15 Oct What to Look for in an Air Ride Suspension

As with spring ride suspension and other heavy-duty components, the air ride suspension takes a beating and becomes worn out and fails. Some of the things to inspect on your suspension are: The bushings, check to see if they are starting to crack or perhaps starting to mushroom out.

It is very important to watch the air ride components on a new truck during the break-in period, inspect your suspension at the first 5,000 miles and then again at 50,000. And the older trucks should be inspected at least once a year, but I would suggest doing it at every service interval.

Also, check to see that your ride height is within specs so you will not blow your bags from hyper-extension. Ride height is very important, the height control valve is adjustable, but that is only for getting the specified height as directed by the manufacturer. Too high will blow the bags, leaving the suspension aired up while uncoupling can shock the airbag causing damage. Also, check your airlines for kinks or cuts which could affect ride height.

Running a truck with a deflated air suspension will change your driveshaft angles and give your truck a vibration. Grease from your fifth wheel can make the rubber on the airbag soft and over time cause it to tear or rupture. Also watch for gravel collecting around the base of the bag, under load flex it will eat or rub through the bag causing it to blow.

Nothing lasts forever, so try to inspect and maintain your suspension as often as you would your motor.