New member. I posted this on the 2007-2014 forum, but thought I'd ask here too as applies to earlier years.

2011 Lincoln Navi L 4WD. 63K miles. Bought used a year ago and have done all maintenance myself. Drain and new filter in transmission. Added aluminum deep PAL pan. New fluid in transfer case, front and rear diff. Changed plugs (no breaks!). Removed bubbling paint on lower edge of liftgate and prepped and painted aluminum myself. Flat black only, bubbling was only on interior.

I like the air suspension and want to keep it, but I'm concerned about long term maintenance. Has anyone tried to apply rubber conditioner on the airbags themselves to extend life of the bags and prevent leaks? Silicone spray, 303 Protectorant, or maybe Syl-Glyde? I'm in PA and all this stuff will get salt on it soon. I know any conditioner will get them sticky and may cause dirt and grime to stick, but I've looked at the bags and are enclosed in that white plastic cylinder. Not exposed to much road debris.

Has anyone replaced the desiccant/dryer unit on the air suspension compressor? Arnott sells them on Amazon for $41 bucks. Once the desiccant is loaded up with water, you'll have moisture or liquid water in the compressor and eventually into the air shocks. Seems like cheap insurance to replace it, if you can install it yourself. I'm surprised the stealerships don't include this in our maintenance schedule to get more of our money.

Thanks
PLCguy

 

Most people just ignore the air suspension until something goes wrong with it.

 

Currently with the very cold temps up north where I live, I'm experiencing issues with my air suspension.

The rear will sag after driving for a few minutes in the morning when it'svery cold. When I leave work in the afternoon (with higher outside temperatures) the system starts working again normally.

I'm thinking moisture got in the system and is freezing a solenoid or prevents the compressor from working normally.

Ive ordered a new dryer hoping ot will solve the problem.

But should I look into something else? Is there a way to remove any moisture from the system while I replace the dryer?

 

Dryer is a great start. Replacing all the o-rings, and of course coating the replacement o-rings with appropriate lubricant during installation.

Air bag systems are a basic system. Replacing the dryer regularly is a real good preventative maintenance activity. People often suggest the air springs (bags) have a ten year life expectancy, but I have never seen any data to back that up.

 

Thanks, will change the dryer asap.
But finding the right o-rings might be difficult

 

Dealer sells the air rings in kits. Here is one example:

2L7Z5B302AA

FORD OEM 03-06 Expedition Rear Suspension-Upper Mount Nut 2L7Z5B302AA | eBay

Do not buy the Dorman kit- I did and they are not a proper match/ fit.

 

The e-bay listed shows for rear.

I assume the front is different?
If you have that part number that would be much appreciated.

To answer the original question, I wipe the air springs down with Meguiars leather conditioner. And treat all rubber, plastic, vinyl and leather with that. Usually do this once or twice a year. Seems to make a difference.
And know that I operate my ride in Phoenix. Hardly rains. Not much humidity. Which is another reason I treat rubber, plastic, vinyl and leather. They live in the hot dry environment of the Valley of the Sun.

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