Air Suspension

T

thommyeg55

Registered
I just replaced the rear air bags on my 93 mkviii and thought that it would prevent the vehicle from going down overnight. but it still is going down and the waring light (check air system) still comes on after riding down the road for a few miles. It was going down when I drove or when I left the car overnight. What else could be wrong? Also, I am sure that the rear shocks need replacing and I wanted to go with an off the shelf type versus a ford/lincoln ones. Which type is the best for this vehicle? What will I encounter once the ome's are taken off? Thanks.

tg
 
RE: Air Suspension

Is the front or the rear going down? You may need to replace the front struts also.

Other possible causes are the solenoids, or the o-rings on the solenoids. If they're cracked or not in the proper position, you'll get a leak.
 
RE: Air Suspension

It's the rear that is going down. I forgot to mention that I replaced the solenoids at the same time. How can I ensure that the solenoids are in the correct position?
 
RE: Air Suspension

If they're in all the way, the position is correct. But the o-rings may have gotten bound up or something in there.

Pull the solenoids out and take a close look at the o-rings. You may also be able to locate a leak using a spray bottle of soapy water. That should work on the solenoids as well as it does on the bags.

If you don't find anything, shut the air ride off and see if it still drops.
 
RE: Air Suspension

The rear went down after cutting the air suspension system off overnight. I am not sure what to do at this point.
 
RE: Air Suspension

It's either a leaky rear bag or a leak around the solenoid. spray it with soapy water to try to locate the leak.
 
RE: Air Suspension

Seems to me like taking off that air stuff is the way to go. I just don't want to be stranded on the side of the road.
 
RE: Air Suspension

[div class="dcquote"][strong]Quote[/strong]
I got them new from Arrnott Industries. Why do you ask?
[/div]

Well, hate to be the bearer of bad news, but that "may" be your problem. I've heard they had issues with the solenoid housings being a really tight fit. In fact, one company that buys ALLOT of stuff from them, started putting solenoids in for free on some springs/struts just because it was so tight and people were scared to force the solenoid in. If its really tight, the o-rings could easy be damaged.

If you put a new air spring in and either put new or resealed solenoids, it SHOULD NOT leak down with the switch off. Each air spring has its own solenoid, which acts as a gate for air to go in or out. With the switch off, the solenoids are disabled, therefore NO AIR should exit or enter.
 
RE: Air Suspension

I got new solenoids and air bags from them. I recently contacted them and they send some new o-rings and one solenoid as I requested to ensure that it wasn't one of the solenoids. I will put the new o-rings on this weekend and see if that is the trick. I'll let you know further information as it comes about. Thank you for the support.
 
RE: Air Suspension

[div class="dcquote"][strong]Quote[/strong]
Seems to me like taking off that air stuff is the way to go. I just don't want to be stranded on the side of the road.
[/div]

My original air bags went until 200,000 miles.
For the 650.00 it cost to replace both fronts, both rears AND the compressor, which in my opinion is DIRT cheap for 200,000 trouble free miles.

Seems to me the best way to go is how the "design engineers" intended for this car to operate.

Anything less would be a detraction from the original design and intent of the car.

IMHO
 
RE: Air Suspension

Interesting thread. I discovered a leak in my trunk, however the car was not sagging in the morning. I guess the solonoids are keeping the air bags from deflating? I turned off the air system to see if that will make a difference.
 
RE: Air Suspension

Solenoids at each bag will close and stay closed when the system is turned off.

Did your air line get pinched/cut on the X-bracing behind the rear seat?

If so, I believe there are line repair kits out there.

Eddie? you got a line repair kit?
 
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