Defective Air Suspension/Level Control: Fix, Disable, or Replace?

Thomas Wachsmuth 16 May 2023 Car repair & tuning guide

Reading time 5 Min.

Air suspension in modern cars is an integral part of driving comfort. It enables a particularly smooth ride, improves ground clearance if desired and can even bring better fuel efficiency thanks to lower ground clearance at high speeds. Unfortunately, air spring systems are also prone to failure and can be costly to repair. Because hardly any third party has suitable shock absorbers in their range that have a tolerable price reduction compared to OEM parts. In such cases, many look for various ways to disable or replace the air suspension. In this article we will explore some of the possibilities.

Deactivate defective air suspension!

Disabling the air suspension is an option that some vehicle owners consider if the system fails. This can be done by removing the fuse for the air suspension system. The exact location of the fuse varies by vehicle model and manufacturer, but it is usually located in the under-dash fuse box, trunk, or engine compartment. Removing the fuse will remove power to the air suspension system, disabling it.

However, it is important to note that disabling the air suspension can significantly change the way the car handles. Without the ability to adjust the vehicle's height, reduced ride height and poor handling can result. Furthermore, driving without functioning air suspension can lead to further damage to other parts of the vehicle, such as the chassis or the steering.

The vehicle often also displays an error message and may only drive in the emergency program. You should also consider that if there is a defect in the air bellows, the wheel usually slips into the wheel housing and can drag there. Driving is impossible with it. If the air elements of the dampers are still completely intact, then pulling the fuse when the bellows are full can be a short-term solution.

Deactivation of the level control!

The level control is an essential part of the chassis. It works by adjusting the height of the vehicle primarily at the rear to ensure even loading and an optimal ride height regardless of load. If the level control fails, it may be possible to disable it by removing the appropriate fuse or disabling the appropriate control unit.

However, it is important to note that disabling the level control can cause similar problems as disabling the air suspension. Without a functioning level control, the vehicle can exhibit poor handling, especially when loaded, and further damage can occur. In principle, the disadvantages of a defect are comparable to those of the air suspension.

replacement options

If the cost of repairing a failed air spring or leveler is too high, there are several replacement options to consider. The most common option is to replace the air suspension with a conventional spring and shock absorber system. In other words, a conventional chassis. These are typically less prone to failure and less expensive to repair than air spring systems. However, they may not provide the same level of ride comfort as air suspension. When converting to a traditional spring and damper system, the vehicle owner may also have to compromise on features such as automatic ride height adjustment. The vehicle software may also have to be adapted to prevent error messages.

Another option is to install an aftermarket air suspension system. These systems are often less expensive than OEM air springs and can offer comparable or even better performance. Aftermarket air suspension systems can also be more fully customizable, allowing the driver to tailor the suspension to the vehicle's specific needs. However, aftermarket air suspension systems can be more difficult to install and are not directly guaranteed to work with the rest of the vehicle. In addition, there are only a few suppliers who have such replicas in their range at all.

Replacement of the level control!

If the level control is defective, it can be replaced with a manual level control system. These systems allow the driver to manually adjust the vehicle's height instead of relying on automatic adjustments. While the systems are less convenient than automatic level controls, they can be an inexpensive alternative. Another option is to install an aftermarket level control system. These are usually less expensive than the OEM versions and can offer comparable or even better performance. However, as with aftermarket air suspension systems, installing an aftermarket level control system can be difficult and again, the number of suppliers is manageable. But even in this case, the last option is often the classic chassis as an exchange.

Conclusion

The decision as to whether to repair, disable, or replace a failed air suspension or leveler depends on a variety of factors, including the cost of the repair, the impact on driveability, and personal preference. It is important to consider all options and seek professional help if necessary. Ultimately, the decision should always aim to maximize the vehicle's safety and performance, and most importantly, be legal.

The following note is essential: For safety reasons, tuningblog recommends all repair, inspection and maintenance work exclusively to be carried out in a specialist workshop! Although our information is summarized to the best of our knowledge and belief, we cannot assume any liability for the content. All information is therefore "without guarantee".

Of course, that wasn't the end of it!

In this tuningblog category there are guides and instructions for common defects/repairs on the vehicle and for installing accessories/tuning parts. Our articles explain in a simple way common defects and the corresponding repairs and they also explain how the first signs of a defect become noticeable. In most cases, we also have initial clues to the repair instructions in our repair instructions approximate costs listed.

The goal of ourAuto Repair Guide“ is to create a head start in knowledge for the next visit to the workshop with initial tips. This may save you from tedious troubleshooting and you may even be able to do small things yourself. The same applies, of course, to the installation of accessories/tuning parts. Here, too, we would like to help with the implementation with instructions and tips. There are many other posts on this as well. Below is an excerpt of the last and HERE there are all previous instructions.