Air Suspension Leak Repair: When to Call a Mechanic and When to DIY

Air suspension is a type of system in cars that uses air to keep the car up and give you a smooth ride. Fancy cars and big cars like SUVs use it for a nicer drive than you get with usual springs.

If your car’s air suspension leaks, it means the air that should keep your car up is getting out. This problem can make your car sit too low and make your drive bumpy. A leak can happen if the parts holding the air, like the air struts or tubes, are broken or if the machine that pumps the air is damaged.

How air suspension works – Detailed Guide

Air suspension is a type of car support system. Unlike the usual spring systems in most cars, it uses air to hold up the car’s weight and absorb bumps from the road.

Your car has something like big balloons called “air springs” at each wheel. These air springs are filled with air by a special air pump that’s run by the car’s engine. The air pump is like a small fan that pushes air into these springs. When you drive over a bump, the air in the springs gets squeezed. This squeezing helps to soften the feel of the bump so you can ride comfortably without shaking too much.

The amount of air in these springs can change. If you load your car with heavy things or people, the air pump adds more air to keep the car level and stop it from sagging. When the load is lighter, it lets some air out. This way, your car is always at the right height and rides smoothly.

A controller in the car tells the air pump when to add or let out air. It gets information from sensors that watch how high the car is off the ground. This system makes sure your car is balanced, not tilting forward or backward, and not too high or low.

Causes of air suspension leaks

Air suspension leaks can be a hassle, making your smooth ride bumpy and less comfortable. These leaks mean air is escaping from the system that keeps your car level and steady.

Damaged Air Struts

Air struts are like strong bags that hold air in the suspension. If they get damaged, air can leak out. This damage can happen from driving over rough roads, hitting potholes, or just from the air struts getting old. When they have holes or tears, the air that’s supposed to cushion your ride leaks out.

You might hear a hissing sound, which is the air escaping, or notice your car sits lower, especially if it’s parked overnight.

Checking for any wear or damage on these struts is essential. If you spot any damage, you’ll need to get them replaced to stop the leaks and get your comfortable ride back.

Worn-Out Air Lines

The air lines are the tubes that carry air to the struts from the pump. These can get old and worn out over time. Rubber lines can crack, get holes, or just start to break down with age and use. The connections can also become loose or the seals can fail, letting air slip out.

This is like a garden hose with a leak; no matter how much water (or air) you push through it, it’s going to come out where it’s not supposed to. Regular checks can help find leaks in these lines early, so you can fix them before they become a big problem.

Faulty Air Compressor

The air compressor is what pumps air into the suspension. If it’s not working right, it might not put enough air into the system, or it might let air leak out. Sometimes, the compressor gets too hot and stops working as it should. Other times, the issue might be with its parts, like valves or seals that can wear out.

The compressor has a tough job and it’s normal for parts to wear out over time. But if it’s not fixed, it can lead to more air leaks and more trouble with your suspension.

How to Fix Air Suspension Leak

Fixing an air suspension leak helps your car to keep giving you a smooth ride. It involves finding where the air is leaking and repairing that part. The steps below can guide you through the process so you can get your car back to its best shape.

Step 1: Find the Leak

First, you need to find out where the air is escaping from. You can do this by listening for a hissing sound or spraying soapy water on the air suspension parts and looking for bubbles. The bubbles will show you where the air is coming out. Check the air struts, the lines, and the compressor carefully.

Step 2: Repair or Replace Damaged Air Struts

If you see that an air strut is damaged, you will need to replace it. For this, lift your car up, remove the wheel, and then take off the strut. Put a new strut in place, attach it firmly, and then put the wheel back on.

Step 3: Fix the Air Lines

If the air lines have cracks or holes, you can put in new lines or fix the small holes. To fix them, you might use a repair kit or replace the whole line if it’s too damaged. Make sure the lines fit well and are tight so no air can escape.

Step 4: Check the Air Compressor

If the problem is with the compressor, it might need new parts, like valves or seals. Sometimes you might need a new compressor.

Step 5: Test the System

After fixing everything, turn on your car and let the air suspension do its work. Watch to see that the car is rising to the right height and listen for leaks again. If you fixed the leak, your car should stay at the right height without any hissing sounds.

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fixing an air suspension leak is an important part of taking care of your car. Air suspension keeps your ride smooth by using air to cushion bumps on the road. When there is a leak, your car might not drive as well, and it could even look like it’s sagging on one side. To fix a leak, you find where the air is coming out, replace any bad parts, and make sure everything is working right again.

So, keep an eye on your air suspension and take action as soon as you think there’s a problem.

Reference – https://accuair.com/blogs/shop-talk/how-to-check-for-air-leaks-in-an-air-bag-suspension-system