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How to Troubleshoot a Faulty Air Suspension System
How to Troubleshoot a Faulty Air Suspension System
An air suspension system combines an onboard compressor with suspension sensors and control modules to vary your ride height, dampen road vibrations and isolate passengers and cargo from bumps.a8d5 air suspension The system also includes air springs, which are cylinders filled with compressed air that inflate to support the vehicle load and maintain proper ride height.
Air suspension is often expensive, but it offers advantages that other systems cannot match.a8d5 air suspension For example, it offers a smoother, more comfortable ride than other suspension systems. It can also improve fuel economy by lowering the car, which reduces its frontal area and thus reduces drag. However, air suspension can fail just like any other part on your car. It can be frustrating when you lose a few inches of ride height, but there are several things you can do to troubleshoot the problem before it becomes more serious.
Often the first sign that the air suspension is going bad is a warning light on the dashboard.a8d5 air suspension This is usually caused by a failing air compressor or other component that needs to be replaced. It is important to catch the warning signs early because a failed air suspension can damage other components.
A common source of air suspension problems is the air lines, which are tubes that carry pressurized air from the onboard compressor to the air springs.a8d5 air suspension These are made of flexible plastic or rubber tubing and can be prone to nicks and cuts. Road debris is another common cause of these problems, since it is easy for small rocks or other debris to puncture the line.
The ride height sensor and control module are two other common air suspension components that can go wrong. The sensor sends a signal to the compressor to inflate each air spring, but it can fail due to age or other causes. When the sensor fails, the air springs will not inflate and the vehicle may sag or lean.
If the sensor is failing, you should see a fault code on the dash. The most common codes are 01583 – Leak in System Detected and 01772 – Signal From Level Control Pressure Sensor Is Incorrect. If you are able to scan the air suspension system, you should be able to find the location of the sensor that is causing the problem.
One way to save money on repair costs is to convert your air suspension to a coilover system. You can purchase a kit that will include struts, shocks and other components to convert your Audi A8 to a more reliable suspension system. These kits will save you more than $2,000 over the cost of replacing the compressor and other air suspension components. You will also be able to keep your luxury and comfort features like auto-leveling and an excellent ride.
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