On my way home I noticed car kind of leaning to one side. Found the left rear air suspension was lower than all the others. I've started and drove hoping the compressor would refill. The compressor turns on but car doesn't raise. Do I need a whole new air shock/strut or could this possibly be an electrical or sensor issue?

 

Guessing is not going to get you anywhere but broke. You need a scan took that can red the modules in the car, including the Air Suspension Module. Codes stored will (maybe) give an idea of where to start looking.

I am a very strong advocate of abandoning the air suspension and installing coilovers. The air system is WAY beyond its expected lifetime, and expen$ive to service. I put Arnott coilovers on my2007 shortly after buying it and have never had to be concerned about suspension since.

 

The compressor turns off after 90 seconds to prevent burnout. It does not mean it was able to get up to pressure. As a first check look at the boot on the strut. If you had a quick failure it will most likely have blown a hole in it. Beyond that there are many reasons for it to not inflate!

 

Can you hear air hissing if you put your head right by the wheel well? Then have someone start the car.

My rear went bad and I could hear the hiss of a leak. Not too bad of a job to swap out air shock. Buy a used good one and give it a try. Or if you need a mechanic, find one who is not a bandit. Should be a two hour job MAX and a used air shock is about $200.....so $500 for some one to do it

Randy

 

It took a while because I had car jacked up and tire removed to get a better look but remembered the compressor won't turn on while jacked. After sliding under the car with tire on, I found the lower part of the shock was leaking. Just ordered a new one and plan on doing it myself this weekend. Wish me luck

 

Best of luck.

Maybe hit bolts with PB Blaster to soak a few days.

Be very gentle when removing top of strut air hose and sensor.

Can't recall, but keep order of any washers or spacers etc when removing strut/nuts.

Do not recall much else