What is Air Suspension?

Air suspension is a type of vehicle suspension powered by an electric or engine-driven air pump or compressor. This compressor pumps the air into a flexible bellows, usually made from textile-reinforced rubber. The air pressure inflates the bellows, and raises the chassis from the axle. To learn more about how air suspension works, you can visit here.

What is a Ford Expedition?

The Ford Expedition is a full-size SUV manufactured by Ford. Introduced for the 1997 model year as the successor of the Ford Bronco, the Expedition was the first full-size Ford SUV sold with a four-door body. The 2024 Ford Expedition XLT model, for instance, features 8-passenger seating and a 60/40 PowerFold® with Power Recline Third-Row Seat, providing maximum comfort and available cargo space. It is priced starting at $60,140.

The Role and Importance of Air Suspension in Ford Expedition

The air suspension in a Ford Expedition plays a crucial role in the vehicle's overall performance and handling. It helps to maintain ride height regardless of the weight load, improves ride quality by absorbing and dissipating energy from bumps, and can even be adjusted to suit different driving conditions. The air suspension system also contributes to better fuel efficiency by lowering the vehicle at high speeds to reduce aerodynamic drag. To understand more about the importance of maintaining your air suspension, you can visit here.

Identifying Common Air Suspension Issues in Ford Expedition

Common issues with the air suspension in a Ford Expedition can range from air leaks in the air springs or air bags, a failing air compressor, to malfunctioning sensors. Symptoms of these problems can include the vehicle sagging or not maintaining the correct ride height, a harsh or bumpy ride, or warning lights on the dashboard. Regular inspection and maintenance can help to identify and address these issues before they become serious problems. To learn more about how to identify if your air suspension compressor is bad, you can visit here.

How Do You Check the Air Suspension on a Ford Expedition?

Checking the air suspension on a Ford Expedition involves several steps, including inspecting for visible damage, checking the compressor, listening for air leaks, checking ride height, and performing a test drive. It's also important to monitor any warning lights on the dashboard that could indicate a problem with the air suspension system.

Materials Needed

• The vehicle's user manual
• A flat, level surface to park on
• A tire pressure gauge

Check Tire Pressure

Checking the tire pressure is an important step in assessing the health of your air suspension system. Incorrect tire pressure can affect the vehicle's ride height and handling, and can also cause the air suspension to work harder than necessary, potentially leading to premature wear and failure.

Inspect for Visible Damage

Inspect the air springs and other components of the air suspension system for visible signs of damage, such as cracks, tears, or excessive wear. Any damaged parts should be replaced to ensure the system can function properly. You can find replacement parts for your air suspension system here.

Check the Compressor

The air compressor is a key component of the air suspension system, responsible for pumping air into the air springs. If the compressor is not working properly, the system will not be able to maintain the correct ride height. Listen for any unusual noises coming from the compressor, and check for any signs of damage or wear.

Listen for Air Leaks

Air leaks are a common issue in air suspension systems, and can lead to the system not being able to maintain the correct ride height. Listen for any hissing or whistling sounds that could indicate a leak, and check the air springs and other components for any signs of leaks.

Check Ride Height

The ride height of the vehicle should be checked to ensure the air suspension system is maintaining the correct height. If the vehicle is sagging or leaning to one side, this could indicate a problem with the air suspension.

Test Drive

A test drive can help to identify any issues with the air suspension system. Pay attention to the vehicle's handling and ride quality, and listen for any unusual noises.

Check Warning Lights

Any warning lights on the dashboard related to the air suspension system should be taken seriously, as they could indicate a problem with the system. If any warning lights are illuminated, the vehicle should be taken to a professional for diagnosis and repair.

How to Reset Air Suspension on a Ford Expedition

Resetting the air suspension on a Ford Expedition can be done by following a series of steps, including removing the appropriate fuse, setting the wheels off the ground, adjusting tire pressures, driving the car, unplugging the compressor, pushing off control valves, and plugging back in the compressor. 

Remove the Appropriate Fuse

The first step in resetting the air suspension is to remove the appropriate fuse. This will cut power to the air suspension system and allow it to reset.

