Load Leveling Suspension
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Load Leveling Suspension
I have a 2001 Expy EB. Yesterday morning when I went out to start it the passenger real side was down on the tires. Figured the bag had blown out. Started it up to move it and after a few minutes it pumped itself up and stayed there, no more problems yet. Was that a sign that the bag or compressor is getting ready to go? Called Ford and they said it was and it would cost about $400.00 to replace that one bag. They said it would cost me about $800.00 to replace both rear sides with regular coil springs. Any one else had the problem where it went down and then came back up and stayed. Thanks.
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From: Omaha, Nebraska USA
Fleet Mechanic
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From: Lorain County, Ohio
Your truck is a bit young for air spring leaks, but they can fail early due to conditions. The usual life expectancy is about 10 years.
Leaks can seem to come and go because the bladder is rolled under itself at the bottom, and cracks develop under the fold. You can check this by jacking up the back and letting the axle hang. If you see cracks, it's time for new air springs. Always replace them in pairs. It's also a good idea to replace the dryer.
If they are cracked, replace them right away. Even though the system airs up when you start the engine, this will overwork the compressor and wear it out quickly. It's not designed to keep up with any leaks. Many folks will ignore the suspension dropping overnight until the compressor wears out, then there's an expensive bill. If you fix the leaky springs right away, the compressor "should" outlast the truck in most cases. I have the same system on my 1984 Lincoln Mark VII and the compressor is original.
The springs are available for about $110 each and are a very easy DIY repair. In addition to American Air Suspension, there's Strutmasters, Bagmaster Air, and Arnott Industries. They all have good products at much less than dealer price.
Leaks can seem to come and go because the bladder is rolled under itself at the bottom, and cracks develop under the fold. You can check this by jacking up the back and letting the axle hang. If you see cracks, it's time for new air springs. Always replace them in pairs. It's also a good idea to replace the dryer.
If they are cracked, replace them right away. Even though the system airs up when you start the engine, this will overwork the compressor and wear it out quickly. It's not designed to keep up with any leaks. Many folks will ignore the suspension dropping overnight until the compressor wears out, then there's an expensive bill. If you fix the leaky springs right away, the compressor "should" outlast the truck in most cases. I have the same system on my 1984 Lincoln Mark VII and the compressor is original.
The springs are available for about $110 each and are a very easy DIY repair. In addition to American Air Suspension, there's Strutmasters, Bagmaster Air, and Arnott Industries. They all have good products at much less than dealer price.
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Thanks for the responses. I think I am going to go with the regular coil springs when I do take it in for repairs. Not sure how much that will cost me but it will eliminate future leaking problems. Should that cost less than getting the bags/compressor replaced? I'm thinking there is an air leak some place because the compressor is coming on a bit more frequently than it used to. Thanks again.
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