2004 Lincoln Navigator Air Suspension Failure (Part 2) "Replacing The Air Strut Solenoid"

After replacing the air compressor we find the drivers front air strut is leaking air at the solenoid. I rig a spare solenoid that my dad gave me temporarily before replacing it with a new one. After that the air suspension is working better than ever.
Music: "www.bensound.com"

[@michaelblosser5277]

Great video! FYI, I will NEVER use Rock Auto again! I am NOT satisfied with them when I ordered the air shock for my 2005 Lincoln Nav.

[@mountainviewsgarage]

Thanks. I'm sorry to hear about your experience. I know exactly how you feel when you have a bad experience with a company.

[@nicolasquezada5733]

Great video my friend, but I have a question to see if you can help me, I have a 06 Lincoln Navigator with suspension problems, the compressor works and the air arrives to the selenoids that you are repairing but from there it does not go to the bags, I disconnect the air hose and the pressure feels a little low, which activates the selenoids or opens them so that the air passes and the bags are filled...

[@mountainviewsgarage]

I believe the air suspension control module sends the signals to the solenoids. It should be on the lower left side of the dash above the parking brake.

[@nicolasquezada5733]

Ok, thanks for the information I’m going to order the part, I don’t have to do some kind of programming or something similar or it’s just to install it..

[@mountainviewsgarage]

Someone commented on another video that they found their air lines actually plugged. It may be worth while disconnecting the air lines at each end and use an air compressor or something to blow air through. No, I don't believe there is any VIN specific programming required for that year.

[@JasonWW2000]

Do you know what brand of aftermarket shock assembly you have on the front? I assume it doesn't leak down in freezing temperatures.

[@mountainviewsgarage]

They are from Arnott. No it doesn’t leak down since I replaced the solenoid. We’ve been down around 5 degrees the last couple of days. Before the air pump and solenoid replacement it did leak down over night.

[@alejandrofa3159]

How do you disconnect the airline from orange clip

[@mountainviewsgarage]

You should be able to push the airline in and then press the orange plastic ring in, at the same time pull back on the airline and it should come out. Some times debris builds up around the airline so spraying something like WD40 will loosen things up a bit. Good luck!

[@sol02yo]

@@mountainviewsgarage thanks for the quick response. Unfortunately I crimped the line and had to cut it. Not only that but the Selonoid was bad. After replacing the Selonoid both Airbags started to come up but both stopped getting air not sure if I caused a short. Compressor is running. All connections are connected. Airbags are holding air. After much research I am thinking I need to replace the Suspension Control Module which is located behind the glove box on my 99 Mercury Grand Marquis. Once again thanks for the quick response really appreciate the help.

[@GriffinsFanChris]

If the air suspension is faulty, will the front end look low? I have a Nav in which the rear bags have been replaced with springs, but the front are still air, and I replaced the air shocks a few years ago. Ive noticed that the front sometimes feels slightly bouncy over bumps on the highway, but the ride height is the same as it has always been.

[@mountainviewsgarage]

Interesting, I would imagine the ride height control module would be having a hard time trying to manage ride height with only the front air working. Do you know if they reprogrammed the computer when the rear was converted? Typically the air suspension will adjust the front height to match the rear, that is why if you leave it over night with only 1 strut that leaks, all 4 corners will drop. This is the reason why I raise the suspension all the way up, then turn the switch off in the rear compartment, and only the corner that has a leak will usually drop. The bouncy feeling could be caused by an air leak on the strut (which is what we found on our LR3 & LR4) or the air line going to the strut. I've also heard of some aftermarket brand air struts being softer than others. Does your air compressor seem to run more than before? If so, that could be another indication there's an air leak. Good luck!

[@GriffinsFanChris]

@@mountainviewsgarage Thank you for the reply. Its not a terrible bounce, sort of a floaty feel after hitting uneven pavement while at highway speeds. I bought the vehicle the way it is, and I didnt realize that the rears had been converted until at least a year after I got it. All of the ride height sensors are still in place. I have no idea if the rears were "programmed out" or whatever. I'm assuming that if the pump was faulty, I'd notice that the front would be droopy but it never is. I think the switch for mine is in the passenger footwell behind a panel, but I've never touched it. This issue (if I can even call it that) is not bad enough that I immediately think something is wrong. Its more of a curiosity.

[@sgbabyflex]

Sorry to flood you with questions. I just don't have anyone who can help with air ride suspensions . If the car is off the air should not come out ? Should the bags always have air I them ? If all is working air will never leave the bags whether it's on or off ? Thanks so much

[@mountainviewsgarage]

Not a problem, sorry for the delay as I’m not getting notifications. If the car is off, the suspension could deflate as it will try to level out. This can happen if one of the corners are leaking, the entire car will lower to keep it as level as possible. If everything is working properly, the air bags will keep air in them even with the car off. I’ve recently had a few more issues with our air suspension where I did some troubleshooting so I’ll try to get a video together for it. Still waiting on parts to finish but I was able to narrow it down to specific solenoid.

[@sgbabyflex]

Any way I can get a link for the solenoid ?

[@mountainviewsgarage]

I found out motorcraft doesn’t make them anymore. So I ordered this from Oreilys online. Arnott Air Suspension K-2230 Airspring Solenoid Just do a google search and find the best price where you’re at. I’ve heard a lot of quality control issues recently with this brand so be aware.

[@krisnickfffs]

How do you pull the hose out of the old solenoid?

[@mountainviewsgarage]

You’ll want to spray some soapy water around where the air line connects to the solenoid. Then lightly push and pull the air line without trying to remove it. Then push the air line into the solenoid, at the same time using something to push and hold the plastic ring into the solenoid pull the air line and it should come out without any real resistance.

[@chanceyoung1694]

Did the noise go away?

[@mountainviewsgarage]

After getting the correct solenoid installed and with the new pump, the Lincoln sits more level handles better and the compressor runs a lot less and you can barely hear it inside the car. Thanks for watching!!!

[@SWright1978]

Troubleshooting air suspension is bac enough as it is. Why are we subjected to the awful on hold music? I feel like someone from Customer service is going to come onto the line any minute!