Symptoms of a Faulty or Faulty Air Suspension Air Compressor
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If your vehicle rides lower than usual, makes abnormal noises, and its compressor won't start, you may need to replace your air suspension compressor.
Airbag suspension systems are used in many luxury cars and SUVs. An airbag suspension system serves the same purpose as a standard suspension system, however, instead of using metal springs and fluid-filled shock absorbers, it uses a system of airbags filled with compressed air to suspend the vehicle above the ground.
One of the most important components of an airbag system is the compressor. The compressor supplies the entire system with the compressed air needed to inflate the airbags and support the vehicle's weight. Without the compressor, the entire airbag system would be left without air, and the car's suspension would fail. Usually, when there are problems with the compressor, there are several symptoms that can alert the driver to a potential problem that needs to be fixed.
1. The vehicle is moving below normal
One of the first and most common symptoms of an air suspension compressor problem is a noticeably lower vehicle ride height. Air suspension systems work by using compressed air from a compressor. If the compressor is worn or has problems, it may not be able to adequately inflate the airbags and the vehicle may sit and ride noticeably lower as a result.
2. Extraneous noise during operation
One of the most noticeable signs of a potential compressor problem is abnormal noise during operation. If you hear any unusual sounds, such as too loud clicks, whining or grinding, this may be a sign of a problem with the compressor motor or fan. If the compressor is allowed to continuously operate with abnormal sounds, it may eventually damage the compressor, causing it to fail. When the compressor fails, the system will not be able to inflate the airbags and the vehicle's suspension will fail.
3. The compressor does not turn on
Another symptom, and a more serious problem, is a compressor that won't turn on. Most suspension systems are self-adjusting and automatically turn the compressor on and off according to system requirements. Without it, the suspension system cannot function. If the compressor does not turn on at all, then this is a sign that it has either failed or has a problem.
The air compressor is what provides the air suspension system with the compressed air it needs to run. If you suspect it may have a problem, have the car's suspension checked by a professional technician such as AvtoTachki. They can determine if the car needs an air suspension compressor replacement or some other repair.