Set Wheels Off Ground

With the vehicle safely supported, lift the wheels off the ground. This will relieve pressure on the air suspension system and allow it to reset.

Adjust Tire Pressures

Adjust the tire pressures to the recommended levels as per the vehicle's user manual. Incorrect tire pressure can affect the vehicle's ride height and handling, and can also cause the air suspension to work harder than necessary.

Drive the Car

Drive the vehicle for a short distance to allow the air suspension system to adjust to the new settings.

Unplug the Compressor

Unplug the air compressor to cut power to the air suspension system. This will allow the system to reset and recalibrate.

Push-off Control Valves

Push off the control valves to relieve any remaining pressure in the air suspension system. This will allow the system to reset and recalibrate.

Plug Back in Compressor

Finally, plug the air compressor back in to restore power to the air suspension system. The system should now be reset and ready to function normally.

Addressing Air Suspension Problems in Different Ford Expedition Models

Different models of the Ford Expedition may experience different air suspension problems. For example, the 1999 Ford Expedition may commonly experience issues with the rear air suspension, while the 2007 model may have concerns with the entire air suspension system. The 2017 and 2012 models may also have their own unique suspension problems. It's important to be aware of these potential issues and to address them promptly to ensure the longevity and performance of the vehicle.

1999 Ford Expedition Rear Air Suspension Common Issues

The 1999 Ford Expedition is known to have issues with the rear air suspension. Common problems include air leaks, a failing air compressor, and worn or damaged air springs. These issues can lead to the vehicle sagging or not maintaining the correct ride height, a harsh or bumpy ride, or warning lights on the dashboard. To learn more about how long air suspension lasts, you can visit here.

2007 Ford Expedition Air Suspension Concerns

The 2007 Ford Expedition may experience concerns with the entire air suspension system. These can include air leaks, a failing air compressor, malfunctioning sensors, and worn or damaged air springs. These issues can lead to the vehicle sagging or not maintaining the correct ride height, a harsh or bumpy ride, or warning lights on the dashboard.

2017 Ford Expedition Suspension Problems

The 2017 Ford Expedition may experience problems with the air suspension system. These can include air leaks, a failing air compressor, malfunctioning sensors, and worn or damaged air springs. These issues can lead to the vehicle sagging or not maintaining the correct ride height, a harsh or bumpy ride, or warning lights on the dashboard.

2012 Ford Expedition Air Suspension Troubleshooting

The 2012 Ford Expedition may require troubleshooting of the air suspension system. Common issues can include air leaks, a failing air compressor, malfunctioning sensors, and worn or damaged air springs. These issues can lead to the vehicle sagging or not maintaining the correct ride height, a harsh or bumpy ride, or warning lights on the dashboard.

Key Takeaways

The air suspension system in a Ford Expedition plays a crucial role in the vehicle's overall performance and handling. Regular inspection and maintenance can help to identify and address any issues before they become serious problems. If any issues are detected, the system can be reset by following a series of steps. However, if problems persist, it's recommended to seek professional assistance for diagnosis and repair.

FAQs

What does it mean when my Ford Expedition leans to one side?

If your Ford Expedition is leaning to one side, it could indicate a problem with the air suspension. This could be due to a leak in one of the air springs, a failing air compressor, or a malfunctioning sensor. It's recommended to have the vehicle inspected by a professional to diagnose and fix the issue.

How can I fix a noisy air compressor in my Ford Expedition?

A noisy air compressor in your Ford Expedition could indicate a problem with the compressor itself, such as wear or damage, or it could be a symptom of a larger issue with the air suspension system. It's recommended to have the vehicle inspected by a professional to diagnose and fix the issue.

What causes Ford Expedition suspensions to fail?

Ford Expedition suspensions can fail for a number of reasons, including air leaks in the air springs, a failing air compressor, worn or damaged components, or malfunctioning sensors. Regular inspection and maintenance can help to identify and address these issues before they become serious problems. For more information on air springs, you can visit here.