Air Strut

Air struts are one of the key components of any air suspension system. The air strut is a strut equipped with a bladder that can inflate and deflate to raise or lower the vehicle. They are the ones that allow your air suspension to be adjusted on the fly. These air suspension systems can be controlled by a smartphone app or a wired or wireless controller, allowing you to control the height of your vehicle at the touch of a button. Air struts mount in the factory strut location.

1. Your vehicle is riding at a lower level than usual. It bottoms out over large dips in the road, speed bumps, or when you carry extra weight or passengers. This means your vehicle is sagging.

2. You hear strange or abnormal noises while driving. You hear a hissing sound coming from any wheel area of your car.

3. Leaning to the side when cornering. You notice your vehicle leaning to the left or right more than usual.

4. Bumpy ride. When driving over a bumpy road, you feel like you're driving over a washboard with a jarring, rapid up and down bounce.

Normal struts: These consist of a coil spring and shock absorber integrated into a single unit. Standard shocks are not adjustable for ride height. With traditional shocks, the amount of rebound is set, so no matter what the weight of your load is, you have to stick with it.

Air struts: Air struts are part of air suspension systems and are more common in luxury vehicles. They use compressed air to adjust ride height and provide a smoother ride. Ride quality is often under the driver's control. Air suspension can be soft. It is also much more expensive than the regular strut.

Typically, air struts can last between 6 to 10 years or between 80,000 to 100,000 miles. If your air strut lasts longer than that, it may need to be replaced. Cracks will develop around the lower piston as the rubber bladder dries out. Regular checks for wear and tear can help extend their life.

Step 1: Use 1-3 jacks to lift the vehicle. Place 2 safety jacks under the vehicle for support.

Step 2: Use a 22mm socket wrench to remove the wheel nuts.

Step 3: Use a pry bar, air tool or ratchet to loosen the nuts.

Step 4: Use a 12mm wrench to deflate the strut.

Step 5: Disconnect the electrical plug.

Step 6: Disconnect the tie rod of the upper control arm from the steering knuckle.

Step 7: Disconnect the stabilizer link.

Step 8: Remove the control arm bolt that is holding the strut in place.

Step 9: Remove all wires and cables from their mounting brackets.

Step 10: Disconnect the upper part of the air strut.

Step 11: Remove the air hose from the top air strut mount.

Step 12: Remove the air strut.

Step 13: Install the new air strut in reverse order.