I have a 2002 Expedition with the self leveling system. I am getting ready to order the new isolators from Arnott industries. But I would like to knowhow often this thing is supposed to run. I don't seem to be having any problems wxcept for the isolators are shot. I have about 70k on it and don't need to be left stranded by losing a shock or bag. Any help would be appreciated.

 

I replaced my compressor and air bags @ 118k miles on my 98(now has 122k miles). The compressor ran good but I thought it was sound a little weak. I went ahead and replaced my bags due to the fact I do a lot of towing. Otherwise the bags were in good condition for being 10 years old. I got my stuff at americanairsystems.com. I don't think you would have too much trouble now, but that is your call if you want to replace anything else
Good luck,
Scott

 

Its funny that you mentioned american air systems since that is where I just bought my parts. The only thing that I changed was the rubber isolators on the pump. That seemed to solve my problem. I looked at the bags and they looked fine. Thanks for the reply.

 

Hi sorry to bud in but what exactly are the isolators? where are they ?

 

There is a mounting plate that bolts to the vehicle. The air compressor is bolted to that. The rubber isolators go between the compressor and the mounting plate. This helps remove the vibration so it doesn't go to the vehicle. I think there is another company by the name of arnott that has pics on their website. I found out that these rot out and the compressor sounds very loud if they are bad. Let me know if any other questions.

 

OK I understand thanks and since your offering your knowledge my wife drives a 98 with the air suspension we just started to have problems with it one the compressor being too loud and two the front right loosing air making the compressor come on too much and setting the check susp. light I can here the air leaking but it is not coming from the air shock somewhere by the pump?

 

I'll tell you straight up that I am just starting to learn about this system myself. But I called Eddie at Lincoln Air Suspension Parts for 1984 - 2002 automobiles and he will walk you through any problem you have. I just don't want to lead you down the wrong path. On their website they also have a troubleshooting section.

 

Thanks I appreciate that

 

After you talk to eddy let me know what you find ouut. I need as much info on this system as possible fo rmyself. Thanks

 

Eddy at American Air Suspensions was also very helpful to me, and their web site has good troubl-shooting advice. If the only complaint is that the air compressor is too noisy, then replacing the isolators is all that you need to do. You can either get just the isolators to do this, or Ford sells a kit that includes the isolators and the bracket that they go into.

I had done that a few years ago, but then had my compressor (and the relay that provides power to it) both fail totally. At which point the rear suspension deflates over a period of time (might be days, if the rear bags are still pretty sound), leaving the rear collapsed. (The front stays at normal height, held up by its torsion bar springs.) I got my new compressor assembly from American Air Suspension, and it worked fine.

The only time-saving tip I'd offer is that you should take the time to remove the battery first, and also take the battery tray out completely. Then you have enough room to unbolt the washer fluid reservoir, and slide it over to the battery-space, without having to actually disconnect anything related to the washer fluid. There are lots of posts about this if you do a search.

 

Explain " The front stays at normal height,held up by its torsion bar springs"?

thanks

 

That's the normal height of the front end when the airbags are deflated.

 

In the front, there are torsion springs that provide the actual spring force, and the "air suspension" is basically used to raise or lower the front end slightly, from the nominal height that is set by the torsion springs. So it is more or less an "air-shock" arrangement.

But in the back, there are no mechanical springs. The only thing that holds the rear end "up" is the air-bags. So if the compressor fails, within a day or two the air bags in the rear will leak down, and the rear suspension will collapse, with the rear axle resting on its bump stops. But the front will still look normal, being held at approximately normal height by its torsion bar springs.

 

Juts replaced compressor, it seems to be running great. Rear-end still not pumped up. Is there a solenoid or switch that I can check? How often does the level sensor go out?

 

Check the switch. It is located under the pass. side dash on the kick panel. You may have to turn it off then back on. Also check around the master cylinder for the air line and/or connector to make sure none of the lines are split. Make sure the doors, gate and rear window are shut tight. Also try sitting in the drivers seat with the motor running. Mine requires me to be in the vehicle for it to start pumping up. Keep us all posted and I will try to help more if I can. Good luck,
Scott