Removal and Replacement

Air Spring








Removal

WARNING: Vent all air pressure from the air suspension system prior to disconnecting or removing any air suspension components. It is dangerous to remove air suspension components while under pressure. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

WARNING: Any air spring which is unfolded must be refolded prior to being installed in a vehicle. Refer to the procedure. An incorrectly folded air spring could rupture, altering the handling characteristics of the vehicle. If a vehicle has been driven with an incorrectly folded air spring, a new air spring must be installed. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious injury to vehicle occupant(s).

CAUTION: Failure to observe the following instructions may result in a sudden failure of the air spring or suspension system.
^ Any rear spring which is unfolded must be refolded prior to being installed in a vehicle.
^ The air spring refolding procedure should only be used for an air spring which has never supported the vehicle's weight while in the incorrectly folded position.
^ Improperly folded air springs found on vehicles during pre-delivery inspection or after use must be installed new.
^ Do not attempt to inflate any air spring which has been collapsed while uninflated from the rebound hanging position to the jounce stop.
^ When installing a new air spring, care must be taken not to apply a load to the suspension until springs have been inflated using the air spring fill procedure.
^ After inflating an air spring in the hanging position, it must be inspected for correct shape.

CAUTION: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they effect performance of vital components and systems and their failure can result in major service expense. A new part with the same part number or an equivalent part must be installed, if installation is necessary. Do not use a part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these parts.

1. NOTE: The vehicle must be positioned on a suitable lifting device prior to deflating the air suspension system.

With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position on a hoist until the wheel and tire assemblies are slightly above the ground.
2. Using the scan tool, vent the air springs.
3. Remove the air spring retainer.
4. Detach the air spring from the rear axle.





5. Remove the air spring in the following sequence.
1. Disconnect the air spring solenoid electrical connector.
2. Compress the quick connect locking ring and pull out the air tube.
3. Remove the air spring.

Installation
1. Install the air spring in the following sequence.
1. Position the air spring assembly in the frame seat.
2. Install the spring retainer clip.
2. Seat the bottom of the air spring on the rear axle.





3. NOTE: When installing the air tubes, make sure the white tube is fully inserted into the fitting for correct installation.

Connect the air spring solenoid valve in the following sequence.
1. Connect the air spring solenoid electrical connector.
2. Connect the air tube.
3. Make sure air spring is in the correct shape.

4. CAUTION: To avoid damage to the air spring, do not allow the suspension to compress before the spring is inflated.

Lower the vehicle until the wheel and tire assemblies are slightly above the ground.
5. Using the scan tool, inflate the air springs.