air leak: Often caused by damaged air springs or air lines, air leaks can lower ride height and create hissing sounds.
- Faulty air dryer: If the air dryer fails, moisture can infiltrate metal parts, leading to corrosion, air leak, or even shorted electrical components.
- Compressor failure: A faulty compressor prevents proper height adjustments and can be identified by unusual noises.
- Worn air springs: Damaged air springs lead to uneven vehicle height and a bumpy ride.
- Damaged height sensors: These can disrupt the system’s ability to assess vehicle height, leading to sudden or uneven adjustments.
- Faulty solenoid valves: A solenoid valve block hinders airflow, causing inconsistent height adjustments.
- Air line blockages: A blocked air line restricts airflow, resulting in a rough ride and difficulty maintaining proper height.
- Problems in the electronic control unit (ECU): Issues in the ECU or SCM (if applicable) can cause system inconsistency, such as erratic height adjustments or error codes.
These malfunctions can significantly impact your ride quality.
The question is — should you keep driving?
Is it Safe to Drive with a Failing Air Suspension?
No, it’s not advisable to drive with a bad air suspension.
An air suspension problem can impact handling and vehicle stability, particularly in poor weather conditions. Continuing to drive with air suspension failure can cause further damage and lead to more expensive repairs.
If you notice signs like a sagging vehicle or a rough ride, approach a professional for proper air suspension repair.
Let’s explore the repair process in detail.
How to Diagnose and Repair Air Suspension Problems
Here’s what a mechanic typically does to identify and fix air suspension issues:
Step 1: Inspect for Visible Leaks
The mechanic will examine air springs and air lines for cracks, holes, or damage. If they find leaks, they’ll repair or replace the components.
Step 2: Check the Compressor
The mechanic will check if the compressor runs too frequently, indicating a leak or compressor failure. If leaks are present, they’ll fix them first, and if the compressor is damaged, they’ll replace it.
Step 3: Check Suspension Height and Sensors
Next, the mechanic will observe the vehicle’s ride height for unevenness or delayed adjustments. They’ll test height sensors and replace faulty components to restore proper suspension functionality.
Step 4: Diagnose Control Module Issues
If the mechanic detects erratic height adjustments, they’ll run diagnostics (using a scan tool) on the control module. Depending on the results, they’ll reprogram or replace the module.
Step 5: Inspect Other Components
The mechanic will test other air suspension components for damage, including each solenoid valve and shock absorber. They’ll clean, repair, or replace any worn or clogged part.
Step 6: Final System Testing
Once repairs are complete, the mechanic will test the entire air suspension system to ensure proper ride height, smooth operation, and no further leaks.
Wondering what the repairs would cost you?
Keep reading to find out.
How Much Does Air Suspension Repair Cost?
Typical suspension repair charges can range from $520 to $1500, depending on what part needs replacement.
The average cost of some air suspension parts is as follows:
- Air spring: $1,200
- Air suspension compressor: $875
- Suspension control module: $685
- Ride height sensor: $450
Here are the estimated labor charges:
- Air spring replacement: $200
- Air compressor replacement: $130
- Suspension control module replacement: $90
- Ride height sensor replacement: $70
NOTE: Most vehicles have four air struts and four ride height sensors. Since these components work together to maintain balance, replacing just one worn air strut or height sensor often means replacing all four to ensure proper suspension function. This can substantially increase costs.
Moreover, if your vehicle has suffered a total air suspension failure, it’ll require a complete system replacement. This typically costs between $600 and $5,000, depending on the type of system (simple or advanced) and your vehicle model.
Want to save on costly repairs?
Let’s explore some essential car maintenance tips to keep your air suspension system in great condition.
How to Keep an Air Suspension System in Top Shape?
All car owners should:
- Inspect the air suspension components for leaks.
- Listen for odd noises like hissing or clunking.
- Monitor ride height and air pressure.
- Check the compressor to ensure it’s not running continuously.
If you notice any issues, seek professional assistance immediately.
Say Goodbye to Air Suspension Problems with AutoNation Mobile Service
An air suspension problem is more than an inconvenience — it can lead to serious complications if unresolved. Over time, the added stress from leaks or malfunctions can result in expensive repairs and hurt your car’s resale value.
Addressing the issue early is essential to maintaining your vehicle’s performance and longevity.
That’s where AutoNation Mobile Service comes in.
Our team of expert mobile mechanics is available seven days a week to diagnose and address car troubles right from your driveway.
Contact us today for all your car maintenance needs.