Hello everyone,
I´m planning to replace my rear lower control arm on my 2012 XJ because the bushings are making all kinds of noises. My car has rear air suspension and to remove the rear control arm I have to disconnect the air shock. I´m planning to disconnect the battery and air out the shock from the top to make the installation easier. After assembling and connecting the shock the car shoul inflate the suspenion back to standard ride height right? Or do you have any advise before I start?
I don´t have any diagnosis for this car to air out the suspension before I start.
Thank you very much for your help.

 

Sorry no help on that but have you changed the rear sway bar end links and toe rods? Those decay the quickest and all the XJ's I have seen need these parts replaced. Your in their for the control arm so not much added labor.
.
.
.

 

I could be wrong, but wouldn't the "self levelling" system be charged with nitrogen, rather than simple "compressed shop air". Something to consider, before bleeding the air from the shocks.....

 

When you lift rear wheel up the suspension/shock extends its lowest position. You can remove suspension arm on this position without making anything for air suspension system. (done several times)
Note: Shock lower, arm outer and inner front bushes should be tighten in ride height!

 

Just plain simple air in the shocks. They will inflate themselves after reinstallation.

 

If you remove the upper fitting to air them down, be VERY careful when you put it back. The threads it goes into are plastic and can be damaged very easily. It does not have to be very tight at all to seal, there's an o-ring on there.

When I re-inflate them, I like to lower the car to just below standard ride height, so not fully collapsed, then start the engine and close all doors so the suspension can pump up. It doesn't take long and as long as your system is working normally it will come right up to normal with no issues.

 

Thank you RoverJoe! It's great to have an active JLR tech on the forum. We have lost the previous ones as they move on or retire from work.
.
.
.