Diagnosing Air Spring Problems

Wear and Tear

Wear, cracks and tears to the rubber bellows is the leading cause of air spring failure. Age and constant exposure to dirt, debris, solvents and chemicals can cause the bellows to degrade and fail.

Compressor Failure

If the compressor is malfunctioning, it can’t adequately keep pressure in the air springs.

Impact Damage

Striking a curb, hitting a large pothole or other collision can cause damage to the air springs.

Failing air springs can cause several different problems like sagging ride height, rough ride, poor handling and wear and tear on other suspension parts. Driving with failing air springs isn’t safe and should be avoided. Be on the lookout for the signs of failing air springs:

Vehicle Sitting Lower

When the air springs lose air and are no longer properly functioning, the vehicle will visibly sit lower than normal.

Uneven Stance

If one side of the vehicle is sitting lower, it could be an indicator of a bad air spring on that side.

Noisy Air Compressor

An air compressor that is running more than usual can indicate air leaks in the air springs.

Rough Ride

Feeling every bump as you travel down the road is a sign that there could be issues with the air springs.

Damage to Bellows

Tears or cracks into the bellows can cause air spring failure.

Check Air Suspension Light

Bad air springs cause the check air suspension light to illuminate. You may see an icon of a car with an arrow pointing up and down or on older vehicles, it could say “Stop, car too low.”

If you suspect there is an issue with the air springs, follow these steps to determine the source of the issue.

Look for Leaks

Inspect the air springs and air lines for leaks.

Air Up the System

Engage the air suspension and keep an eye on how long it takes for the system to air up. Is it taking longer than normal to power up? This is a strong indicator that there is an issue with the system.

Check Compressor

Listen to the compressor – is it running frequently? This can indicate a leak or compressor failure.

Diagnostics

Hook up an OBDII scanner to retrieve any trouble codes that can help identify problems with the air springs.

Pressure Test

Performing a pressure test in each air spring can reveal leaks or other issues. Compare the reads to the manufacturer specifications to identify potential problems.