Rare air suspension leak

E

enriquei

New member
Bought the car last August, no air suspension leaks until March, where the front end would be completely slammed after sitting ~8 hours. This happened for about 4 days straight, then fixed itself, then happened a couple weeks later twice in a row. Every time I was parked on a slight downhill. Since then, the air suspension has been fine. Even left it parking for ~80 hours on a slight downhill and the compressor ran for about 15 seconds after starting and that was it. I've never had the compressor come on while driving, except for when slowing below freeway speeds.

Any suggestions? Is it possible a purge valve stuck open?
 
tixer

tixer

Lincoln Evangelist
Take a very, very close look at your air bags. This is exactly what happened with mine. parking on level ground was fine, parking at a slight incline would cause it to drop overnight. I didn't worry about it much, but as time went on, it happened more often.

Once it was happening daily, I let it pump itself up, put it on ramps, and got underneath with some soapy water. I didn't even need the water. I immediately heard hissing from one of the front bags, and found the leak.

I'm now two years into a pair of brand new Motorcraft units, and couldn't be happier. Zero problems, zero leaking. Paying that price sure hurt at the time, but it was unquestionably the right solution to the problem..

Editing to amend with some additional thoughts..

I think your purge valve theory, although technically possible, is unlikely. This is only because you would actually need two valves (solenoids) stuck open to cause this to happen. The valve on the bag in question, in addition to the valve at the compressor.. The lines are really only pressurized when the compressor is running. after that the individual solenoids close and seal each corner independently.
 
Last edited:
E

enriquei

New member
tixer said:
Take a very, very close look at your air bags. This is exactly what happened with mine. parking on level ground was fine, parking at a slight incline would cause it to drop overnight. I didn't worry about it much, but as time went on, it happened more often.

Once it was happening daily, I let it pump itself up, put it on ramps, and got underneath with some soapy water. I didn't even need the water. I immediately heard hissing from one of the front bags, and found the leak.

I'm now two years into a pair of brand new Motorcraft units, and couldn't be happier. Zero problems, zero leaking. Paying that price sure hurt at the time, but it was unquestionably the right solution to the problem..

Editing to amend with some additional thoughts..

I think your purge valve theory, although technically possible, is unlikely. This is only because you would actually need two valves (solenoids) stuck open to cause this to happen. The valve on the bag in question, in addition to the valve at the compressor.. The lines are really only pressurized when the compressor is running. after that the individual solenoids close and seal each corner independently.
Click to expand...
Thank you Tixer,

I will take a look later next month when I plan on addressing the oil leaks. I was thinking about spraying the bags with this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006SU3QW?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

to see if it would prevent the leaks.
 
S

steve

With "LOD" Since 1997
That is not uncommon, happened with my rears. If the leak is in a spot where the bag folds it would be sealed but if just in the right spot to be exposed it will leak.
 
C

chris2523

New member
tire slime has been used successfully before.
not that i am suggesting it, but if it comes down to tire slime, or car on the ground, it's been done.
 
E

enriquei

New member
chris2523 said:
tire slime has been used successfully before.
not that i am suggesting it, but if it comes down to tire slime, or car on the ground, it's been done.
Click to expand...
I'd prefer to use an external solution, not an internal one. I'm drawn to the spray rubber coatings because supposedly they're water and air tight.
 
C

chris2523

New member
an internal solution will be better than external.
the high pressure will just push off what is sprayed on, an internal solution will be pushed into the cracks, sealing them more effectively.

on the whole, i'd buy new bags from amazon before they are all gone.

my 2 cents.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top