Air suspension issue...anyone have this happen...

[Sterling Archer]

Recently (last several months) my 07 would seem to have the pump going more than usual to maintain ride height. A week ago everything seemed fine till I got in after leaving a store and I got a "check air suspension" warning on the dash and over a few minutes noticed the rear begin to sag. At the next store I stopped at, I got out to look and saw it was settled out completely, down to the bump stops. The pump would run and run then time out (over heating protection?). I drove all the way home, about 70 miles and parked in the drive after an awful ride home.

The next morning, I started it and the pump came on and lifted the truck to full height. Yay! I attributed it to just a fluke. All was good for about 5 days until I got the same warning again while driving and again sagged all the way down. Pump runs and runs but nothing happens. Sadly, it didn't just "reset" and work as it should gain the next day.

Now, the pump runs, I can hear it fine but nothing is happening, so it seems either I have a big leak somewhere or the pump is running but not making pressure. Seeing how the last time it happened, it was very sudden but seemed to pump up the truck just fine the next day, it would seem likely I have pump pressure so I am leaning towards a leak that has just gotten worse...

Assuming, it's not the airbags with the initial problem, what are the chances I have damaged them running flat in the back? Due to my work, not driving is not an option until next week....

What say the community?

 

[GAINMOB]

the system starts having prob 7-10 yrs...I would suggest doing an coil conversion and never worry about this prob again...even if you fix it now...there are several things that will go out that it would more cost effective to do the conversion...a lot of ppl go with strutmasters and suncore....there are plenty of threads in suspension regarding this topic and we all so the same thing...do the conversion

 

[Sterling Archer]

Yes, I'm aware that she's getting older but I just replaced the rear struts in the bags with OEM units 3 months ago. I've found OEM parts on ebay and they are not terribly priced. Frankly, I really like the air-ride system and this is the first issue I've had with it.

 

[bloodhound]

I went through the exact scenario you describe a few months ago. I believe it is actually the compressor failing/leaking, and after much debate, I decided to also go with the coil conversion. There are so many more parts that can fail with the air ride, and it is a matter of time. I liked the air ride a lot and hated the idea of removing it, but the reality is that it rides just as well with the coils. However, I don't tow anything so that probably would have affected my decision. I went with the Kit from Arnott which was the only one I found that has a module to fool the computer into thinking the air suspension is working (no Check light). Arnott sells compressors too if you decide to give that route a try. (I have nothing to do with this company, FYI, just a fan now!)

 

[GAINMOB]

i thought the the swap would change the ride...it didn't...and u see my truck in my sig...there's always going to be something...struts and u changed that...could be the compressor and then you'll change that...next seals and O-rings...there are a lot of factors...but if u don't want to switch u are going to go through the headache of figuring out whats going on...make it simple with the conversion

 

[black 4x4]

After watching this video I wouldn't hesitate for two seconds to change to cool overs. Currently I'm looking to get a second gen and in the thread I made I said I'd like to keep the air suspension. Well...that's not happening any more. Lol.

http://youtu.be/f0kq_abBrQU

 

[dlcorbett]

I think im gonna do a conversion for mines next year sometime, i like the air suspension for the most part but the future maintenance would be too much. I would like to find a somewhat soft setup for the springs, i like a cloud like floaty ride and i like the balance the air springs have on good days (on bad days its really bad, you will feel almost everything). I also wonder if theres a way to replace the frame mounts to stiffen the chassis and eleviate some of the jitters...is this possible or have anyone done this?

 

[GAINMOB]

I think im gonna do a conversion for mines next year sometime, i like the air suspension for the most part but the future maintenance would be too much. I would like to find a somewhat soft setup for the springs, i like a cloud like floaty ride and i like the balance the air springs have on good days (on bad days its really bad, you will feel almost everything). I also wonder if theres a way to replace the frame mounts to stiffen the chassis and eleviate some of the jitters...is this possible or have anyone done this?

its a 7K lb vehicle...not a car...low end suv compared to the escalade...I have 26 inch rims on 2 inch drop springs and my ride is the same as if I had air still...

 

[dlcorbett]

its a 7K lb vehicle...not a car...low end suv compared to the escalade...I have 26 inch rims on 2 inch drop springs and my ride is the same as if I had air still...

I understand its not a car, i already have a car for those purposes lol (well my girlfriend does now). I wanted a big truck thats comfortable and i have that and she meets my expectations. However, i got the navi over the expy because it has a softer ride which i like, but the air springs can be stiff at times. There run is coming to an end soon sadly so id like to convert to a setup similar to softness. I honestly think the 06 navs are better balanced. I still think the navi rides better than a similar escalade though. Only the new gen trucks ride better in my opinion. My dad just bought a 15 escalade and def cant wait to compare.

 

[Sterling Archer]

Well, turned out the line was plugged withe some gunk....took the lines out, blew high pressure air through it, back in and all is good. They recommended replacing the dryer on the pump.