Bad Car Air Suspension Systems: What You Need To Know

Car air suspension systems aren’t new. Popularized in the 1950s, these systems use air instead of springs to cushion the vibrations that jostle a car during a regular drive. There are a number of benefits to using air suspension instead of a traditional suspension system. Today we’ll tackle how air suspension systems work and the tell-tale signs that your air suspension system is failing.

What Is Air Suspension?

Modern air suspension systems control both ride height and ride quality through a control module. The control module instructs the rest of the system to adjust the filtered air levels in the air springs based on several factors like the vehicle’s speed and height.

The system relies on a series of valves that open and close depending on whether compressed air needs to feed into or escape from the air springs. These springs cushion the vehicle like inflated airbags, allowing for a smoother ride. Some modern systems can automatically lower or increase vehicle height depending on vehicle speed. Increased ground clearance is especially handy for off-roading, while a lower vehicle height enables increased handling and fuel efficiency.

Air suspension systems are also excellent at adjusting suspension geometry more precisely when compared to traditional spring- and shock-dependent suspension systems. The air springs are able to better adjust to increased cargo and passenger weight. This is thanks to the many different air suspension components working together. These components include the following parts:

• Air compressor
• Air suspension control module
• Air plumbing lines
• Air reservoir
• Air spring bags (or bellows)
• Height sensors
• Valve blocks

Bad Air Suspension System Symptoms

A vehicle with a bad air suspension system often shows the following symptoms:

Illuminated Check Air Suspension Light

If your dash lights up with a message like “Stop, car too low,” there’s likely something wrong with your air suspension. Likewise, if your check engine light illuminates and you’ve been experiencing other suspension problems, it could be an indicator of air suspension issues. Use a scan tool to find out the exact diagnostic trouble code (DTC) triggering the light. This can help you find out the cause behind your suspension problems.

Poor Handling and Sagging Suspension

One sign of a bad air suspension system is that your vehicle will ride too low for comfort. You’ll often find that damaged airbags and coil springs will result in your suspension sagging, which makes for a bumpier and less level ride. This results in swaying as you drive and poor handling, because these parts aren’t able to properly support the vehicle’s weight. This symptom is particularly dangerous because it affects your vehicle’s drivability and reaction time during emergencies. Continuing to drive with this issue can lead to further suspension system damage.

Compressor Issues

The air suspension compressor keeps the system’s airbags inflated according to the instructions from the control module. The compressor runs until the airbags are adequately filled. If the compressor doesn’t stop at all, it could be a sign that something in the system is wrong. This particular symptom points at either a leaking airbag or a malfunctioning compressor.

Uncomfortable Drive

A vehicle’s air suspension is meant to absorb the various bumps and jolts that naturally occur while driving down the road. If you’re starting to feel more of those bumps and jolts than usual, there’s likely a suspension issue. The same goes for your vehicle feeling low at the back or unstable while driving.

Air Pump Issues

A working air pump will make noise. If the air pump fluctuates and goes quiet, it’s likely malfunctioning. This indicates a leak somewhere in the air suspension system.

Air Leaks

Air leaks, no matter where they are in the air suspension system, can cause a number of issues. The system relies on having air in the right places to function properly. If there’s a leak, it throws off the delicate balance that the system maintains.

Cars With Air Suspension

Air suspension systems have recently risen in popularity, becoming a key and desirable feature in luxury cars and SUVs. Their adaptability and improved performance compared to traditional suspension systems has caught the public eye. Here’s a partial list of modern cars with air suspension either built-in or available as an add-on:

• 2024 Chevy Tahoe
• 2024 Porsche Macan
• 2024 Tesla Model X
• 2024 BMW X7
• 2024 Lincoln Aviator
• 2024 Volvo XC90
• 2024 Lamborghini Urus
• 2024 Audi RS Q8
• 2024 Lincoln Navigator
• 2024 Land Rover Ranger Rover Velar
• 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS
• 2024 BMW X7
• 2024 Audi A8
• 2022 Jeep Wagoneer
• 2022 Volvo XC60 SUV
• 2022 Audi Q5

Air suspension is definitely becoming more popular. Now you know what air suspension is in a car and what symptoms to look out for if you suspect that your vehicle’s air suspension is failing.