Rear air ride suspension drop

[fabfun]

got buddy got a 97 4x4 with air ride and back end almost on fenders i been reading threads all day and got few questions.

I listened with stethoscope on rear fill solenoid and when key turned compressor kicks on and i hear click of fill solenoid when turned on and also clicks when turned off so my opinion is up to that point compressor is working and so is fill solenoid . I am correct?

then checked rear ride height sensor and its linkage is connected and i kind doubt both air bags leaking seems rare both go bad at same time .

So does it sound like got a air leak somewhere in between fill solenoid and rear air bags ? Or a bad rear relief valve?

 

[jbanks]

I hate to say this, but I have seen hundreds of air suspension questions asked on this forum and none of them have really been addressed. The responses you get will be to replace the air suspension with springs and shocks.

If you have or can get a repair manual there are some pretty detailed 'pinpoint' tests for what to check.

Sorry I cant be more help.

 

[fabfun]

I hate to say this, but I have seen hundreds of air suspension questions asked on this forum and none of them have really been addressed. The responses you get will be to replace the air suspension with springs and shocks.

If you have or can get a repair manual there are some pretty detailed 'pinpoint' tests for what to check.

Sorry I cant be more help.

Yep i noticed that from all the searches i did on internet

 

[z168]

and i kind doubt both air bags leaking seems rare both go bad at same time .

yes they can.

Some components like the solenoid can go bad just like the tubes can develop leaks. but in batting average its almost always the bags that go first. Bags → Compressor → Solenoid; in that order.

heres an easy way to find out - jack the rear end and let the rear axle hang. With the bags fully stretched check the upper and lower portions of the bags. look for cracks and splits on the rubber itself

 

[z168]

Here is my DIY write up. Check the pics for the cracks and splits I mentioned

click

 

[AAS-1]

Good afternoon gentlemen. From what you've described, a couple things come to mind. The very first one is the line union close to the brake master cylinder. The union connects the air line from the front to the back. This little 1 inch piece of plastic will split right down the middle and eventually allow the collet to pop out. When this happens, the air then goes to the atmosphere, rather than to the rear airbags....so you're dead in the water.

Are you sure the compressor puts out enough pressure? Just because it runs, doesn't mean it's making enough pressure. It needs to put out bare minimum 120 psi.

Btw, the reason it is "recommended" to go to springs is because it's just plain cheaper in the long run. Also, from a techs point of view, nothing is more aggravating than spending 2 hours on the phone with somebody, teaching them along the way....only to have them say...."shoot, that's too expensive to fix, I'm gonna convert."

If you want to keep the air, that's alright by me. I'll stop by here now & again and help when I can, but I'd only ask to get your parts from me in exchange.

Sorry, for some reason my signature isn't showing up.
Eddie Spinks
1-866-211-7531
https://www.americanairsuspension.com/Ford-Air-Suspension-Parts-All-Ford-s/1884.htm