Hello!! I am having some issues with my truck and of course, my husband is away at work

The air ride suspension in my 2007 Ford Expedition Max went caputz. (I have had trouble with it freezing twice before when it is really really really cold, but once it thaws it is fine.) Anyway, I went sledding on Saturday and parked the truck after I got home. I came out Sunday, and the rear end is sagging like a low-rider. I can hear the compressor turn on, and I hear air leaking close to the front right tire/battery... the rear end never actually pumps up and then the compressor cuts out. I eventually turned off the Air Suspension so that the compressor wouldn't keep trying and burn out.

I put the truck in the garage to thaw it out and checked the rear height sensor to see if it was gummed up or anything, but I don't see anything.

I took it to a local mechanic with a good reputation on the internet (bcz we just moved to this town, I had to rely on BBB ratings) and they came back saying it is the compressor and ride height sensor that need replaced. I find this hard to believe, bcz I can hear the compressor working (and leaking). If the ride height sensor was broken, the compressor wouldn't get a signal to cut in, would it?

Apparently, the compressor is only putting out 5psi when it should put out like 100 psi... but could this be accounted for by the leak I hear?? The technician is telling me the leaking sound is the compressor trying to bypass, but I don't understand what it would be bypassing? I'm not 100% sure this guy knows what he's doing: I had to turn the air suspension back on for him before he could even look at it.

Should I take it somewhere else? They are quoting me 1830.00 to do the compressor, ride height sensor and rear brake pads???

Help!

 

Unless you really want to waste nearly two thousand dollars, I'd get a second opinion or do it yourself as it's very easy to diagnose.

It sound like a leak at either the dryer, or the main air hose fitting where it plugs into the compressor under the hood. Just unbolt the wiper fluid tank, slide it out of the way, take some soapy water and squirt down the compressor assembly and you'll soon see exactly where the problem is.

Don't buy that garbage about your compressor output being low.... of course it's low...how's it going to build pressure if the line is leaking...

The good thing is that new replacement entire compressor assemblies are not very expensive and can be found on line for around $150, of worst case if it's an airbag they can be found for a little bit more and if you know anything about using basic hand tools, it shouldn't take more than about 30-45 minutes to swap either one out.

Good luck