Air Suspension is a crucial component of modern cars, with all its components powered by air. Therefore, its proper operation is vital for car performance and driving experience. Air leakage is one common issue faced by air suspension systems, and it can differ in how serious it is.
Air leaks can lead to unstable vehicle driving, abnormal ride height, and other safety hazards, resulting in a potentially dangerous driving experience. Checking for air suspension leakage is not a challenging task, and this article will explore how to detect air leaks to ensure the stability and reliability of your vehicle in a few ways.
This not only ensures the air suspension system’s normal operation but also guarantees your driving safety.
Bounce Test
The bounce test serves as a reliable method for identifying the specific corner of your car experiencing a potential leak. To initiate the test, select a corner suspected to an issue and exert a forceful push on the bumper. Observe how swiftly the bumper returns to its original position; a healthy suspension will prompt a quick and stable recovery. Conversely, if there is an issue, the bumper may linger before resettling and exhibit bouncing movements.
Taking Longer to Air Up
If you notice that your vehicle takes an extended time to air up, it signals an issue with the air suspension. Possible causes include electrical issues, a failing or malfunctioning compressor, a blocked air-line, or simply an air leak before the manifold. An air leak that affects the whole system will most likely occur between the compressor and manifold.
Hence, prompt attention to these signs can aid in timely diagnosis and necessary repairs, ensuring the optimal functioning of the air suspension system.
Visual Inspection
Initially, a visual inspection is a simple method to check for air suspension system leakage. You can start by checking the vehicle’s height, as air leakage can cause the vehicle to sag, especially near the tires where the airbags are located. Additionally, you can inspect whether the vehicle’s body shows signs of leaning when parked. If one side noticeably leans, it could indicate an imbalance in air pressure on that side. Furthermore, carefully examine the exterior of the airbags, looking for any visible cracks, wear, or signs of leaks.
This is a simple way to check that, at times, can visually reveal whether your air suspension is experiencing leaks, allowing you to identify potential issues.
Auditory Inspection
An auditory inspection is another way to check if there are leaks in the air suspension system. This should be done in a relatively quiet environment to better detect faint sounds of gas escaping.
After starting the vehicle and allowing the suspension system to pressurize, listen carefully for any hissing sounds, unusual noises, or other abnormal sounds. These sounds could be indications of air leakage. You can also compare the sounds on both sides of the vehicle. If there is a significant hissing or rushing sound on one side, it might be a leak in the airbag on that side.
Tactile Inspection
A tactile inspection is a method to search for potential air leaks by touch. Gently tapping on the area of the airbags, they should feel firm and inflated under normal conditions, without any noticeable softness. If you sense softness or an abnormal depression in a specific area, it could be a sign of air leakage. Additionally, pressing on both sides and comparing the hardness and elasticity of the airbags can help identify uneven firmness, indicating a potential leak.
Soap Water Inspection
Using soap water is a precise method for checking air suspension airbags for leaks, and it’s the most common way. First, fill a spray bottle with soapy water, ensuring it contains ordinary soap without bleach or other enhancers to avoid adverse effects on the airbags. Lift the vehicle and spray the soap water on the surface of the airbags, observing whether bubbles form. If there is a leak, bubbles will appear at the leakage point. If a leak point is not found in one check, repeat the process by evenly spraying soap water around the airbag and observing for bubbles.
Through soap water inspection, you can visually detect whether airbags have leaks. It is a straightforward and effective method.
Scanner Tools Inspection
For addressing various car issues, having a scanner tool is highly beneficial. Whenever a warning light appears in your car, the scanner tool generates a code, enabling a more precise diagnosis of the problem. This tool is useful in troubleshooting air suspension issues, aiding in the identification and narrowing down of potential issues.
Obvious signs your air suspension system had air leaks:
• The air compressor operating for the system is either weak or on the verge of failure
• Minor leaks in the rubber bladder
• Bad connection hose fittings
• Presence of leak in the hoses
• Hearing hissing sounds when pressure is applied to the vehicle
The system may experience fatigue from consistently bearing the car’s weight over an extended period. Exposure to road debris and other harsh elements can cause significant damage to any system. Regular cleaning of these areas can contribute to a prolonged system lifespan. Many of these systems may be aging and over time, they are prone to failures. The good news is that there are affordable and reliable options available when replacements or repairs are needed.
How can you determine the condition of your air ride suspension system:
• Ensure the car is in its correct position with no visible sags
• Apply a soapy water mix to the rubber boots; the presence of bubbles indicates a leak
• Spray fittings, and if bubbles appear, it signals potential leakage
• Observe if the car takes an unusually long time to level out
• Pay attention to any roughness in the car’s performance or changes in handling while driving
• Check for loose fittings
Performing these straightforward checks before heading to the repair shop is crucial. Taking precautions, such as ensuring the system is free of debris and harmful road chemicals, can help prevent damage. A bit of proactive maintenance can go a long way in preserving your system.
Find a professional and suitable “Car Safety Guardian”
Concerned about significant expenses, extended waiting times, and extensive repairs potentially resulting in even greater damage to the vehicle??? Still wondering how to minimize the above problems and address the issues with airbags, preventing them from worsening???
In uncertain situations or when abnormalities are detected. It’s essential to have professional technicians conduct a comprehensive inspection of your vehicle to ensure driving safety.
To avoid air leaks in your airbag suspension, go for Pro80’s top-notch parts. We have a full range of reliable products with a great warranty. You can find everything related to air suspension on our website. If you need help with your air suspension, just call us or contact us via WhatsApp at +60111124462. Our friendly experts are here to assist and help you with any questions or concerns you may have.
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