Is this normal? - Air Suspension

[89MarkLSC]

I recently noticed my 89 Mark LSC after a few hours of sitting or the next day I walk out into my garage, the whole front end is sitting on the tires like a low rider [I can't say it looks bad though :cool:] The back two tires stays at normal height. Once I start it, you can hear the buzzing of the compressor kick on and it adjusts the car to a normal height and it stays that way until a few hours after being shut off. Keep in mind the car has been sitting 4 years straight and this is the first year i got it and I'm fixing it up. Should i get it checked or leaks or is this normal?

Thank you very much! I appreciate all the help of you people, you are a great help and thank you for being so kind.:)

Matt

[OneWayStreet]

No, this is not normal.

Something on one of (or both of) the front air spring assemblies is leaking air. Could be the bladder or the solenoid O-ring.

You could fill up a spray bottle of soapy solution and spray the inflated assemblies while looking for air bubbles.

Since the car was sitting 4 years, my educated guess is the bladder on one or both of the air springs has dry-rot cracks, causing the loss of air.

[joeythefixer]

Front bags are so easy to replace. Just do it! they can be replaced with only a screw driver.

[Tony T]

Replace O rings first, it's a lot cheaper and should be done anyway even if it turns out you need airsprings.

[Mark seven]

My '89 LSC did the exact same thing.Both air springs were dry rotted and leaking.Two new air springs and life is good! :)

[Hizhonor]

No, this is not normal.

Something on one of (or both of) the front air spring assemblies is leaking air. Could be the bladder or the solenoid O-ring.

You could fill up a spray bottle of soapy solution and spray the inflated assemblies while looking for air bubbles.

Since the car was sitting 4 years, my educated guess is the bladder on one or both of the air springs has dry-rot cracks, causing the loss of air.


+1 Get the O-ring repair kit from the Ford dealer of your choice. (Part Number: E4LY-5Z205-A) Also, the O-Rings on top of the compressor (under the orange grommets) could be bad and causing the leakage. Go with the inexpensive try first. If you need bags, get 'em. Good luck.

[NYC LS8]

Do the soapy water spray bottle thing first then decide from there is you need a cheap o-ring kit or new air springs. My bet's on the air springs.

[pro-five-oh]

Do the soapy water spray bottle thing first then decide from there is you need a cheap o-ring kit or new air springs. My bet's on the air springs.

Yes, that's the proper way to address the problem. Visual inspection BEFORE buying any parts!!!

Replace the failed parts soon, you're asking to kill your compressor at this rate of leakage.

[THEE91LSC]

i agree, i was told that if you run that compressor more than it is intended to run it becomes a fire hazard. i know threw personal experience that if your car is dropping after some shut down time then chances are it is 1 the o rings on the top of the air bag or 2 the bag has a slow leak. if it is your bag let me know i have some for sale....

[89MarkLSC]

Hey Guys, Thank you very much for your replies - they really helped me alot. You are helping me get this car back on the road and without you all I would be a lost puppy. I will try that spray bottle technique and find out the problem. Hopefully it is a bad o-ring instead of an airbag. 91LSC, if it's an airbag I will most definitely get back to you. Thanks once again you all are really kind and I more than appreciate it. :cool:

Matt

[brandy_chow]

I have passenger side bag that leaks slow. Did the soapy spray, didn't see anything. Replaced o rings. Still leaks, passenger side only.