Dreaded Air Suspension!!!

[984x4]

I am still having problems with this piece of #$%* air suspension. Update:

The vehicle is a '98 4X4 Expedition, I replaced the compressor a little over a year ago, I have sprayed soapy water on the rear air springs checking for leaks, still haven't seen any leaks or cracks in the air bags.

The rear is sagging as I write this. This morning it actually raised up, then a few minutes later went back down and has stayed down all day. I spent a few hours checking air lines. I unplugged the relay under the passenger side headlight and the compressor cut off, plugged it back up and the compresor came back on. I then went to the next thing, followed the air line all the way to the frame rail under the driver's side door to a cylindrical valve of some sort. I disconnected the air lines to see if air was getting to the thing, and it was. On back farther, I can hear the solenoids on the air springs clicking and don't feel any leaks from the "Y" connector or air lines anywhere. I don't know what could be wrong with this thing, could a faulty ride height sensor at the rear be making it sag down?

Thanks for any help on this, just trying to save some money and do things myself, Ford wants $85.00 just to look at it, and another local shop wants $80.00, so I appreciate all the input I can get.

[centurystratman]

I have had the same problem with a 98 windstar, blessed with air suspension.
It has been intermittent for months. I have the schematics and have done research. I am now thinking that it is a sensor or a shorting wire. I am going to be checking the height sensor. I believe it is between the axle and the body,centre rear. I have no leaks the compressor works. and I don't want to put springs in yet. I too would like to hear from anyone with similar problem as ther dont seem to be any experts in this area.

Centurystratman....

[theoldwizard]

First off, the system leaks all of the time. They leak from day one. They just leak much slower when they are new. That is why even with the key off the control module wakes up every once in a while and checks to see if the system need air.

You need to separate out it the reason for your "low rider" is due to a bad leak (compressor running most of the time) or from a bad sensor or bad relay.

[snr8715]

Replace the bags with coil springs. Ph# is 1-877-893-0081

[lectronman]

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!!!