Clueless? This Is How To Check Your Air Struts

Hold on for a second…

What would it mean for your DIY skills and your finances if you knew just how to check your air struts?

Good news:

Here, I’ll show you just what you’ll need to do so you can check the air struts on your car.

Also, you will discover;

• The things to look out for when checking your air struts
• The materials you’ll need to check the air struts
• Answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about air struts.

So:

Is this just what you’re looking for?

If so, let’s get things underway;

Materials You Need To Check Your Air Struts

1. Vehicle lifts or hydraulic jacks.
2. Basic toolset
3. Pry bar
4. Ratchet

Red Flags You Should Watch Out For When Checking Your Air Struts

Just before you loosen all the bolts and take apart your car. There are pieces of stuff you need to be on the look for when checking your air struts.

For starters;

You’re not checking your air struts just for the fun of it, it’s because you have observed your car likely has air strut problems.

Below are the top red flags in a car that warrants you to check your air struts.

1. You observe that the car bounces up and down each time you drive over a road bump — This means the ride is starting to become uncomfortable...you gotta check the air struts!
2. When you are reversing your car and you hear a clunk sound from the rear end of the vehicle. Don’t think too much about it, check the rear air struts of your car.
3. You hear a hissing sound coming from any (all) of wheel area(s) of your car.
4. The car has visibly sagged and is sitting below its normal sitting level.
5. Your gut feeling says something is not right, the wheel doesn’t feel right in your hands anymore.

How To Check Your Air Struts

I have segmented this part into three (3) so you’ll find it easier to implement. They are;

• Physical inspections
• Spray the air struts fittings with a soapy water mix.
• Tearing your car apart.

These titles should give you an understanding of what’s to come. Right?

Let’s fire away then.

Physical inspections

As the name implies, this does not require you to have any DIY skills. It only requires:

• Calmness
• Observation skills
• Patience

Here’s how to check your air struts following this procedure;

1. First off, go under the wheel and using a flashlight check the air bladder on the air strut and observe for cracks or signs of tear. If the air bladder/bellow is damaged, it could mean the air strut needs replacement.
2. Another thing you can do is to insert your hands under the air bellow. If your hands feel moist or oil underneath, it’s another indicator that time is nigh to change your air struts.
3. Confirm the car is sitting on its normal riding level.
4. Push down the car on the corner of the vehicle so it bounces; stop pushing when the car is at its lowest and then observe to see if the car will continue to bounce below its normal sitting level or it’ll bounce above that position. If you observe the former, then the air strut could be in a bad condition.

If you are unsure about the condition of the air struts after carrying out the above physical checks. Then, wait for a second...don’t tear your car apart just yet.

Consider the bubble spray test...

The Bubble Spray Test;

The bubble spray test will lead you to take the following steps;

1. First, mix soap with water and pour in a spray bottle.
2. Then simply, turn on your ignition and inflate the air struts.
3. Once the air struts are filled with the maximum air pressure. Spray all the fittings and connections. If any of the sprayed areas bubbles. Then you might have a leaking problem.

Tearing Down The Car;

1. Straighten the wheels of your vehicle and turn off the air suspension
2. Locate the right lifting points of your vehicle and with the aid of a vehicle lift or hydraulic jack, lift the car up to a position that enables you to conveniently work from under the car.
3. Take off the lug nuts holding the wheel in position. Once you are done, carefully remove the tires and keep the lug nuts in a safe place.
4. Put your hand in the space under the wheel arch to remove the wheel clip holding the air struts in position, disconnect the electrical connector, remove the solenoid clip and pull out the air struts.
5. Check the o-rings of the air struts for any sign of corrosion or deterioration.

Frequently Asked Questions On Air Struts

Q; What is the result of driving a car with damaged air struts?

Answer; Driving becomes unsafe because the brake becomes less effective when the air struts are faulty. Also, it causes the car tires to wear out at a faster rate.

Q; Can we buy air struts online?

Answer; The answer is yes, yes, and yes. A simple search of this question would reveal likely online stores selling it to you.

 Q;  Can we use air struts off-roading?

Answer; Again, the answer is yes! The basic function of air struts in the car is to ensure you remain comfortable no matter how rugged the driving terrain or poor the road quality is.

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Are All Air Suspension Compressors Loud? What Is The Reason For This.

Diagnosing Clunking, Rattling, Or Metal-On-Metal Noises.

How Much To Change An Air Spring On A Mercedes Benz?