Can't find anything on here fitting my problem

[blackandtan]

07 Expedition, EB. Rear suspension started sagging overnight, left side more than right. I've sprayed soapy solution, but couldn't find any leaks. Compressor has been MUCH louder than normal lately. Suspension will stay aired up a few days if I turn the switch off, otherwise, if left on, it's on the ground within a few hours. Any suggestions other than swapping to an airless system?

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

07 Expedition, EB. Rear suspension started sagging overnight, left side more than right. I've sprayed soapy solution, but couldn't find any leaks. Compressor has been MUCH louder than normal lately. Suspension will stay aired up a few days if I turn the switch off, otherwise, if left on, it's on the ground within a few hours. Any suggestions other than swapping to an airless system?

I had air suspension in my 05. It sounds like a leaking check valve. Mine still worked great when I traded it in with 146,000. I did have to put a new compressor in about 130 miles because it was worn out and wasn't making pressure. The system is supposed to come on periodically to maintain pressure in the air bags. If you have a leaking check valve and if the compressor can't make enough pressure when vehicle is turned off because it can't run long enough you will notice leak down.

 

[blackandtan]

Thank you for the suggestion. Where would this valve be located? I forgot to mention I'm at 147k. First problem I've ever had with it in 6 years.

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

Thank you for the suggestion. Where would this valve be located? I forgot to mention I'm at 147k. First problem I've ever had with it in 6 years.

I don't really know. The best thing to do is follow the air lines. I paid the dealer to do mine because I've gotten to fat and old to crawl around under cars.

 

[blackandtan]

I understand that!

 

[1955moose]

I believe the check valve is near the compressor. I've had 2 Lincoln's with air springs, the spot besides the bags themselves that leak are the lines going to the solenoids that mount atop each spring. They use o rings that fail, where the lines go into solenoid. Go at the lines themselves with your spray bottle. I'd also spray around the compressor and lines, I'm sure your leak will pop up as bubbles.

Sent from my N9131 using Tapatalk

 

[blackandtan]

Just a little followup with everyone. I ordered a replacement compressor and it fixed the problem. We did a little diagnostic work beforehand using a buddies smoke machine and found no leaks. He also used the scan tool to check the valves on the bags and the ride height sensors and found everything else to be in working order.

Thank you all again for the replies and input.

 

[1955moose]

So the compressor was the problem with just the rear sagging? I'm wondering was their a leak where the lines go to compressor. Or maybe theirs a check valve inside that was malfunctioning, either way, glad your up and running. Thanks for posting follow up.

Sent from my N9131 using Tapatalk

 

[blackandtan]

From what my guy told me, there's a a valve with the compressor, but in my case the compressor was so worn it was allowing air to escape through itself. I'm no tech, so I may be articulating something incorrectly. All I know for sure is that after the compressor was replaced it stopped sagging and inflates much, much quicker.

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

From what my guy told me, there's a a valve with the compressor, but in my case the compressor was so worn it was allowing air to escape through itself. I'm no tech, so I may be articulating something incorrectly. All I know for sure is that after the compressor was replaced it stopped sagging and inflates much, much quicker.

That sounds like what the dealership told me when my compressor went out. It would run but it would put any air in the system. In mine the front bags leaked down to the bump stops it was fun driving it to the dealership to get the compressor replaced. I like I was driving on two basketballs.

 

[Trainmaster]

The air suspension can be a chore when things start wearing out. But if you have a nice truck, the parts aren't too expensive and the replacement job isn't bad. Check the air bags for cracks too. They wear out too and crack, leading to leaks. The hoses have quick-connects so they come on and off easily. I've replaced everything in a Mercury, and it set me back less than $400. Frankly the work was easier than replacing springs, for sure.