Rear Suspension Air Bags

roosterchaser · 05-20-2016, 02:32 PM

What I most feared, happened. Found out today that my one my rear air bags on my Ford Expedition is leaking. Cost of airbag $800 + labor. Ouch!

Aftermarket I can find replacement bags for $325/each, recommended to install both at the same time. These are from Arnott Industries. I bought a pump last year from them hoping that was my problem, turns out the pump gave out because of the leaking air bag. It has worked well and I was able to install myself saving about $1000 from the dealership.

Has anyone had any experience with their airbag products?

How much of a project am I taking on if I try to do this myself?

TWP723 · 05-20-2016, 02:55 PM

What year is your Expedition?

TWP723 · 05-20-2016, 02:57 PM

Why don't you just buy loaded shocks and delete the air bags? Then use supplemental air bags (Air Lift, Firestone, etc) for your towing needs?

Rustysocket · 05-20-2016, 03:14 PM

Are you talking about the expedition automated self levelling airbag system from the factory? Ours failed too and it's an expensive repair.

Rustysocket · 05-20-2016, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TWP723

Why don't you just buy loaded shocks and delete the air bags? Then use supplemental air bags (Air Lift, Firestone, etc) for your towing needs?

If it is the factory self levelling automated system there is a lot more too it than that. It would require removal of the entire system. When ours had problems I traded it off. Mine had more issues than just a leaking bag though. I'd never buy a rig with that system again. Our was a 2002 model if I recall.

roosterchaser · 05-21-2016, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TWP723

Why don't you just buy loaded shocks and delete the air bags? Then use supplemental air bags (Air Lift, Firestone, etc) for your towing needs?

2011 Expedition EL

I have thought about this but wasn't sure what was all needed and whether it was possible on my vehicle. I did a quick search on the Firestone bags for my vehicle and did not see them. But that was just a quick scan. Have you done this before?

roosterchaser · 05-21-2016, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rustysocket

If it is the factory self levelling automated system there is a lot more too it than that. It would require removal of the entire system. When ours had problems I traded it off. Mine had more issues than just a leaking bag though. I'd never buy a rig with that system again. Our was a 2002 model if I recall.

I am not 100% sure but I think there are two air bags in the rear and then a leveling sensor that adjusts either bag to ensure a level ride. Quite honestly the air bags have been a good ride just really expensive to replace.

TWP723 · 05-21-2016, 09:12 AM

You can replace the factory bags with shocks and coil springs. It's a lot cheaper but you'll still pay about $250 per side but it eliminates the suspension bags. You'll also have to replace the top bearing caps and they're about $160 ea. We do it all the time for people who don't want to drop thousands of dollars on replacement OE bags. As of now, aftermarket doesn't have a shock/spring assy. for the EL.

TWP723 · 05-21-2016, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roosterchaser

2011 Expedition EL

I have thought about this but wasn't sure what was all needed and whether it was possible on my vehicle. I did a quick search on the Firestone bags for my vehicle and did not see them. But that was just a quick scan. Have you done this before?

Yeah, a quick scan doesn't show air lift bags for that application yet. They will eventually.

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