Ford ExpeditionTrue expeditions require additional transportation conveyances: horses, boats, cars, for example. With a towing capacity around 9,000 pounds, the Ford Expedition can tow any of these. Ford adds a new top end King Ranch model for 2008, as well as an available rear backup camera and power-retractable running boards. The Expedition is meant for utility, not posing.
I recently replaced the air compressor in my 98 Expedition and thought that would solve my suspension problems but it hasn't. The suspension light comes on and while driving, the air compressor still want to run every so often.
Even while the truck is sitting in the garage on a level floor, the air compressor will come on a few times. Is there something that I can check, something that may be a common problem with leaking?
Obviously the pressurized part of the system is leaking somewhere. That's why it has to keep refilling the system.
When I had that problem on the only self-leveling vehicle I've had, a Grand Marquis wagon, the problem was the air shocks themselves. I'm not sure if you have air shocks or bladders. I'd guess bladders. Either way, I'd get underneath the vehicle while things were dead still quiet and listen for a leak.
Alternately, you can make a soapy water mixture and brush it on all the components of the system with a paintbrush. When you find the leak, the soap will bubble from the leaking air. It's the same way they look for leaks on tires.
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2005 Excursion XLT 4x4 with 5.4 3V & 4R100
1989 F250 XLT Lariat SuperCab 4x2 with 460 & C6
1987 Crown Vic Two Door with 5.0 & AOD
1986 Yamaha V-Twin Virago 1100
For my sanity, please try to use punctuation and capitalization. I try to help the people who post, but it's impossible to do when the post is indecipherable.
it is the air shocks or bladders that are most likely leaking.they are a very common problem.so common that there are sever companies that have conversion kits to shocks and springs.you can do front and back for cheaper than air shocks for the front or back alone.and most of the air shocks are dealer only.i would go with the conversion kit for springs and shocks.saves money now and in long run.
If you have air shocks, they're readily available from Gabriel and not very expensive at all.
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2005 Excursion XLT 4x4 with 5.4 3V & 4R100
1989 F250 XLT Lariat SuperCab 4x2 with 460 & C6
1987 Crown Vic Two Door with 5.0 & AOD
1986 Yamaha V-Twin Virago 1100
For my sanity, please try to use punctuation and capitalization. I try to help the people who post, but it's impossible to do when the post is indecipherable.
This truck has air bags in the back, and air shocks up front. Looks like I am going to have fun with this one . Since I already replaced the compressor, (the piston actually broke in two places on the old one), I will probably stick with the air set up. Right now it is sitting low in the back, so my guess would be something is leaking back there.
Okay, I got under the truck this morning with a soapy solution and brushed it all over the bags and shocks and no leaks were found, but for some reason, now the back has lifted up and is back to normal. The check suspension light still comes on after a few cycles of the compressor.
Is there a check valve or regulator somewhere where air lines might connect to that could be leaking? Even while under the truck and with it shut off, I am not hearing any air leaks. Looks like this one is going to be hard to nail down.
when you changed the compessor did you change the dryer? (a small black cylinder next to the comperssor) i was told to change that at the same time and it could have a small crack.that worked for a long time but i ended up converting to coil springs be cause i got leaks in other places and now am so glad i did it rides so nice and no need to worry any more. I only did the rear and have no problems but one day i want to change the front also. strutmaster has a web site and they sell the conversion kits and aslo replacement parts for the air suspentsion as well. good luck
Yes, I changed the dryer. It was included with the compressor. The compressor I got was from a company called Arnott. It works really well and appears to be a quality item. They make the bags and shocks also for the Expedition and Navigator, and they even make spring conversions as well. Looks like they have the whole "kit and kaboodle" covered. I still cannot find a leak anywhere though, it is hiding from me but I will find it, I am on a mission.
Alas, the mighty (&@$) air suspension system. I recently converted to springs using the Strutmaster conversion for front and rear and am I glad that I did.
Not only was the compressor noisy, I never trusted the system to not implode or explode at any given time seeing as the expy is over 10 years old. I realize its not a cheap purchase but believe me, after you convert it, its like a huge boulder has been lifted off your shoulders as far as having to worry about the system.
If anyone decides to do the conversion, feel free to ask me any questions you have. Its not a real hard job but it is time consuming.
I have a 2002 eddie expedition and I would not trade the air ride for anything! I have done mud runs with many standard susp expeditions and I get much more traction and less bounce then all the rest. The air ride absorbs the bumps and keeps the tires on the ground and thats where the traction is. Love my air ride!!!! Air suspension easy to fix once you understand it. Air pump,air lines, solenoids,air bags or shocks, thats it!!!! Easy as pie to troubleshoot! Dont switch to hard old fashion springs or shocks and bounce through the trails. Absorb bumps and get traction and get gone!!!
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Air Suspension Problems 
. Since I already replaced the compressor, (the piston actually broke in two places on the old one), I will probably stick with the air set up. Right now it is sitting low in the back, so my guess would be something is leaking back there.
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