How to replace an air suspension air compressor

Signs of a faulty air suspension air compressor include a vehicle that rides low or when the vehicle's ride height does not change as its load changes.

The air compressor is the heart of the air suspension system. It controls the pressurization and depressurization of the pneumatic system. Without an air compressor, the entire suspension system would not be able to function. You will be able to determine if the air suspension air compressor is faulty if the vehicle starts to move lower than normal, or if the vehicle's ride height never changes when the vehicle load changes.

Necessary materials

• Basic hand tools
• Scan Tool

Part 1 of 2: Removing the Air Suspension Air Compressor from the Vehicle.

Step 1: Turn the ignition key to the ON position.

Step 2: Relieve Air Pressure. Using the scan tool, open the bleed valve and relieve all air pressure from the air lines.

After depressurizing the air lines, close the vent valve. You don't need to deflate the air springs.

• A warning: Before disconnecting or removing any air suspension components, completely relieve air pressure from the air suspension system. Failure to do so could result in serious injury.

Step 3: Turn the ignition key to the OFF position..

Step 4: Disconnect the air line from the compressor dryer.. The air line is attached to the air compressor with a push-in fitting.

Press and hold the quick release retaining ring (marked with a red circle above), then pull the plastic air line out of the air dryer.

Step 5: Disconnect the electrical connector. Automotive electrical connectors like the one shown have a secure lock that keeps the halves of the connector firmly attached to each other. Some release tabs require a slight pull to disengage the connector halves, while other release tabs require you to press down on them to release the lock.

Locate the release tab on the connector. Press the tab and separate the two halves of the connector.

Some connectors fit very tightly together and may require additional force to separate them.

Step 6: Remove the Compressor. Air compressors are attached to the vehicle with three or four bolts. Using an appropriate size socket and ratchet, remove the bracket bolts that secure the air compressor to the vehicle, then remove the air compressor and bracket assembly from the vehicle.

Part 2 of 2: Installing a replacement air compressor in a car

Step 1 Install the air compressor and bracket assembly to the vehicle.. Position the air compressor in its designated location and insert the mounting bolts through the bracket assembly into the clamping mounts in the vehicle.

Torque all fasteners to the specified value (approximately 10-12 lb-ft).

• Attention: When the air compressor is installed, make sure that the air compressor moves freely in the rubber insulators. This prevents noise and vibration from the air compressor from being transmitted to the car body while the air compressor is running.

Step 2: Connect the electrical connector to the compressor.. The connector has an alignment key or a special shape that prevents incorrect connection of the connector.

The halves of this connector are connected in only one way. Slide the two mating halves of the connector together until the connector lock clicks.

• Attention: To avoid noise or vibration problems, make sure there are no objects under or on the bracket and that the air compressor is not in contact with any surrounding components. Make sure the compressor bracket is not deformed which could cause the rubber insulators to stress each other.

Step 3: Install the air duct to the air dryer.. Insert the white plastic air line into the air dryer quick connect fitting until it stops. Gently pull on the air line to make sure it is securely attached to the compressor.

This step does not require any additional tools.

• Attention: When installing air lines, make sure the white inner air line is fully inserted into the fitting for proper installation.

If you still don't know what to do, AvtoTachki's trained technicians can replace your air compressor so you don't have to get dirty, worry about tools, or anything like that. Let them "pump" your suspension.